One of the ways in which art is appreciated and discussed is based on its narrative quality. What story does it tell visually? No words. We are led through the comments by elements that have become universal symbols. The teapot is a symbol recognized worldwide for peace and tranquility, for elegance and sophistication. And like tea, there is a rich history of dedicated artists recognized as masters of the sculptural… read more...

Popularity: 31% [?]

In my last article, I wrote about the opportunity we tea educators have to use storytelling in our work. The 5000 year history, the international cultural dynamic and the intimacy of personal experience provide more opportunity than any one of us could exhaust. What I think we sometimes might forget is that we are creating tea stories every day. And these are stories that bring people of all ages to… read more...

Popularity: 35% [?]

Because there is a natural storytelling urge and ability in all human beings, even just a little nurturing of this impulse can bring about astonishing and delightful results.   -Nancy Mellon, The Art of Storytelling
Another art in the world of tea is the art of telling a story. From the 5000 years of history to the unique inspiration of every tea business owner, our stories are powerful tools of the… read more...

Popularity: 34% [?]

It might be said that the art of tea is the craftsmanship which transports the leaf from the field to the cup. And the spirit of tea is the poetry that we experience and are able to share it with a world vastly beyond ourselves.

Frank Hadley Murphy has written a book, The Spirit of Tea. When I spoke with him he… read more...

Popularity: 22% [?]