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People of Kennett Square–Virginia Mitchell

Meet Virginia, the winemaker at Galer estate Vineyard and Winery.

How did you get started in wine?

Almost 10 years ago, I started my first research project as an undergraduate student at Penn State University. As a freshman in college, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I did know that I loved and appreciated food, so I started in Food Science in the College of Agriculture. My research project involved working with a model wine solution (which I knew nothing about–all under the guidance of my professor), and at this point, I started reading more about wine. There was so much science involved, but I also loved the culture, history, art, and complexity involved in the making of wine. I participated in my first harvest in the Lake Erie region in the fall of 2011, and I’ve been working with wine ever since!

What do you look for when you make wine?

Winemakers have to make hundreds of decisions everyday when working with wine. My goal–to make an outstanding wine–is to understand every variable in the grape growing and winemaking process. Any change or decision can affect the final product. I have to think about the quality of the fruit and the growing season, the factors involved during fermentation, how the wine is handled during filtering and movements, and what wines would be best blended together. These factors will contribute to my specific style of winemaking. I’m a little bit of a minimalist when it comes to winemaking so I try to intervene only when necessary. However, I’m still very much a New World winemaker, since I don’t mind making vital manipulations that will ultimately make a better product. Since I’m also a professional winemaker, I also have to be realistic and make a nice quality product that our guests at the winery will enjoy!

What has surprised you about being a winemaker?

When I began my adventure in winemaking, I realized two things.
Winemaking is a very male dominated industry. There are only a handful of women winemakers in Pennsylvania. Although this number has been steadily increasing since I entered the wine industry.

As an extreme novice entering the industry, I had no idea the vastness of the subject. There are so many varieties of grapes, styles of winemaking, and wine growing regions. And after 10 years of working with wine, I still have a lot to learn. There is always developing scientific research and market trends, that as a New World Winemaker I need to stay on top of.

What is your favorite wine that you’ve made and what makes it your favorite?

My absolute favorite wine that I make is rosé. To make a rosé, I use robust, mature red grapes, but treat them as if they were white grapes throughout the process. It is always interesting to obtain floral, fruity, delicate flavors in the final wine. I always love the color as well. I was able to make a saignée method rosé for my wedding a few years ago. This was very special to me and my husband that we could give our family and friends something that was made by my own hands and hard work.

If you could drink wine anywhere, in any region or country, where would it be and why?

I can’t choose one place…Champagne in France; Shiraz in South Australia; Riesling in Germany; Cabernet Sauvignon in St. Helena, CA; Carmenere in Chile; and Viognier in VA…the list goes on.. I would love to visit every wine region in the world and explore their winemaking styles and varietals! There is always so much more to taste and so much more to learn when working with wine!

TAGS: portrait, story, vinyard, wine, winemaker, winery

People of Kennett Square–Michael Hall

July 24, 2017 art, artist, conductor, music

How did you get into music?

My father is an avid music lover, and as a young child we would listen to records of his favorite classical pieces. I think that is when I first got the music bug. I then began learning the piano, and my piano teacher during my high school years thought I might be interested in conducting. That was when I began to explore conducting opportunities, My first time on the podium was with an amateur orchestra, and I remember it being much harder than I thought it would be. How hard could it be to wave your arms, I thought! Nevertheless, the thrill of conducting an orchestra was undeniable, and I have been fortunate enough to have those opportunities ever since.

What do you find to be the most challenging part of being a conductor?

The joy of conducting is bringing a great work of art to life. The great irony is that on the one hand you make no sound at all, but on the other hand you are responsible for all that happens on the stage. One of the great challenges is to establish a musical chemistry with the orchestra such that collectively you produce a performance of the highest emotional and communicative power. This begins with a great amount of private score study, an ability to rehearse effectively often with only a few rehearsals, and then giving the orchestra the impetus and inspiration the music needs in performance.

What is one piece that you’ve always wanted to conduct? -And have you had that chance yet?

