Our Friend John Dugdale

Never forget who you are

We would like to take this opportunity to share with you the amazing accomplishments of our Friend John Dugdale and the School of Photography he is currently building.

John is offering many of his favorite works at half of their Regular Price in order to fund this amazing Project. What an opportunity you have to be a part of this Journey!

Spectacle

John Dugdale has achieved an international reputation as an artist who produces wonderfully intimate photographs. What's most remarkable about this fact is that he has done so in spite of severe medical conditions which could have ended his career. Widely regarded as a prominent commercial photographer, Dugdale turned his attention to his fine art after he lost his eyesight in 1993 to CMV retinitis, an AIDS related illness. Once sought after by such renown clients as Bergdorf Goodman and Ralph Lauren, Dugdale found himself alone, gaining strength from friends and family who never left his side. Completely blind in his right eye, Dugdale found himself seeing with less than twenty percent visibility in his left eye. While blindness ended his commercial career, he found himself free to explore his fine art, using friends and family members as studio assistants. Using an 8 x 10" camera, Dugdale created ways of setting up a photograph, relying on others to focus the camera. Working with the blue and white hues of the cyanotype, a process developed in 1841 which uses the sun to expose the sensitized paper, Dugdale found a way to avoid the darkroom and the harsh chemicals he can no longer endure and still create sensitive, affecting images. The results of his persistence are images which are both poignant and delicate, contemplative yet quietly potent. Dugdale relies on his memory to compose still lives, nudes and self-portraits which resonate with sadness, beauty, death and the joy of life. As he said in a 1998 interview, "The mind is the essence of your sight. It's really the mind that sees." Through Dugdale's images we are reminded of the works of Thomas Eakins, Julia Margaret Cameron and F. Holland Day. These historical references fuel the work with meaning that is both familiar yet unassuming. Whether it's an arm resting on a Victorian chaise, a man curled in the entryway of a cemetery, a vase reflecting sunlight on a mantel, or a display of tulips drooping onto a counter, Dugdale invites us into a sightless world where beauty exists and memories thrive. Through his work we understand the power of sight,
both real and remembered.

Empire Chair in the Gloaming

“The quietude that people respond to in my pictures is, in part, because of the way the pictures are made: no flash; no harsh electric light; not even the sound of the shutter—just a lens cap removed, and then gently replaced. This encounter provides, for me, a metaphor for looking.” -John Dugdale

This is a letter we recieved from John and we would like to share it with you.

Dear Friends,

This has been one of the most amazing summers of my life. As many of you know, my sight has been diminishing for some time now. It is down to about as minimal as it can get, and there is great hope right around the corner with stem cell research to restore at least some of my sight. What has not diminished for even a moment over the past 20 years is my love of photography.

During a quiet moment last year I looked around my farm in Stone Ridge and wondered what I would do with this beautiful place in a state of near blindness. What amounted to an opening in the universe became a thought in my mind, and The John Dugdale School of 19^th c. Photography and Aesthetics was born. Every time I walk around the corner to the 50 foot long 18^th century style newly built school house, I get a pang of joy in my heart that is indescribable. The classes will offer a bold departure from typical photography programs. It is my desire that students become immersed in the stillness of the past, relieved from the distractions of cell phones, computers, and the digital world. For two and a half days we will work in a wooden schoolhouse designed for this purpose, flooded with natural light, creating photographs with large format turn-of-the-century view cameras.

The real joy comes from knowing that the school was built over the summer with one print sale at a time. I have chosen for this purpose 24 of my favorite photographs printed on 16x20" golden toned silver gelatin paper, in a limited edition of 6. As we race ahead at the beginning of February, I have raised enough money for the building to sail comfortably into the winter; doors and locks, a finished chimney, and windows are in place!

The inaugural workshop will be at the beginning of May, and is covering one of my most beloved subjects in the world, spring flowers. Classes are already beginning to be booked.

There are still so many things to be done to the interior, plastering, paint, floorboards, paneling, staircase to the library, etc. I intend to have this beautiful building completed when I open the doors to the school in May. In order to achieve this goal, I am offering these 24 prints for sale at half their normal price, $2000 each. The same way that the money magically appeared for the structure of the school house, I am hoping the same will appear for the interior. It is my hearts desire to continue my journey in photography by surrounding myself with eager students of every age. I look forward to you joining me in the excitement and energy surrounding the school

Here are some of the images from the 24 pieces he is offering and the contact info on how to purchase them.

The John Dugdale School Collection

16x20” Golden Toned Silver Gelatin Prints

Limited edition of 6

$2000

All Print sales help support the building of the school, in preparation for classes beginning this May.

For inquires on prints please call 845.687.1840 or Email: JohnDugdaleSchool@gmail.com

Mourning Tulips

The fruit of Orchards

Iannis with focusing cloth

Pink lustre tea

In the shadow of his beloved

Life's evening hour

The Artist's Mother

He who awakens

Houston Magnolia

We are ever in awe of you and your talents, John!

