Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1366498
A pair of Christopher Spitzmiller handcrafted lamps is a talisman of sorts, found in the most exquisitely decorated rooms in America. The master ceramicist began throwing clay in the back of Southampton's Mecox Gardens as its artist-in-residence. The late Albert Hadley soon commissioned his work, and the rest is well-glazed history. If you don't already follow him on Instagram (open the app, post- haste), you may be surprised to find that his account isn't all delightful tableware, vases, and lamps, but primarily snaps from his pastorally lush life on his Clove Brook Farm in Millbrook, New York. Here, he tends to heritage-breed chickens, bees, geese, verdant gardens, and effortlessly entertains friends like Martha Stewart (who wrote the foreword to his new book, A Year At Clove Brook Farm, Rizzoli), Bunny Williams, and Ashley Whittaker. We checked in with the charming Spitzmiller to see what's happening down on the farm. DISPATCH HUDSON VALLEY: CHRISTOPHER SPITZMILLER BY ANNE LEE PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHY GEMMA AND ANDREW INGALLS Your first book. My goal was to create an inspirational book that includes all things to do with country life — lessons on gardening, entertaining, tending flocks, beekeeping, and even some of my favorite recipes. I'm over the moon that the book went into its second printing on the very day it was published. Upcoming projects. Traveling to various venues this spring, summer, and fall, promoting the book. I've been collaborating with a friend, Cathy Graham, who is a very talented illustrator. Cathy has painted birds, bunnies, squirrels, cabbages, and flowers for a line of tableware we are producing. They are whimsical and charming, just like Cathy. The other big event is the opening of my partner Anthony Bellomo's store, Orangerie, in Millbrook, NY. It's a garden and home store with topiary, orchids, unusual plants, pots, some of my ceramics, and other fun things for the home. (Continued on page 72) Christopher Spitzmiller at Clove Brook Farm The dovecote Antique concrete squirrels at the entrance to the dovecote 70