There are so many pieces that are thrilling to conduct, some I have gotten the chance to and others that I haven’t. One of my career highlights was conducting Mahler’s 2nd Symphony. It is work that in Mahler’s words ‘encompasses the whole world’. It expresses the full range of emotions that we as human beings experience. The music also requires a very large orchestra, chorus and vocal soloists. The power and the tenderness in the work are compelling. It takes one on a emotional journey that stays with you long after the performance.

What are you listening to in your car (ipod, etc) right now?

When I am in the car on my own, I most often listen to sports radio. When my fiance is with me, we will sometimes listen to 80’s stations. I don’t usually listen to classical music unless it is pieces I am working on. Every now and then, however, I will go on a stretch of listening to classical pieces that I do not know to broaden my knowledge of the repertoire.

What do you think about Kennett Square?

From the minute I came to Kennett Square for my audition, I was taken by the beauty and quaintness of the region. That was almost 4 years ago. My family and I enjoy walking on State St, browsing the shops and enjoying a coffee or a bite to eat at the Market. In fact, we recently moved into the borough and are thrilled. It is an honor to be the Music Director of the Kennett Symphony and to work with these very talented professional musicians. If you haven’t enjoyed a concert of the Kennett Symphony, I invite you to come and enjoy one of our many concerts.

TAGS: artist, conductor, interview, kennettsquare, music, orchestra, people, PeopleofKSQ, story

People of Kennett Square- Shannon Blake

June 6, 2017 interview, Kennett Square, kids, kidsclothingstore, people, store, Story

Meet Shannon, Mother of two beautiful girls, owner of Penny lane emporium.

Can you tell us about yourself?

I live in Chadds Ford with my two daughters, Lily & Quinn, and my husband, Rob. I grew up in Chadds Ford and we moved back a few years ago to raise our family here. I love this area so much. It holds a lot of personal history and happy memories and I’m so grateful we came back. I worked in corporate retail for 17 years, most recently at Urban Outfitters Inc, where I spent 14 years working in Merchandising in the Planning & Allocation department. I recently left my corporate career to venture out on my own and chase a life long dream of opening a retail shop. My family is my biggest Joy. I think good girlfriends and good wine are an essential part of life. I love to travel,

be silly with my kids and believe that life is truly what you make of it.

What made you want to open a children clothing store?

As I was exploring what I wanted to do with the next chapter of my career, I knew I wanted to open a local shop in the community. In the end, I put together the elements of what I believe I know best: Retail + Parents + Kids. I use my own daughters as inspiration and follow their lead on what they like in their personal lives. I like the fun, whimsical nature of children’s retail. I felt that was missing in Kennett Square and I wanted to bring something unique and fresh to the town.

Where did the name Penny Lane Emporium come from?

Penny Lane has a whimsical feel to it. To me, it feels like a warm and welcoming location, a place I would be curious to visit. Emporium also feels very fun and magical and helps communicate the variety of items we sell. Clothing, accessories, gifts, shoes, novelties, ice cream, etc.

What makes your store unique?

Penny Lane Emporium offers a engaging retail experience for parents and kids. I really wanted to create a space that kids would want to visit. As a parent, I am very familiar with the challenges of shopping with children. If I can engage the kids in the retail experience as well, it’s a win win for everyone. We have a small, but cheerful kid’s area with chalk board and coloring activities, a Little Free Library that serves as a community book exchange for kids, a Mouse Hunt riddle for kids to solve for a prize and of course, Mochi Ice Cream. I hope kids, as well as, parents will want to come back again and again.

What do you think about Kennett Square?

I have always loved Kennett Square and was really excited to become a local business owner in town. Little did I know how amazing it really is! The community feel of Kennett is fostered by the amazing merchants, business owners and borough government. Everyone has been supportive, helpful and welcoming to Penny Lane. It truly is a unique and wonderful place and I feel very fortunate to be fulfilling my dream in this community.

