It happened on Saturday . . .

First, there was a bit of tea poetry on the radio.

I was driving to Sacramento, CA yesterday listening to NPR Saturday morning talk radio. There was a short intro to an upcoming story that I wish I could have recorded. Alas. This was not one of their recorded MP3 files.

The radio host asked the question, “Have there been any poems written about beverages?” And I started ticking off a list of tea poetry in my head. What followed were a series of soundbites from some man-on-the-street interviews - most of which were about tea. One man said he would write a poem for Mango Green Tea. Another woman created an instant poem about the luxury of tea in general. But what followed was a half-hour about poems written to the beauty and elegance of cocktails served in elegant stemware. And yes, they were able to find someone to write a poem to a Manhattan and one to a Whiskey Sour. I throw this in for a spot of humor and an example of how popular media may be missing the message of tea.

Then I found a tea haven in a community of artists.

The destination for the day was The Tea Cozy in Sacramento, CA. This is a small tea shop in an industrial building that has been converted into artist studios, galleries and gift shops. It looks nothing like I expected. The only clue is the teapot sign (blue & white to the left of the door). Most of us are comfortable in the assumption that patrons of the arts are likely to share an interest in fine teas. I enjoyed watching that in action.

This day was preparation for a “Second Saturday” event with a new exhibit opening in the main gallery and a demonstration bronze casting in The Foundry. I watched the artists wander down from their studios refilling their containers with their favorite loose-leaf blends, picking up a box of favorite English biscuits (it was about 3:00). Art lovers of all ages wandered through the shop and owner, Nami Thompson, was available to share from her expertise on tea. She and her husband have had this shop for ten years now, more than doubling in size from their start. Some of her patrons have been loyal for just as long.

My original question for this blog, ‘What is it about tea that inspires the creative spirit?’, seemed appropriate to ponder in this setting. In this case, the artists are brought together in the spirit of creativity. Fiber, glass, metal, painting - and tea.

I was reminded of the phrase that often times describes urban and unusual tearooms - “It’s not your grandmother’s tearoom!” But even that didn’t fit this collective that drew all ages. All demographics. Tea is a symbol for comfort and elegance. But it is also the picture of nurturing and simplicity. What works so well for the artists is the contrast. The expressive and narrative range that tea as a symbol offers

Like great art that builds a conversation between artist and audience on universal themes, tea speaks across the artificial divisions we create for ourselves. It has the capacity to break down the barriers between ages, genders, cultures, economic status, geographic lines and political differences. The act of drinking tea can be with great intention or it can be casual, without a second thought.  It can be a momentary refreshment or a spiritual ritual. The determinations of art are much the same. It is not the paint and canvas or the clay, bronze or glass that determine the value of the piece. It is the intention of the artist and the care with which he has use the medium. Tea shares that in both the intention of the growers and the person preparing the beverage.

It is right to house fine teas with fine art. Yes people do write poems to tea and it would make an interesting segment on NPR radio.

But later that Saturday afternoon . . .

I was steeping the abstract notions of tea, art & the human spirit served by the two as I drove about a mile to another urban tea room in Sacramento. Hina’s is an artistically decorated tearoom (like so many) and I thought I’d dash in for a quick cup of a tea that I remembered from my previous visit. Lights, colors, textures and beautiful displays of teapots are a sculpture. The ceiling is decorated with suspended leaves - once all white and now painted in bright primary colors. The walls are covered with photographs of lush green tea fields.

It fit comfortably into my day’s experience. The art and poetry; the beauty of living a life in tea. I stayed for a short time. It was crowded. Standing room only. I was surrounded by people gathered to drink special and rare teas. It was wonderful.

I’ve had this feeling before. In Victorian style tearooms, country style tearooms, elegant hotel tea salons; here and in Europe. Like learning a new language, we seek out a place where we can practice the conversation with like minds and spirits. It’s the feeling that draws me back to the World Tea Expo - to be in a place with like minded people.

I ramble on a bit to come to one conclusion - tea provides art with an opportunity to ’speak’ to us through universal symbols. Art with tea images reminds us that there is something more in our cup besides the lovely liquor. That is one of the elements I think of as the spirit of tea.

I discovered a holiday gift for tea people.

Calling on the Spirit of Tea, I would like to share a gift of optimism for these times. I may not be able to say exactly why tea inspires us. But the evidence that it does can be seen in hundreds of ways. It inspires and sustains us. It provides jobs for people around the world - from the fields to the merchants. And, as one link in the chain, it is a source of great pride that we can demonstrate partnership and concern for everyone who joins their efforts together in partnership. We have the examples of industries which have lost appreciation for the importance of cooperation. The optimism I want to share is that the spirit of tea is not only the symbol for elegance and tranquility but also for survival.

One final note. 

In 2005, this date, December 15th, was selected by the UN, the ILO and other international organizations as International Tea Day. It has been suggested that we each take time for an extra cup of a fine, hand-picked tea to honor the workers on the plantations.

It is their art. And tearooms, tea retailers and online tea venues are their galleries.

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