the adventure continues

While at the Alameda flea market (antiquesbythebay.net), we had a lovely chat with Wendy. She invited us to come to her studio after it was over. (!!!) Now, just so you know, you too can go to her studio, which is about an hour outside of San Francisco (don't quote me on the time)...she is happy to open up for you if you call her...Wendy Addison 510.787.2164 ...and let me tell you it is soooo worth the trip! So Jenny, Amy and I headed over to see the magic first hand. Here Jenny and Wendy are outside her gorgeous doors. The town she lives in, Port Costa, has a population of 200. It was a ghost town not too long ago, and is now a wonderfully small, sleepy, tattered dream. Wendy didn't go to a salvage yard and find the doors, they are the real deal, just like Wendy herself.

Talk about eye candy...

Aren't you just dying to go there? So, after we went a little crazy with the visual feast before us, we settled in to hear Wendy share her journey with us. Her journey of finding her own Theater of Dreams. She showed us the art piece with which it started...

and then the art piece that lead to...

and then the final piece in that series...

Wendy is very into mechanical devices and using them in her art. It was a thrill to see her work them while explaining each piece and it's symbolism.

As if all that wasn't special enough, she then welcomed us into her art studio where she crafts her products.

The glitter! I credit Wendy as being the first one to really bring the German Glass Glitter to all our attention. I remember seeing her on Martha years and years ago making her signature stars. This box was huge, makes a glitter lover giddy. And she showed us how she runs her printing press.

and then her home...and her art journals...

which were every bit as amazing as these pages here. Her daughter Monica is grown up now, but here she is captured years ago. Wendy's talent had no bounds, her illustrations blew me away. Her lettering amazing, her endless amounts of creations and ideas for future creations wonderful.

And then, to top it all off, we went to dinner with her across the street.  She indulged us while we picked her brain and heard her insights on everything from women in the arts, dreams, licensing,  inspiration, anything we could think of to ask. We brainstormed about possible collaborations with Sommerset, and Jenny left with original artwork and journals to publish. Wendy is very passionate about helping others find/create their own Theater of Dreams, and it sounds like that is where her creative energies are going to be going next. Bring it on is what I say!!

After dinner we went back and shopped (you knew that was coming) and just because I love you, I'll post this hideous photo of me because it sums up the experience so well. While Amy looked through all the treasures, Wendy put me to work, and of course, I couldn't resist hamming it up that I was working for Wendy, and she had a great sense of humor about our silliness. Here's a photo of my purchases.

All in all it was truly a dream. I'd thank Wendy here for sharing her magical world with us, but she is not into computers at all. I have a feeling she understood how much we appreciated the experience while we were there anyway, ha ha. And again, Wendy welcomes visitors by appointment only, no shipping requests please. Theater of Dreams, 510-787-2164.

As we drove home the car was alternately abuzz with conversation and quiet with the soaking in of the experience. I knew all of us were still thinking through all the ideas and topics discussed as we slept. This became very clear when, after being asleep for a few hours I got up to close the curtain a bit more, as I did this Jenny sat up (yes, we all shared a room...had to save our money for shopping, after all) and yelled at me, "What are you doing!?! What's going on?"  Which started Amy and I giggling and saying things like, "Give me all your glass glitter lady and no one will get hurt."  Gotta love having friends who understand your passions! So, what is your theater of dreams? 

Comments

[paige]

no way, totally unreal, i am so jealous. YOU are living my life!! i'm sure you will be picking glitter out of your bags for weeks to come........... so jealous

[jenny holiday]

Ok...I already told you what your posts do to me..last post....I truly cannot take it...I have been such a huge Wendy Addison fan for years...(saw her on Martha as well) I actually think she is a time traveler ..and got stuck here!! She is toooo amazing!! The photos you posted are sooo incredible...actually some of the best glimpses I have gotten of her world!! I have saved any mags, and articles on her over the years...I have "Where Women Create"...but nothing is like this...these are so candid!! Thank you so so much!! You are one lucky gal!!! I cannot wait to see how the inpiration of this trip will show in your newest creations!! Gosh I luv coming here!! It is such a gift!! Thanks so so much!!

XOXO Jenny

[teresa]

when i click on your blog and see it's been updated; my heart skips a beat. Cuz I know it's gonna amazing. It was!!! WENDY ADDISON......OMG!!! i think I need an inhaler! I can't wait for the face to face details with you!