For more information visit website here:https://pennylaneemp.com

TAGS: fashion, interview, kennett square, kids, kidsclothingstore, people, story

People of Kennett Square–Natale Caccamo

May 9, 2017 art, artist, Kennett Square, people, photographer, Story, Uncategorized

Meet Nat– a fine art photographer in Kennett Square. 1.Tell us a little bit about you?

I am originally from Brooklyn N.Y. We moved a lot when I was a kid which always made me feel like an outsider. I think that helped me to be a keen and objective observer of my surroundings which has served me well when I hold a camera up to my eye. After spending many years on the F Train to Manhattan where I worked as a commercial photographer, my wife and I decided it was time to make a change. We set our sights on the Brandywine Valley and ultimately ended up here in Kennett Square, where we raise our two daughters. My day job is in the Exhibitions department at Winterthur Museum in nearby Wilmington. When I’m not at work I spend just about every minute making or thinking about making images. It’s an obsession really. I can’t not do it.

2.How did you get into photography?

I was very visual when I was a child. This might sound strange but I would arrange images of my surroundings in my head in ways that would aesthetically please me. During my middle-school years I received as a gift my first 35mm camera, a Nikon FM. It gave me the opportunity to get those images out of my head and into an actual photograph . When I got to high school I really immersed myself in the craft of photography. I spent every minute I could in the darkroom. The obsession became so great that I would accidentally cut classes because I’d lose track of time trying to get that perfect print. After graduating high school I attended a very intensive photography school and quickly landed an assistant’s job in the studio of a small advertising agency in NYC. I started out like most assistants do—sweeping the studio, developing film, painting sets, and changing the cat litter. I soon worked my way up to staff photographer, doing mostly still life work for catalogs and ads for big name clients in the NY giftware and toy industry. As a way to escape the monotony of photographing merchandise I started to shoot people. I fell in love with portraiture and it’s what I love to do most now.

3. What’s your favorite subject?

My daughters, without question. They are the most expressive, generous, and patient people. If I ran out of anything else to photograph, I’d be very happy to photograph them everyday. I’m not sure how they’d feel about that though.

4. What do you think about film vs digital?

I’m kind of two minds about this. Film will always be special to me. Artistically speaking there’s a certain soulful quality and warmth about film as well as the tactile aspect of the materials that’s very exciting to me. I like how it forces you to slow down—to be more thoughtful, more deliberate. I attended an alternative process workshop last year that reinvigorated my interest in making old-school, hand-crafted images. However, compared to digital sensors, film can be limiting in terms of speed, color temperature, workflow, and that sort of thing. Not to mention the cost factor of film and development. Despite all that there seems to be a resurgence of film in the marketplace at the moment. I’m not sure if it’s nostalgia or a real honest-to-goodness backlash to our overly digitized world. Time will tell but what I do feel very strongly about is whichever medium best expresses your artistic vision is the right medium to use.

5.Where do you get your inspiration?

That’s the kind of question I could answer for days! I like finding the extraordinary in what would otherwise be considered very ordinary subject matter. I look for the beauty in the imperfection of things. Also, since I was very young, I’ve been quite fascinated and maybe even obsessed with the passage of time. I like fleeting moments. The moments between moments. I’m not sure if it necessarily comes through in all my work, but it is always on my mind.

6.A photographer who inspires you

When it comes to the great iconic figures of photography, Irving Penn has probably had the greatest influence on me, especially when I was a younger photographer. He blurred the lines between art and craft. He treated street trash with the same care and attention to detail as he would the finest examples of haute couture. What I love most about Penn is how he focused in equal measure on the dignity and humanity of his portrait subjects, whether they were artists, celebrities, common workers, or indigenous peoples.

Having said that though, I’d regret not adding that in the past few years I’ve become friends with several like-minded photographers, some who I’ve only met through social media, who are generous, supportive, and constructive. Photographers who create and share amazing, meaningful, and very personal work. Work presented without ego. Work that inspires conversation and exploration. That kind of inspiration is hard to beat.

