Secret Garden: Daisy Jeffords and Morgan Chamberlain

daisyjeffordspotte
Feb 28
3 min read

Updated: Mar 13

I am thrilled to share my thoughts about my debut gallery exhibition. "Secret Garden" originated from my wish to create a space filled with nostalgic, cottagecore elements and a tribute to things that grow.

I draw much of my inspiration for my artwork from my own garden. Gardening in Alaska can be a journey of trial and error, much like pottery. Gardens demand attention to detail and always contain an element of chaos that is a spectacle in itself. The rewards I gather from my garden are equally satisfying to me and are mirrored in the "harvesting" of a kiln load full of pottery. There is always a loss of some things and a pleasant surprise from others. Both my vegetables and pottery end up at our kitchen table, surrounded by those I love.

Near and dear to my heart is the 1911 novel written by Frances Hodgson Burnett, "The Secret Garden." This timeless novel shares the rejuvenating qualities of nature and the healing properties of positive thought. I originally decided to participate in a gallery showing to take time out of my dreary winter to recenter my artistic direction and get back to my roots and the "why" I make pottery. After lots of pondering and creating work for this particular show, I decided that I love to make functional pottery that is also beautiful and brings joy to my home, food, and family. I find much joy in inserting little pieces of art into a cozy afternoon in my home. These pieces are a collection of what I would fill my dream cottage with. I wanted to create pieces that pushed my style further than before and were out of pure joy, rather than the pressure of sales and markets.

As a nod to "The Secret Garden", I asked my dear friend, Morgan to participate with me and include her beautiful paintings of birds as well as her own ceramic pieces. Sweet Mary finds the secret garden because of the red-breasted Robin that symbolizes love and friendship throughout the novel. Thank you Morgan for being my friend and participating in our first gallery show together. I will be forever grateful to the studio for bringing us together.

This show features handpainted and stamped decorations of my favorite garden flowers, lovely wood accents, and whimsical pieces that bring me joy. The show will run through March 2025 and any purchased pieces can be picked up after the show.

Special thanks:

Thank you, Morgan Chamberlain for taking time to create beautiful pieces and fly back to Alaska for our reception. This would truly not be possible without you!

Thank you, Mike and Mindy Jeffords for helping with child care while I crafted work for this show. You are the best in-laws ever and my favorite cheering squad while I continue my art journey.

Thank you, Brandy Nelson (mom) and Bobbie Jackson (grandma) for instilling a love for gardening in me and teaching me about growing beautiful food and flowers in Alaska. I have dear memories of watching "The Secret Garden " first at Grandma's house.

Thank you, Ryan Nelson (dad) for helping with all my wood accents as well as always supporting my dream of being an artist since day one. I love working in the woodshop with you and know you're always cheering me on.

KAC and KPG, Thank you for providing spaces to both create and share art within the community! Charlotte, you helped our show bloom! Thank you!