Coming this Spring!

Ken and I have had our first long day of walking the Gift Show!

We have found some amazing things! We decided to post the items that we have purchased so that you can be as excited as we are!

Items will be arriving as early as next week and as late as May! If there is something you love, please let us know so that we can add to our current order or set it
aside for you when you come in next.

Today we decided to do the Piers. The Piers have been our favorite because they are smaller and more intimate. It's easier to navigate and some of our favorite lines are shown there. This Show was no different. We found some amazing things! We can't post everything, but we will post as many great finds as we can!

Since 2004 Chive has consistently delivered fresh, innovative and simplistic designs to showcase the individual beauty of the flower. Often dubbed as the “antithesis” of old-school of Dutch floristry, Chive’s elegant vases easily compliment any setting, from the most traditional to the most contemporary.

This Bud Vase holds 12 of your favorite Stems!


These Bud Vases look like Pebbles. They come in 3 sizes. Show them together as a centerpiece on your Dining Table or Coffee Table or place them individually in the Bathroom or on a Nightstand.
These Hanging Tea Lights come in Green and White, Blue and White, or White on White. Hang them from your Deck Umbrella or from the branches of a tree!

This square Vase has Trees on all four sides. It will pair nicely with some of the posts you will see later.


Christopher Marley's graceful arrangements of jewel-like arthropods make converts of those who have seen insects as creepy--these are stunning works of art, his delicate butterfly assemblages sublime.

Marley's keen eye for design combines with his entomological education to produce mesmerizing, kaleidoscopic bug mandalas and striking up-close-and-personal single-insect portraits. The iridescent colors of beetle shells and moth wings are his pigments in a seemingly endless brilliant palette.

Each gorgeous creation is identified with its scientific and common names, and many are accompanied by concise descriptive text. He chooses and arranges the creatures for
optimal visual effect.

We have been dying to carry this Collection since we opened! We have a few pieces that we think represent Pheromone well, but we can get you any of the Collection if you desire. These are special!
The ultimate in Organic Art!
Amazing!!!!

Contemporary furniture is the newest addition to the Dryads line. They use beautiful reclaimed wood with authentic paint to create the patched together surfaces. The wood is planed down so it is smooth and then a coat or two of heavy matte lacquer is added. The welded steel frame makes the furniture very strong and durable. The steel is hand sanded to soften the edges and then patina to an antique bronze. Since all the metal fabrication is done in house they can make custom pieces. Choose from one of five color pallettes.


Mirrors are wonderful to throw light around and to make spaces seem to go on forever. With the antique wood and salvaged tin we use, the mirrors give a home that old world charm.


These eco-friendly offerings may not fit in the other categories but they easily fit into your home. The same salvaged bead board and antique ceiling tin contribute as the basis of these interesting home accents.


It's another growing season and my puppies are not out of the chewing stage yet. So we've added more flowers to the original bunch. These are bigger and better. Constructed out of the same materials, reclaimed barn wood and salvaged roof tin with exterior paint in bright colors. We don't want you to stop playing in the dirt but these guys will take the pressure off the green thumb. Gardens can be art and you can have garden art. These should help your gardens artistic flow

Create your own garden. Choose from iris, rose, lily, daisy, sunflower, daffodil, tulip and zinnia.


Finally! We are offering Campo de Fiori! We found this charming, fantastic, unique shop more than 10 years ago when we first moved to Columbia County. We are so happy to be able to carry these Garden Pots in our shop. They are everything we embody. Organic beauty, aged with soul, and cared for with heart. The end result, an exceptional quality piece that everyone should own.

Campo de Fiori derives it's name from a small piazza in Rome where owner, Robin Norris' mother, used to buy fresh flowers and vegetables for the family home, Palazzo di Campitelli. Literally, Campo de' Fiori means "Field of Flowers" and the combination of flowers and the elegance of classical Rome combined to inspire its current incarnation.

Terra cotta planters in the line are stored in a greenhouse for 3 months so that each piece can be shipped with live moss, enriching them with a 'growing-patina' of time.

Another stunning collection in the Botanical Series from Campo De Fiori. These exquisite tall planters are full of beautiful delightful details abound in this collection of aged terracotta Campanula planters. Plant directly in them with your favorite orchids, bulbs or grasses, or insert a glass vase and fill with beautiful cut flowers. Perfectly suited for indoors or out. Available in 3 sizes from a 12" to 18" and covered with a luscious naturally greenhouse aged moss.

New From Campo De' Fiori ! Beautifully textured, hand crafted terra cotta planter with a large dragonscale motif, covered with a luscious live moss.

Beautiful proportions and delightful detail abound in this collection of aged terracotta poppy planters. Plant them with your favorite orchids, bulbs or ferns. Perfectly suited for indoors or out. Available in 5 glorious sizes from a 5" to 14" and covered with a luscious naturally greenhouse aged moss.