To learn more about Nat’s work check his instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalecaccamo/

People of Kennett Square–Brianna Carlisle

March 21, 2017 director, fig, fig kennett, interview, magazine, people, Story

One day I was shooting outside of Talula’s table, a lady walking towards me with a big warm smile : ” Hi, you must be Jie? I’m Bri from Fig Kennett.” That’s how I met Brianna, Director & Managing Editor of Fig Kennett Magazine.

What did you do before you joined Fig?

I have a background in Corporate Marketing and spent my early career in the Banking industry doing Online Advertising. When I had my first baby, I wholeheartedly stepped away from full time work and became a stay-at-home mom. It was such a beautiful and fulfilling time for me. I cherish those years and consider them integral to shaping me into the person I am today. It was during those years at home that I decided to switch careers and pursue something creative that would make my heart skip a beat. I fell in love with photography & graphic design and started my own photography business just before joining the Fig team. I love that new seasons of life bring new opportunities. It is my current job with Fig that feels so full circle for me. I can apply all my previous skills and passions into one role. More than that, it feels incredibly rewarding to play a small part in helping the economy of this town that I love. It’s truly a privilege to help showcase all the talented business owners and community members that make Kennett so special.

I love the Fig’s new issue–the hospitality issue, where did your idea come from? Do you have a theme for each issue?

The idea for the Hospitality theme came from my everyday simple interactions with people around town, especially the small business owners themselves. I was inspired by the teamwork and encouragement I saw among the business owners. Everyone helps each other out. Everyone wants the greater good for Kennett Square. And I was also inspired by the simple kindness of people around town. Doors are held open for you. Tables are shared among strangers. Recently someone offered me their parking spot because their meter had been paid up for an extra hour. I felt like this Spring issue of Fig needed to celebrate the homey, small town hospitality that I’ve experienced.

Yes we do have a theme for each issue and we publish four times a year. Fig’s main pillars are local Dining, Shopping, Arts & Events. So our themes drill down on one of those areas each time in a fun and creative way.

What makes Fig Magazine different from others on the market?

We are a hyper-local publication whose mission is ultimately to help Kennett Square thrive. We feel strongly that communities can be transformed through powerful design and creative communication. So Fig acts as a lookbook for Kennett Square. Our goal is to lift up the independent small businesses that give Kennett its personality and make it unique. If you live on the Main Line and you read Fig Kennett, we want you to get excited about visiting. Or if you live on Meredith Street in the borough, we want you to be proud that you live, work and entertain here. There are no other publications in this area that have this “love local” mission so prominently in mind with each issue.

What do you like most about Kennett Square?

I’m a small town girl. So I love that I can walk into Philter and see three people I know on any given day. I also love that Longwood Gardens is practically in my back yard. May I never take for granted all the beauty that surrounds me.

What is you typical workday look like?

A typical day starts by putting my kids on the bus and then heading in to work at my State Street office. I turn on some music (probably Sia, Chris Stapleton or old school Michael Jackson if I’m in the mood to sing) and I’ll work on content creation, advertising proposals, design approvals, and meet with my advertisers. And everyday includes a walk around town to chat with business owners, grab something to eat, and snap a few photos for Fig’s social media channels. I like to end my day by making a list of to-do’s for the next morning because this job requires a lot of thoughtful planning. I feel like every task is an investment in Kennett Square, and that’s what motivates me!

TAGS: Director, Fig, FigKennett, people, PeopleofKSQ, story

People of Kennett Square–Maike Singelmann

March 14, 2017 animal, dog, dog trainer, Story

Meet Maike– a professional dog trainer. She came from Germany and has lived in PA for twenty years.

I heard you came from Germany. Can you talk a little bit about that?

