Feats of Clay

A small statue of The Buddha sits on a shelf in the studio of artist Worley Faver.  Perhaps it is a daily reminder of one of the great teachings - of how one thing passes into another thing, that everything and everyone is connected.

"The universe has many lessons to teach us if we will be calm and listen," says Faver.  "I find clay is a portal to expanding my spiritual ties to the earth and all creation."

Worley Faver's art is pottery.  He takes clay and transforms it into the most beautiful and elegant pottery you will ever see.  He does so using techniques that were developed thousands of years ago, long before the introduction of the potter's wheel.  Techniques used by inhabitants of the American southwest centuries ago and of the ancient Egyptians.  His tools include a simple stone for polishing, a walnut shell to add texture, and of course, his hands and him imagination.

His gift of taking the most basic material found on earth and transforming it into pottery connects us all with the wisdom of the ancients and the promise and potential of each new day.

The Worley Faver Pottery Studio & Gallery is located on the oldest street in St. Augustine at 11A Aviles Street in the historic downtown area.  His work is also displayed at the Brilliance in Color Gallery, at 25 King Steet.  And you can visit his web site at http://faverpottery.com.

Tennis Everyone!

Vivi Heil began playing tennis at age 5 in Bogota, Columbia.  Coached by her father, she was the top ranked junior player in her native country for several years, and played well enough to be ranked on the WTA.   She eventually found her way to Saint Augustine, graduated from Flagler College with a graphic design degree, and is one of the best tennis instructors in St. Johns county.

Vivi loves teaching kids to play tennis and heads up the junior program at the Atlantic Beach & Tennis Club (http://atlanticbeachandtennisclub.com).  "I love working with kids and have all the patience in the world to teach them this sport," she says.  "I had a lot of different coaches in my life and I learned at least one thing from almost all of them.  So I want to pass what I have learned in all of these years and help anyone who wants to improve their game."

She also teaches group and individual lessons to adults.

The Atlantic Beach & Tennis Club is great facility.  In addition to 10 hardtru (clay) courts, it has both indoor and outdoor pools, a weight room, snack bar, pro shop, and a laid back and friendly staff.  If your idea of tennis is to show up and show off your latest expensive tennis clothes and hob nob around with a bunch of snooty folks - this is not your place.  If,  on the other hand, you want to play with down-to-earth people,  on well-maintained courts, and hear the ocean waves crashing in the distance, then go no further.

Bikram Yoga Champion

A true local, Joey Carey has been living in St. Augustine for over 20 years.  His parents introduced him to the world of music and performing arts when he was very young.  He has taken that affinity with him from St. Augustine High School, to the University of Florida, where he earned an English degree, to thriving young professional in New York City.  In April of 2009, a friend led him into Bikram Yoga - a sequence of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises performed in a 105 degree room that systematically works every part of the body, and gives all internal organs, all the veins, all the ligaments, and all muscles everything they need to maintain optimum health and maximum function.

He competes in the Yoga Asana (yoga posture) Championship.  He is the 2010 Florida Regional Champion and finished 12th in the 2010 National Championships.

"I do yoga to keep me mentally clear, emotionally connected, and physically aware," says Joey.  "I compete to strengthen my practice, encourage yogis to participate and inspire newcomers to try yoga.  I hope to one day become world champion and share yoga and my story around the globe."

This discipline of yoga was founded by Bikram Choudhury and his wife Rajashree.  They also started the USA Yoga Federation, a non-profit organization formed for the purpose of developing and promoting Yoga Asana as a sport.  The web site is www.usayoga.org.

You can catch Joey training and teaching classes at Bikram Yoga St. Augustine, which is located at 700 Anastasia Blvd.  The studio offers 28 classes weekly, massage therapy, a retail boutique, and babysitting.  Private sessions are also available.  Visit www.bikramyogastaug.com for more details.

Art is Life

A huge live oak tree, its branches covered with moss, casts long and variable shadows on the studio of artist Beau Redmond.

The man and the tree have much in common.  Deep southern roots, a solid foundation, and branches that yearn to continually stretch and grow in new directions, and the ability to interpret light into something fresh and different each and every day.

Some of the scenes Beau Redmond paints are scenes we see everyday in St. Augustine - the local landmarks, the quiet streets, the calming waters and sunsets.  Other work reflects the power of nature and of man - including the days before an approaching hurricane, the failures of Wall Street, and the collapse of the World Trade Center on 9/11.

A native of New Orleans, Beau spent the first half of his working life in the banking industry.  At age 47 he left financial world behind and began painting full time.  Three decades later he is still going strong.  And for the last 15 years St. Augustine is where he practices his craft; consistently expanding his vision, widening his palette, and enriching the lives of friends and art lovers everywhere.

Beau Redmond's work can be viewed online at www.beauredmond.com and seen locally (by appointment) at his Studio/Home, 18 Nelmar Ave., St. Augustine, FL, and in New Symrna Beach, FL at Arts On Douglas Gallery,  http://artsondouglas.net.

Top Chef

For me, the best way to learn is the hands on approach.  The way my brain is wired, if I see someone do something, I can pick up the details much better than reading or listening how to do the same task.  Cooking is no exception.  Give me a cookbook, all of the ingredients and I will still find a way to muck up the dish.

Luckily there is a world-class chef in our neck of the woods.  He is able and more than willing to teach a kitchen klutz like myself the fine art of cooking.  Scott Rom is the guy.  He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of American, spent numerous years as an Executive Chef, and now develops new menus for restaurants and grocery stores.  But best of all, he teaches the everyday girl or guy how to cook like a pro.  If you think you can cook, he will raise your game.  If you can't cook, you will soon be able to.

Chef Scott, as he likes to be called, teaches in small groups or one-to- one lessons.  If you wish to be the next Julia Child, or simply want to master the art of grilling a steak, then check out his website at www.measureoftaste.com or email him at chefscott@measureoftaste.com.