Provide a permanent perch for our fine feathered friends. In two sizes, these woodland houses have ventilation holes, underneath access for cleaning, and a simple inset hook for easy hanging.

This is an awesome little jewelry line and Betsy was so sweet to us!

Jewelry from foundling incorporates recycled metals and vintage, found, or repurposed ephemera, sterling silver and resin. The pieces feel like they have a personal history--secrets and stories from the time before they became yours.

A great gift for (or from) someone sweet.

The letters are scanned from vintage children's books, reprinted archivally and preserved under a glossy coat of resin. The two pendants slide independently along a 20" sterling chain. Closes with a handmade clasp. All metal is oxidized sterling silver.

Single charms for slipping on to an old chain, adding to a charm bracelet, or wearing alone on a length of vintage ribbon.

These sweet little recycled silver charms each hold a single letter. The paper bits are scanned from vintage dictionaries, reprinted archivally and preserved under a glossy coat of resin. They are 5/8" in diameter.

Hugs and kisses!

The letters are scanned from vintage dictionaries, reprinted archivally and preserved under a glossy coat of resin. The two pendants slide independently along a 20" sterling chain. Closes with a handmade clasp. All metal is oxidized sterling silver.

For your own true love.

Bits of text are sourced from vintage books in this pretty and rustic recycled silver and resin necklace.

The two pendants slide independently along a 20" sterling chain. Closes with a handmade clasp. All metal is oxidized sterling silver.

These sweet little recycled silver necklaces each hold a snippet of vintage text. The letters will be customized to your specifications. The vintage paper bits are preserved under a glossy coat of resin in 1/4" bezels and hang from 17" chains.

And Finally!

Lamp Works manufactures hand-crafted lighting fixtures of exquisite detail. Lamp Works offers a wide range of lighting fixtures and portables, from Crystal and glass floor lamps to alabaster and resin table lamps.

This Aspen Birch Bark floor lamp with burlap shade is spectacular. We can't wait
for you to see it in person!


Aspen Birch Bark Table Lamp


One of our Favorite Vendors is Roost.
They are a great mix of Urban and Chic. Like an Old Peddler and a Williamsburg Artist.
Some of our favorite pieces have been from ROOST. Here are a few more!

The Forest Silhouette Collection by Roost

A forest silhouette comes to glowing life when lit from within. The votive is made from white unglazed porcelain. Use a tealight with the votive.

Votive: 3" dia x 3" H


Made with recycled materials, these terrariums give a whole new meaning to the concept of hanging plants. The graceful glass hangers can provide a special home to your air plants. Or, add some soil and grow a small succulent in the space. In fact, don't be surprised if all your plants want to live in one. Hang these glass bubble terrariums where they can catch the light, but not in direct sun.


Roost Utopia Bird Feeder
Borosilicate glass is mouth blown to form unique bird feeders in modern shapes. Display inside or fill with birdseed for outdoor use. Each comes with a 24″ birdseed for outdoor use. Each comes with a 24-inch length of twine for hanging.


Modeled in bronze after the most distinctive Manzanita branches, these candleholders make a lovely display or centerpiece. When lit, they offer a warm and shadowy glow. Decorate the branches with garlands, ornaments or flowers to add charm, or leave as is for a more natural effect.


About 4 years ago, we met Joy Newton at the Berkshire Botanical Garden. We thought she was crazy talented! Her Florals were magnificent!

Joy Newton is a nationally published artist who grew up immersed in the world of plants. Her father was, and still is, an avid plant collector. His background in science, combined with her mother’s love and appreciation for nature, led her to The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Parsons School of Design in New York City. Each illustration is meticulously reproduced using the finest American and European pigments available. Her extensive fine art education enables her to bring these plants to life using colors running the full range from classic earth pigments to historical mineral colors.

Fiddlehead Fern Earrings

The unfolding fronds of the fern come to life in these elegant earrings. The green hues bring forth a freshness that is perfect for both day or night.

Sterling silver, crystal, and French Wire. Earring measures 1" in Length.

Robin's Nest Earring

These lovely petite nest earrings are beautiful no matter the season. Three pretty blue eggs await mother nature's delightful purpose. Eloquently simple they are perfect with a crisp white shirt and a pair of jeans.

Chianti Sunflower Pendant

The deep mahogany color of this spectacular flower turns our hearts to the beauty of autumn.

Sterling silver and crystal with a cultured pearl accent. Pendant measures 30mm in diameter with 16" oxidized sterling chain

Kousa Dogwood Pendant

The soft creamy pink petals of the dogwood are perfectly framed on this stunning pendant. A graceful fit for a day in the park or a night on the town.

Fiddlehead Fern Button Bracelet

This stunning fern bracelet is as fresh as a woodland garden. Charming fiddleheads and leafy fronds make a fresh yet timeless piece. Sure to please all who enjoy a walk in the woods.

Vintage, new and recycled buttons adorned with our design, Czech glass beads in olivine, smokey crystal with a silver bumblebee accent. Sterling silver toggle clasp. Handmade in our studio.