Yes. I grew up on the outskirts of Heide in Schleswig-Holstein, about an hour North of Hamburg. My childhood in Germany was amazing. My grandmother had dachshunds when I was a child, which led me to longhaired dachshunds as my breed of choice today (they remind me so much of home and childhood). Dachshunds may not be for everybody, since they are very independent and can be a challenge to train, but I enjoy their personality and adventurous spirit. My dog Lucy had her first litter of puppies in the spring of 2016 and I kept a girl (Ruby Sue) as a companion for her. I am rarely seen without my dogs.

What did you do before you become a dog trainer?

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language. I have worked with ESL learners in adult language programs as well as elementary schools. I found the perfect balance to my scholarly pursuits in working with large and small animals around Chester County Pennsylvania. To balance my studies I have managed Eventing stable and quiet country farm boarding operations. Through my equestrian connections, I then became a dog walker and pet sitter (in my experience every horse person generally has at least one dog). Overall, I find the work with animals endlessly rewarding and it is ultimately best suited to my quiet nature.

Why do you want to be dog trainer?

My interactions with dogs challenge me in ways that keep me continuously exploring and growing as a person. I enjoy helping people and want to see dogs and their humans learn to communicate as a team. Personally, I am most interested in the canine behavior aspect of dog training. Since understanding dogs has always come naturally to me, I feel like I have knowledge to impart that can bring people closer to living in true harmony with their canine companions. I am currently enrolled in the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training and Behavior to further my education.

What was your first dog training experience?

My grandmother’s dachshunds always found me as a child, but my parents did not allow my to have my first dog until I was 18. Jeannie was a Golden Retriever/Collie/Chow Chow mix and my first true dog training challenge. She came to me at 8 weeks and was my shadow in all my adventures outside of school. She was fiercely loyal to my family, but reactive to strangers. My parents ultimately kept her when I moved to the US, but I have since worked with many dogs that mirrored her “take no prisoners” attitude.

Can you give people 3 tips about dog training?

The best advice I can give people is to:

– Take the time to understand what your dog is trying to tell you.

– Use positive reinforcement when training your dog.

– Have patience in your training and always treat your best friend with kindness.

Maike Singelmann can be reached at Email: [email protected] Phone: 267-902-9433

TAGS: dog, dog trainer, doglover, kennett square, kennettsquare, natural, pa, people, photography, portrait, story

People of Kennett Square–Amanda Wynne Egan

February 16, 2017 art, bohemian, boutique, jewelry, Style

Meet Amanda the owner of Salt+ Stone KSQ

Salt: necessities for living.

Stone: perfection; taking raw materials & turning them into wearable, coveted items to be treasured.

Have you been to her bohemian style boutique yet? I have to say I love everything there.

What did you do before you open salt & stone?

Before I opened Salt + Stone, I worked on making all sorts of jewels, under the name Vintage Faerie Studio. We wholesaled to boutiques and the like, and also vended at the amazing Clover Market (which is coming to Kennett Square June 18!) Lele Galer would ask me to participate in her amazing artist pop-ups at Galer Winery which also helped me gain local interest.

When and what made you decide to open a boutique?

Christmas 2015. I would find myself constantly contacted by local’s: husbands, boyfriends, girlfriends- significant others, to meet “in secret” and always “on the fly”… such as “hey! my wife is inside the school watching our son’s basketball game… came you meet me in 30 at the parking lot with some of your jewelry? It’s all she wants for Christmas!” I would throw a kid, or three, into the car and go. It got to the point where I was worried the police would think I was dealing something… and I’m not sure jewelry would be what first came to mind. Then I had a couple show up on my doorstep- said they googled me and found me… that was when I thought ok we need to do something here. Fast forward to April 2016- my youngest and I were walking back from town and I noticed the “rent” sign placed in a window under The Kennett Inn… impulsively I walked right into the Inn and Mr. Warner was kind enough to show me the space. I thought it was a perfect beginning… after giving ourselves two and a half weeks to renovate the space, Salt + Stone opened June 3 with an amazing party filled with so many supportive and lovely souls. I still think about that night and am so utterly grateful.

where did the name salt &stone come from?

