Teacher Feature: Harriet Goodall

The new year is upon us with a fresh roster of teachers hitting the road to come and join us at Xanadu Squam and what better way to start off our Teacher Feature posts than with a most amazing artist traveling all the way from Australia:  HARRIET GOODALL.

I first encountered Harriet's exquisite lampshades, or more poetically named, illuminants sometime ago but never imagined I'd ever get to actually meet her or learn from her-- and yet, bada bing!  Here she is.

It has been so fun working with Harriet to come up with an offering for this Spring-- I absolutely adore the class she created for us, Dream Weaving, and hope to sneak in there myself.

I would tell you more of why I am so smitten with this lovely, creative, funky, fabulous woman who shares her artful, heart-centered life at her beautiful blog-- but I think her own words below will let you see her spirit so much better. 

Just know I am beyond thrilled she is joining us and have no doubt you will enjoy meeting her, too!

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What gets you through rough winter days?

The open fire in my little studio, which is stocked by a bearded man who chops my wood and warms my bed.

What's the most memorable bumper sticker you've ever had to stare at?

You are the traffic.

What's one thing you would never leave your house without?

My secateurs.

Weirdest thing you've said lately?

“Hi, I’m a basketmaker. Can I have some of your garden waste?”

Favorite winter sport?

I have several; synchronised duvet fluffing, competitive soup making, rhythmic hand-rubbing, alternate foot-hopping, cross-country ugg-boot wearing and my personal best, high-speed pyjama donning.

A New Year's resolution that has never made it to February?

De-cluttering – I am way too sentimental.

Five pets (and their names) you would love to have in your life.

Realistically, five LESS pets would be better for us. We have an Australian Cattle Dog called Badja, 10 sheep, 4 cows, 2 pigs, 16 piglets, 5 guinea fowl, 3 finches and a fluctuating number of chickens (thanks to the foxes). But I’d love a horse called “Mummy’s Alone Time”.

What's a scent that brings you back to childhood?

Shearing sheds, eucalyptus, diesel and dust. The beginning of a summer storm; fat rain drops on hot dry dirt. Jasmine, dripping white-fleshed nectarines, chlorinated pool water. Sounds? Crows, bleats, crackles and squawks. Rumbling engines, radio cricket commentary, the drone of buzzing blowflies. Sight? A shimmer on the horizon, stretches of dancing yellow wheat crops, blue hills.

Something wacky your family would do together growing up?

Jump into the swimming pool fully-clothed after lunch and then head back out to work. (Australian summer)

Favorite blogs that you check in on?

INSPIRATION GREEN

THIS IS COLOSSAL

THE DESIGN FILES

PIA JANE BIJKERK

and I browse Pinterest for visual inspiration.

Best music for cozy nights in?

Jess Ribeiro & The Bone Collector’s new album – My Little River. Lately I have had number 10. ‘Dream of Winter’ on repeat in my head. They are from tropical Darwin in the Northern Territory, Australia.

Something you never thought you'd be good at, but surprised yourself?

Looking after little babies.

Something you've failed at?

Keeping up with the Joneses.

Funniest person you know (in real life)?

My kids.

Favorite snack to keep you warm this winter?

It’s mid-summer here (sorry!) So we have been blending ice, fruit and yoghurt to make mango lassi, taking us straight back to glorious hot days in India.

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Isn't she divine?  Thank you Harriet!  See you in June -

bisous, e