[joleen]

W-O-W!!!

[Dawn]

Pam, you make my little heart just go thumpity-thump when I see a new post on your blog! I cannot tell you what a gorgeously inspiring mini-vacation for the artistic mind your blog is and I am SOOOO glad I stumbled upon it! As an aside, I am positively pea green with envy every time you post!

[kathleen]

Such an inspiring post, I've always adored Wendy's work... her studio is AMAZING!

Thanks so much for sharing this!

[jen]

Will you please adopt me? I want to have all the fun flea markets and adventures you do!

[Peggy]

I have the VAPORS!!! When I asked what you got from Wendy I certainly didn't imagine the grand tour and all the goodies!!! Yes, I am extremely envious and not ashamed to admit it!!! Years ago when you could order direct from Wendy, she was always so charming and cordial on the phone and her packages were such a treat to receive. So it is really nice to know that she seems to be the same in person. What a group of lucky ducks you were. Thank you so much for taking us along on this most special ride with you, you are very very kind to share this experience with us. Greatly appreciated!!! Peggy

[Lilli]

Heehee...(big grin)...Thanks for taking us along on your odyssey of dreaminess. I already have my own daily theatre (6 music ensembles)...

http://makemineblissful.blogspot.com/2006/09/yesterdays-performance-went-well.html

...but I'm thinkin'I should have a glitter box too :)

[Mama Urchin]

How did you keep from just lying down in that glitter box? Such fun!

[heidi]

i am swooning! what a whirlwind creative girlfriend weekend - love it, and thank you soooo much for sharing. i have met the addison sisters and their offspring, such an inspiring group of talented women for sure, each and ever one. i love that they are low tech, most of them don't even drive, yet they travel the globe. oh i am so envious of your tete-a-tete. the west coast is calling me! i've said it before, but looking at your flea finds - we don't have THOSE treasures here. cali is the place to go and alameda is one of the gems! lucky ladies you were - keep it coming, i can't get enough!
xo, h

[Di]

This post about Wendy Addison was better than than any magazine article could ever be! So personal, you really make us all feel the magic, even if we're miles and miles away. I love your creativity too, Pam. One of my favorite artists and bloggers, for sure! You've earned those special glittery stars:-)

[Kimberly Kwan]

i
want
to
be
you...
for
a
day
or
six!

[Colette]

I'd heard of Wendy Addison but didn't know much about her. You have given me a wonderful introduction to her. What a treat!!! thank you, Pam

[jen]

what does she DO with the glitter? that's fabulous though - a big box of it! I love glitter :)

[Elizabeth]

You really are so fortunate to have had such a great art weekend. Like everyone else, I'm jealous. Every time I start feeling artists block I just pop into your blog and feel inspired all over again.

[Cassondra]

WOW, WOW, WOW... what a fabulous time! Thanks for sharing, how lucky you were, and how lucky we are to be able to get a chance to peek in with you photos and posts! You make us feel like we are there enjoying the day with you! :>)

[Helle Greer]

WOW Pam!!! What a AWSOME trip...
Thank you so much for such a great update, I have had a really sad week, so this was a great escape.
Wendy Addison WOW, I got to see that studio.
Again thanks for sharing.

Helle

[Heather]

Ack, so incredibly jealous.. you drove right by me to get to that flea market and Wendy's studio which I want to visit soooo badly. I am moving "visit Alameda Flea market" up on my list of things to do SOON.

[Delila Jemaiel]

Pam, thank you so much for posting these photos!
Wendy is one of a A M A Z I N G artist <3
I will save some of these photos...

[michelle]

Pam, Jenny had told me the story, but it was grand taking the tour through your words and pictures! Thanks for taking us along!

[Tracie Lyn Huskamp]

OH PAM...... I had to PICK MYSELF UP... off the FLOOR because I FAINTED... You lucky lucky Girl!
=))

CAN NOT WAIT.. to hear more of your tales with Wendy!!!!

SEE YOU IN OMAHA!

[Lilia Meredith]

Ohhh Pam, looks like I need to come out and visit you and Ames real soon!! What a treat!

[Lea]

Good heavens! This post is fantastic!! I just found you via Liquid Sky Arts and am in awe and fits of jealousy...he he. No, seriously, I will spend quite a while browsing through this blog of yours, thank you for the inspiration!

[Rhiannon]

My goodness! I want to go! I am in the Bay Area too!