The name Salt + Stone comes from Alchemy- a medieval precursor to Chemistry, if you will… it involves a little magic, a little bit of ancient practices. Elements have symbols which you may see in our logo designed by local artist John Paul Vega of State Street Tattoo. Below is our definitions for Salt + Stone:

Salt: necessities for living.

Stone: perfection; taking raw materials & turning them into wearable, coveted items to be treasured.I also have a deep love of stones and crystals which I use in our handcrafted jewelry and around the shop. Being a beach girl, Salt and the Sea run deep so the name of the shop has many personal meanings for me.

If you can choose three favorite pieces from your boutique, what are they?

To select just three favorites from the shop is super tough for me… a lot of what I carry are my favorites- goods not easily found in the Philadelphia area. I would say:

1) Vintage Faerie Jewelry- I love creating jewels and using stones, especially those that are high quality and untreated. We work with a lot of Turquoise from the American West, Moonstone, Labradorite and so many more. We also have quite a bit of custom work ranging from sweet little custom charms to major pieces like gold cuffs and necklaces.

2) Warm Fragrance Oil- this stuff is amazing and smells like a day at the beach in a sexy, uplifting way.

3) Carefully curated goods from Mexico, Peru and India. Milagros, bags, even some stunning clothing.

You have three kids, how do you balance work and kids?

Balance is a work in progress- we are always seeking balance. My children are able to come to the shop whenever they can and my husband is a huge support with making sure the kids are ok weekends and other days when I am super busy at the store. I would be lying if I did not say I have a lot of Mother’s guilt and I simply cannot get to everything like I used too (laundry is never caught up), but I do my best and I hope my children see a hard working mama, who loves them deeply and does what she does for them. With that said, one of my other loves is yoga- I obtained my teacher training through Yoga Secrets (YogaSecretsPA.com) and honestly, if I did not have yoga, I don’t know how I could do it all/stay sane/not beat myself up. It may sound silly, but yoga has taught me so much… how to take everything in stride, have confidence and trust in myself; breathe and release. So a day when I feel like the worst mother of the year, a nice yoga practice puts everything back into focus.

People of Kennett Square–Myriem Idrissi

December 15, 2016 baking, Moroccan, people, peopleofksq, recipe, Story

Miriam is a Moroccan-American Mom. She loves cooking and baking.I met her through my friend Estelle’s instagram, we chatted online about this photo shoot, finally we had made it happen. The Moroccan almond cookie and Mint tea were served to welcome me at her house. That’s my first time to try them, I have to say I absolutely love them.

In Kennett Square, I have met people from all over the world. It’s such a wonderful place to live.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m a wife a mom of two very busy kids, a Moroccan cuisine foodie and a lover of everything and anything Moroccan. I’m very passionate about Moroccan cuisine and culture. And love to share my passion with everyone.

I was born and raised in Casablanca Morocco and since I can remember cooking was a very important aspect in my life. My moms made sure I was always present along side with her and my late grandmother in the kitchen. If I wasn’t cooking I was watching and learning. Most of the authentic dishes I learned and I can say I master now is because of her. I still call her to ask about how to make this or what spices I can add to a specific dish.

In 2008 I moved to the United States to marry the love of my life and my cooking fan number one, and ever since it has been a life full of adventures and lots of food. It wasn’t easy at the beginning leaving everything behind and starting a new life thousands of miles away, and there are still times that I get home sick but I always find comfort and refuge in the kitchen. Baking and cooking are for me more of a therapy for the soul than just fuel for the body. But I can say now that I’m so lucky and proud to call two different part of this earth HOME. Living in the United States has also influenced my taste in cooking. I enjoy a good burger or a Philly cheese steak from time to time, I would make a Moroccan koufta (well seasoned ground beef) into a juicy burger and there I have the best of both worlds.

