Let Me Introduce You: Zoe Zilian of Farmhouse Pottery

Spring has come very late to Vermont this year but with recent warmer weather and rain the dormant landscape is finally showing signs of green. I find myself coming out of my own winter hibernation and on discovering the work of a talented local artisan, felt inspiration stirring and wanted to share a fabulous find with you.

From its early history, Vermont has been a magnet for creative people. Inspired by the landscape's abundant natural beauty, the Green Mountain State's verdant hills and sparkling river valleys have been enticing artists of every school to settle and work in its picturesque hamlets.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting one such individual, Zoe Zilian, the designer and visionary behind Farmhouse Pottery. Zoe and her artist husband met in college where they formed a creative collaboration that grew with their relationship. Shortly after getting married in 2003 they founded a high-end lighting company which met with great success following their first showing at Atlanta's Home and Gift Market.

Within a few years they left the city to pursue a pastoral lifestyle in the charming community of Woodstock, Vermont. Even as their family grew, the pair's creative collaboration never ceased as the couple made time for projects that began as self-fulfillment and eventually grew into the Farmhouse Pottery line.

Initially selling their handcrafted pottery - durable American stoneware - at regional farmer's markets, the collection grew to include local farm products, bath and beauty treatments, and candles, all available in Zoe's online shop. And, in addition to the skincare products available on her website, Zoe crafts the seasonal signature treatments used in the luxury spas at the Woodstock Inn and the Stowe Mountain Lodge.

As the business expanded, Zoe stayed true to her vision of creating "lasting, generational pieces," that she describes as "authentic work, inspired by the rural Vermont landscape, the outdoors and nature." That is Zoe below, photographing the 'pantry bowl.'

It is an ideal drawn from her family's own chosen lifestyle,

And as Zoe says, "The inspiration keeps growing."

all photography and styling by Zoe Zilian, ©Farmhouse Pottery

To see the full line of pottery, home accessories, gifts and Vermont farm products visit Zoe's website: Farmhouse Pottery. For Boston area friends, Good at 133 Charles Street will be hosting a Farmhouse Pottery trunk show on Thursday, May 16 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Please stop by.