Vase. Places Unknown To Us.

I am working on creating a space where people can build a community of Curiosity, Discovery, Compassion and Support.  I am excited and curious about how my Conversation with Clay Collective will live and evolve.  There were many questions and exclamations with my mentor Lisa O’Keefe and web designers Barb Young and Brittany Stockwell during the website’s journey.  There is a feeling of excitement in exploration of places unknown to us.  We can find “hidden” places in our own stories and in the stories of others.  I am always amazed with the power of a story sharing life experience, how it enlightens, inspires and unites people!

At the same time our perspectives of who we are, are often challenged by beliefs about who we should be.  I often think about how people with different social and cultural upbringings will relate to each other.  Will they feel safe and belonging in our conversations?

Right now, I feel that I am in a safe and exciting space of Curiosity.  I am looking forward to members of Conversation with Clay Collective to connect and build real relationships.

The Vase.

close up of the Vase

“I am a composed and solid vase crafted by my inheritance and place of birth.  My gold and brown rigid structure is thought through by time, space and history and should not be questioned.  It is very hard for me to step out of the vase’s firm rules and imagine all emotions, forms and colors hidden inside. 

When I look deeper, I see my bold, courageous red flowers storming from the vase.  They have new ideas and excitement for change and discoveries.  They are calmed down by the cool blue ones, there is some challenging dialogue between them...  The yellow and green colors make me feel nurtured and hopeful.  This diversity of colors, feelings and thoughts embraces challenges, courage and unity.  I learn to stay with my experiences and embrace new discoveries.”

October 2nd 2025

'The Distant Land'

The Only Conversation, by Ben Purkert (first published in Jewish Currents, August, 2020)

look how the tide
lifts the boat by
consoling it
saying I’m here
now don’t worry
the boat nods
then looks away
in a distant time
on a distant shore
this is how
the world goes
says the tide
the boat listens
with both oars
in the water

Galina’s Commentary

 I came across “The Only Conversation”, and the magic happened… The landscape of vineyards, small towns and neighbors, the traditions and beliefs - all that was left at the distant shore after 30 years of immigration, all became so vivid and talked to me…

‘The Distant Land’ polymer clay on glass by Galina Szakacs

The wisdom of tide, the golden lights in the windows and their reflection on the waves all helped me to reconnect to my roots, to the land of hot bread and drops of dew on a cold glass of juice.  It also helped me to touch the meaning of a continuous connection in the world - lives, dreams, distant lands, lost and found, all that is important in the tapestry of our life.  

Grateful to the poet and poem for helping me connect with myself.  I was inspired to create this “Distant Land”.  Working with clay has been a visual language expressing my feelings and thoughts.

September 10th, 2024

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'Wholeness'

I am a young Leaf nurtured and guided to be in the world.  History of generations and their culture, family and individual experience created me!

‘Wholeness’, polymer clay on glass by Galina Szakacs

Layers and layers of shapes and colors grew Galina’s uniqueness and conformity to the world.  The experience of immigration, loss and finding of cultures, friends and loved ones, brought in new shapes and colors.  The dramatically changed Leaf has a smooth, calm blue layer intertwined with the sharp, orange-red graze of challenges.  But the center’s inner light, the love, the courage and wisdom of generations is always present to connect.

Inner conversation with Self is challenging and hard work, but when I have a chance to touch my Light, it’s an incredible gift.  I feel safe and being part of this new landscape, its vastness and possibilities.  The air is full of uncertainty and unknown, and I breathe it with a joy of curiosity.  I know that I can connect to that sanctuary of wholeness again. 

August 30, 2024

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