What’s your favorite Moroccan dish to cook and why?

It’s very hard for me to choose a favorite Moroccan dish; it always depends on my mood and what I crave at the moment. Sometimes it’s the sweet and savory chicken pastilla: a festive dish served on special happy occasions. On Fridays I like to make the Moroccan national dish which is Couscous with lamb or beef and veggies, my kids love it. On cold days I like to make hearty dishes like Rfissa: a dish made with chicken, lentils and tons of onions on top of shredded crispy, flaky break) and sometimes a simple lentils soup or harirra soup can do.

But I really have a soft spot for sweets. I love baking and there are a lot of varieties of cookies and a mix of ingredients is used in Moroccan pastries, for instance: the orange blossom water, rose water, dates, almonds and all sort of nuts and just the right amount of sugar.

I like to make the Moroccan almond (ghriba) cookie. it is one of my favorite, It’s soft, chewy and full of flavors.

Can you give us the recipe of this Moroccan cookie?

Moroccan almond cookies (ghriba dellouz)
2 1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1tbs butter at room temperature
1 whole egg and 2 yolks

2tbs flour
1 tbs apricot jam
Zest of 1 orange or 1 lemon
1/8 tsp salt

1 cup powdered sugar for coating.

And some orange blossom water to coat our hands

Preheat the oven to 375 f

In a food processor mix the almond flour with sugar and salt until well blended.
In a large bowl combine the almond sugar mixture, flour, the baking powder, lemon or orange zest, the butter and the apricot jam, mix very well with a spatula or your hands. I love working with my hands. Coat your hands with some orange water blossom and form balls about 1inch each.

Coat them generously with the powdered sugar. Place in a baking sheet covered with parchment paper, press slightly with your thumb. Don’t flatten them just a slight push.

Bake for 10 to 12 mins the cookies are done when they form a nice crinkles and take a round nice shape without browning.

Remove from the oven and let cool before transferring to a cooling rack.

Enjoy with some freshly made Moroccan mint tea.

How long have you been living in Kennett Square?

We have been living in Kennett Square for almost 7 years now and we love it here. It’s is very safe and diverse and I feel very welcomed and accepted. I made so many friends here and I’m happy our kids are making childhood memories in this town. Kennett square keeps getting better year after year. New shops and restaurants have opened, incredible coffee places, wonderful houses and neighborhoods, and a great school system. Here in Kennett square I really feel the sense of community and belonging and I couldn’t have asked for more.

How’s the life in Casablanca different from that of Kennett Square?

There is no way to compare the two. They are different worlds and each one of them holds a special place in my heart.

Casablanca in a sense represents my past that I will never forget. Living and growing in Casablanca among my family and friends is what shaped the person I’m today. It is sure a big city in progress with its own idiosyncrasies and challenges but to me it’s perfect the way it is. Every time I talk about Casablanca I get an emotional melancholic feeling because it’s where my family is, where all my memories and adventures are stamped in every corner and every street.

Kennett Square is home now. It’s my present and it’s where I’m making memories with my kids. It’s for sure a smaller town compared to Casablanca which is the biggest city in Morocco, but it has its own charm and history. Casablanca is a coastal city. I lived fifteen minutes away from the beach and I used to go to the shore at least once a week. I remember my dad taking us for breakfast every Sunday in one of the so many coffee shops and restaurants in the shore followed by a long walk to admire the ocean and get a nice breeze away from the polluted city. Now instead of going to the shore I take the kids to The Longwood gardens in Kennett square and it’s just a piece of heaven on earth. The scenery is just amazing and that’s something we lacked in Casablanca. There are almost no green spaces in the city.

What do you think of Kennett Square?

