Teacher Feature: Jen Causey

photos by Jennifer Causey

As much as we all love the beautiful things people make and do, for me, it's often even more inspiring to catch a glimpse of how artisans live and work.  With THE MAKERS project, Jen Causey has compiled a treasure trove of images and interviews that celebrate the full picture of what a creative endeavor can look like.  Jen has curated and documented this group with such an unerring eye that the result is a vibrant celebration of the sweat, grit, determination and artistry that is behind the scenes of that sweet vase, lustrous cutting board, or blue bottle of perfume that you might find on display in your favorite shop.

(Even more wonderful is that this Fall, you will be able to actually hold Jen's gorgeous photographs in your hands as her book Brooklyn Makers will be out in the world and you can get first dibs on it with a pre-order now.)

photos by Jennifer Causey

It goes without saying that the fact Jen has made time in her busy schedule to come be with us in Italy this October
is truly a thrill.  I cannot wait to see the photographs she will help her students produce in the vineyards, olive groves and monastery in and around the villa where we will be staying ..  soooo exciting, but first, let's turn the tables on her a bit and put Jen on the other side of the interview questions.

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Did you have a nickname as a kid?

No, but my nickname to my family as an adult is Gigi. I'm not sure where it came from, but I do like it.

Best things to do at a carnival?

Eat cotton candy, of course!

What are the key items to have in the car on a road trip?

Something sweet, something salty, and some trashy magazines

Smells and tastes that make you think of summer?

The smell of the salt air at the beach, the taste of summer fruit: watermelon, ripe peaches, and apricots

If you were an Olympic athlete, what would be your sport?

Swimming. I love being in the water, but am no where near Olympic status!

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Beautiful!  thank you so much Jen--and, thank you for the ever inspiring mornings of Simply Breakfast that are my go-to start of the day!

see you soonest!

bisous, e