Why was I drawn to interview Zinnia Edwards? It turned out to be more than my interest in the art and craft of carousel horses.
porchsitter:First, Ms. Edwards, perhaps you can clear up a small point for me. Your exquisite carousel horses are found in Duwaimish Bay on the Marina–but you live here on the Island of Temple People? That’s quite a commute!
Zinnia Edwards: I was invited here by the island’s “elders” after they learned of my work in Duwaimish and elsewhere in Lemuria. I don’t actually commute, although I do return to Duwaimish at least twice a year to add the finishing touches to my horses.
porchsitter: Oh, then you’re not still carving and painting them yourself? Do you have a large staff?
Z. E.: I rely on two master craftswomen, Beatrice and Eleanor and they each have an apprentice. Lemuria may appear rural, even primitive at times, but we have Internet access between the islands and I’m in constant touch, sending drawings, critiquing progress, making business decisions, etc.
porchsitter: And your training was in Duwaimish or “elsewhere in Lemuria”?
Z. E.: “Elsewhere,” but not Lemuria. Actually, I was born in the States and began my career in New Jersey.
porchsitter: Jersey!? I live in Hudson County!
Z. E.: Well, then, you must remember Palisades Amusement Park. Their carousel was my first solo job.
porchsitter: I loved the carousel; I named my favorite horse Silver!
What happened to the rides when they dismantled the park?
Z.E.:. Most are scattered across the USA, but the carousel wound up in Canada’s Wonderland in Maple Ontario. It’s been completely refurbished and the horses still live there.
porchsitter:Live there?
Z.E.: A slip of the tongue. You know how strongly artists feel about their work.
porchsitter: Ms Edwards we’re both aware that Lemuria offers artists much more than other venues. I have permission from Le Enchanteur to speak with you, so you can be perfectly candid about your work, besides, my next interview will likely be one of the stablewomen at Riversleigh, so there’s really no reason for you to be hesitant.
Z.E.:Is that some sort of veiled threat?
porchsitter: My goodness no! It’s just that we’d all like to hear how you felt when you discovered that your horses were coming to life? And the night mares? Are they your creations as well?
Z.E.: porchsitter, this interview is over!
Zinnia’s Portrait is by Heather Blakey of Soul Food Cafe. For lovely, copyright free horses 
hahaha – looking forward to more interviews…
Well….I never! You would think she would be proud of her horses! Good one!
Oops, looks as though you rubbed her the wrong way
Perhaps we could bribe her with chocolate to encourage her to divulge her secrets?
I think you have struck a raw chord when you mentioned those night mares Porchsitter. Bit like Blade Runner and the renegade robots. You may get more information out of the stable women.
Indeed – time to follow this further.
Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh! This is so fascinating AND there is a connection here for me. I have ridden that carousel at Canada’s Wonderland (Maple, Ontario is actually just on the outskirts of Toronto – we go to Wonderland usually at least once a year! – love to ride Top Gun!!!). Thanks for this.
The interview is a wonderful way to tell a story. Great beginning, Barbara.
Fascinating. I Love carousel horses.