I love Kennett square and we are so happy that we chose to purchase our first home in this town and to raise our family in a safe place. Kennett Square is very pretty with rolling hills and lots of farms where I can find a lot of local products to use in my cooking. There are Lots of local amenities and very diverse restaurants. What I like most about Kennett square is all the talented people that live in this town and I’m so happy that I got to know them either via Instagram or Facebook or met them in person, like my sweet friend and blogger Estelle stacy. She was one of the people that encouraged me to follow my passion for cooking and I thank her for featuring me in some of her videos posted on her blog.

You can follow Miriam’s instagram: @everything_moroccan

People of Kennett Square–Ellen Catanzaro

November 23, 2016 abstract, art, artist, interior design, interview, painter, painting, people, Story

Ellen is an artist who works with designers and their clients to create custom art.

What is your earliest memory of creating art?

My first memory of creating art was when I was in Kindergarten. I don’t remember the details, but I made a little cat sculpture out of (and this is going to date me) the little wax bottles that had colored sugar water in them…like little soda bottles…Well, I formed a little cat out of the wax, and I remember my teacher, Miss Kathy, put it on display and made a big deal about it to my mother.

Why did you choose acrylic as your medium?

When I first started painting, my children were little. I needed a medium that dried quick, cleaned up easily, and did not smell toxic. Now that they are older, and I have more time, maybe I will experiment with other media.

What is your creative process like?

There are two different versions of my creative process…but, since I paint on wood, they both start with a trip to the Home Depot. I pick out a nice piece of Birch plywood, have it cut to size, then purchase 1 x 1’s to build out a frame. There is glueing, nailing and sanding that follows! Then I get to work!

When I paint for the sake of creating…anything can inspire me…a photo, the sky, my pets, even just a color I see that day can trigger the creative process. I try to have canvases built….but if I don’t….I must make a run to the Home Depot…I build…and then I immerse myself in the painting. Nothing else gets done, and the world could be falling apart around me…I continue on. I really never know what I will create…I have a bit of an idea…but am always surprised when I am done.

When I am painting for a client…the process is a bit different. There is at least one, if not multiple conversations with the client (and their interior decorator if they are using one). I go to their home with some paintings I already have, so they can get a better feel for my style, and to determine size, color likes, dislikes…etc. I like get to know them (my paintings are like my babies…I want to make sure they are in good homes!). Once in their home, I get a sense of their style….do they want an abstract, more of a landscape….anything else that inspires them….what colors will work with their decor…etc. Once we decide on all that…..I make a trip to the Home Depot…and the process begins!!!

What’s been your greatest artistic success?

I consider every time someone says they love my work, to be a great artistic success!

Do you ever experience creative blocks?

Yes! I find that if I think too much about how the piece should look…I hit a wall. When I just let me gut guide me, I am always pleasantly surprised!

You can check Ellen’s work here: http://www.houzz.com/projects/1805959/ellen-catanzaro-custom-art

People of Kennett Square– Stan Smokler

September 8, 2016 art, artist, kennettsquare, people, sculptor, sculpture, Story, Uncategorized

“Stan Smokler’s steel sculptures recall the visual wit and cunning assemblages of Picasso and Gonzalez, as well as the American voices of David Smith and Richard Stankiewicz.”–http://www.stansmokler.com

Did you upbringing influence your work?

I am from the Bronx, New York and I believe that the fast pace combined with my learning experience of my youth influenced my work…the use of material / recycled was always at my disposal.

Where do you get your inspiration ?

I was inspired by nature and its forms….the breathing and wrestling of the material.

What are your favorite sculptures you have made?

My work has always been with me… I do not have a favorite work… a process….from my early work; to work I plan and build today….

What are you working on now?

I am working on a figure that stands 8 feet tall…gears …lots of them….!!! lots of rust !!…. the movement will be a figure that billows and blows from the sides……..I am working on several works as I travel in time.

What do you like doing when you are not making sculptures?

And speaking about travel….that is the gift to either see new places / old places or read about places that make me wonder…I will research the place and begin a new work….