Looking for a future beyond the grid .....: TURTLES !!!!

Like other homes, a LEED residence is better for something in it that delights a child. Such a bit of foolishness at Folly comes in the form of turtles - yes, turtles! This is not just whimsy. The beaches of the Treasure Coast of Florida are a nesting area for loggerhead, green and leatherback turtles. Between March 1st and October 31st buildings and roads along the beach use low light so as not to interfere with the nesting activity. Volunteers patrol each morning (very early!) to monitor the number and condition of nests.

So Folly has turtles, too! There is a family of turtles in the pool and more "swimming" in the sink of the pool bath. Fortunately, there are talented ceramicists working here to help with this project.

Sharon Sexton set out to craft two adults and four babies for the pool. The process requires thought in the design and knowledge and care in the execution. Like most local residents, Sharon had been studying turtle coloring and anatomy for some time, so she tried some drawings. Then, standing on the empty pool floor, she worked out the appropriate sizes so that she could draw life size templates. Once satisfied that sizes would work, she hand molded each section and set the pieces in the kiln for a first firing.

this kiln has shelves so that many pieces can be fired at one time

Painting and glazing each shell requires both an artists eye for color and a firm grasp of the technique. Firing ceramics is as much art as science as the materials give different effects depending on temperature and other conditions.

You can see the distinct pattern of the shell

Each turtle has a signature pattern

Worker sets each piece in place

For fun, Sharon added some baby turtles

Sharon's work is at www.tigerlilyvero.com/Sharon-Sexton

Inside the house, Glenda Taylor designed a pedestal sink. The challenge of this project was to make an original work of art that functioned as a plumbing fixture. (She actually appeared calm when she heard my request!) The aesthetic elements of design, color, etc., were constrained by the function and placement of the piece. The finished sink is truly a work of art.