I started Coimbragirl Art in January 2003 after 21 years of office work. I chose the name to honor my year and a half (1996-1997) living in Coimbra, Portugal. That experience continues to be with me every day. I wholeheartedly suggest Portugal as a vacation destination—the people will enchant you and make you want to stay forever.
Coimbragirl Art exists not only as a business, but as a way of life. I found a sense of freedom being on my own in Coimbra, and I celebrate freedom and independence now through my business ownership. I love working for myself! I am passionate about my art, about everything I do, and this passion has created a peace and contentment in me that I want to pass on to others. In this frantic and frenetic world, we need reminders of what is beautiful, meaningful, and sacred to our balance. When you buy a piece of art, it is because it touches something inside you.
I have a great deal of art in my home, ranging from gifts I was given (handmade or purchased) to pieces I had to buy because I couldn't imagine living without them. I love artists such as Monet and the Pre-Raphaelites. I love the soft translucence combined with the cold hardness of glass. Textiles fascinate me, and I collect used sari wraps to sew beautiful pillows and clothes with. I love a perfect moment captured forever in photography. I love being playful with color. And of course, I buy many pieces of pottery from associates in my studio.
I work out of Moshier Community Art Studio in Burien, WA. Here we have over 40 artists with over 40 different backgrounds who never cease to inspire me with their creativity. It is a wonderful environment, and I owe a great deal of my flow of work from being within that facility. In addition, I do a great deal of work at home. All my products are handmade (thrown, slabbed, shaped, cut, etc.) and hand painted. Every piece of pottery is guaranteed to be quality. Each piece is unique, each has a story, and each is looking for a loving home!
In my spare time...hmm, is there spare time when you run a business? I love playing with my two cats Shadow and Toia. I enjoy foreign and independent films, great concerts in small venues, and haunting thrift stores. In addition, I am currently writing a book based on life as perceived by my three-legged cat, Toia.
I appreciate and encourage ideas and suggestions—some of my best products start as great customer ideas, and I'm thrilled to bring them to life! Please feel free to contact me if you have any ideas for custom work you need! Coimbragirl Art exists because I value and respect your input—I am always honored when someone is interested in my work. I am grateful to be in a position of loving my work and my life, and I have met wonderful people because of that!
I look forward to hearing from you! —Missy
