This shoot brought together some of my favorite things: girl bosses, knitting, farms, and photography. I met knitwear designer, Christina Danaee, on Instagram of all places! We connected over our shared love for knitting and all things handmade and began scheming ways we could work together. Christina, along with another Asheville knitwear designer, Jennifer Sadler, founded Appalachian Knits to celebrate the region's rich knitting history with original patterns featuring regional fiber farms. This shoot captured Christina's Roan sweater made from Bovidae Farm wool, at Bovidae Farm in Mars Hill, North Carolina. It's such a joy working with other creative entrepreneurs!
Julia Claire's Clay /
One of my favorite things about living in Asheville, North Carolina, is the vibrant craft community. I've been loving the East West Pop Up Shop because it happens right in my neighborhood of West Asheville, and features a curated collection of some of the region's best artisan hand mades. I met Julia of Julia Claire's Clay at one of these shows and was drawn to her bright geometric pottery and jewelry. We got to chatting, had a nice time, and eventually decided to work together! It's been really fun capturing her work in action and providing lifestyle and detail shots to support her brand, her social media presence, and her Etsy store.
Villagers /
I met Natalie, the owner of West Asheville's Villagers, and was immediately struck by her mellow vibe and natural aesthetic. Villagers is an "urban homestead supply store" chock full of canning supplies, gardening tools, fermenting crocks, kitchen objects, and locally made crafts. I did an Instagram takeover of her feed and focused on local makers whose work is featured in her store.
Melissa Weiss Pottery
Chambers Wood Craft
Nocik
East Fork Pottery
Local Cheese /
Spinning Spider Creamery is an artisan goat dairy in Marshall, North Carolina. This family farm is run by matriarch Chris Owen and has won numerous regional and national awards for their delicious cheese. I toured their dairy in July with Asheville Farm to Table Tours and we got to learn about cheesemaking, meet the goats, and taste some truly mouth-watering cheese.
Farmer's Hands /
This shoot combined some of my very favorite things. Charming historic renovations. Local farmers. And delicious homecooked meals served on handmade ceramics. Thanks to the awesome Chef, Sebastiaan Zijp, of The Farmer's Hands in Madison County, North Carolina. I can't wait to visit (eat there) again! Shot on assignment for Plough to Pantry.
Deep Woods /
I shot these images on assignment for The Laurel of Asheville's Plough to Pantry - a dedicated farm to table series. I toured Deep Woods Mushrooms, a farm in Mills River, North Carolina that supplies rishi, shitake and other mushrooms to local restaurants and herbalists, as well as an important southern test site and supplier for mushroom growers around the region.
Napa /
Just a little travel log from a quick weekend in Napa. I went out there for a bachelorette for my best friend from high school. We toured wineries, ate delicious food, and drove the hills of the Napa Valley.
Iron & Ash /
I met Brandon Skupski at a mutual friend's house. A group of us had assembled for an afternoon of spoon carving and I ran into Brandon when I noticed he dropped a few business cards from his pocket. I picked one up and it was made from the thinnest piece of wood I had ever seen! From his business card, to his logo, to his stunning custom furniture, Brandon's aesthetic is ON POINT. I was thrilled to shoot him at work in his shop for an article on him in the Ledbury mensware catalog.
Ain't No Elvis /
My husband, Jackson Emmer, wrote this melancholy song about trying to "make it." We recorded it not long after the 2016 election, so it's extra full of desperation and sadness. Here's a song for all you creative, passionate folks out there trying to make a living and create art at the same time.
The Bell Tolls /
Krista Shows performs "For Whom the Bell Tolls."
Music and lyrics by Krista Shows.
Video by Olive and West Photography.
Audio by Jackson Emmer.
J.W. Teller /
Check. This. Man. Out. He wrote this song, and then played it in our living room, while we sobbed quietly. It's freaking beautiful.
Music and lyrics by J.W. Teller.
Audio by Jackson Emmer.
Video by Olive and West.
Grant & Molly /
Grant writes for his neighborhood's newsletter, with monthly tips for training your dog. We met at a nearby park to capture some images of Grant and his gorgeous Bernese Mountain Dog, Molly, to feature in his column.
Full of Sin /
I met Krista Shows at a songwriting competition in Asheville, North Carolina. Krista is a long limbed beauty from Mississippi, and proud. Her songs are soulful, moving, and authentic. She's a natural songwriter and her music is raw and unapologetic. This is not your mama's gospel.
Miss Molly /
The Howling Kettles are Sam Moss, Jackson Emmer, and Evan Cory Levine. This quirky stringband loves old time and bluegrass and singin' their hearts out. Check 'em out.
It Is Gone /
Krista Shows is a charismatic Asheville-based songwriter. Originally from Mississippi, her songs are deeply personal and evocative. Enjoy this original music, and her righteous voice. Audio by Jackson Emmer.
Slab Pottery /
Melissa Weiss makes beautiful pottery. I recently purchased a stunning bowl, and I don't want to eat out of anything else. I had such a great time touring her Asheville studio, and learning about the construction behind my new bowl! Melissa makes many of her plates and bowls by laying clay slabs over a form. These forms are based on cherished vessels (clay, wood, metal, or otherwise) and are painstakingly molded, tested, and perfected. Once the clay has taken shape, Melissa dips them in a white slip and bisques them. Finally, they are glazed and high fired into unique and striking pieces.
On the Wheel /
Last Friday I went to the studio of Asheville potter, Melissa Weiss. I fell in love with her black and white functional ceramics a few weeks ago when I saw them on Instagram and then again in person at West Asheville's Villagers on Haywood.
As part of an Instagram takeover for Villagers, I've embarked on a project to document the work that goes into some of my favorite local crafts. Here's a selection of Melissa working on the wheel.
Dustbowl Refugees /
Have I mentioned that my friend Brittany Ann is brilliant? No need to take my word for it. Check out this rad and hilarious song she wrote. We filmed this performance on a Saturday morning in my living room. Jackson Emmer nailed the audio recording.
Tiny Desk /
We're not procrastinators, I swear. I mean, we submitted this video a full TWELVE HOURS before it was due. See? So, cross your fingers that NPR, Bob Boilen, and Tiny Desk think that Jackson Emmer is as awesome as I do.
Sarah /
This weekend Jackson and I helped our friend Brittany Ann record some new music. Brittany is a killer songwriter with a stunning voice - we were so happy to work with her! Check out her original song, "Sarah."
