Bless my new studio

West wall

Renovations to my new painting studio and classroom space are 95% completed. My deep appreciation to my dear husband, Bill, and sons (Russ & Matt) for doing the work. It is a dream space for me. The advantage of playing and exploring media over the past 19 years is that I know what I NEED to work. Lots of flat working space, loads of storage for supplies, good lighting, place for my books, music, sewing area,  flat files within reach, water source nearby, and most of all......easy to keep clean and organized.

Sharing photos of my haven gives only a glimpse of what this space looks like. But it is far more satisfying to actually BE in this space. Everyone is invited to come and wallow in what I hope will be a den of inspiration.

North wall

East wall Library and administrative area

East wall with sewing area and flat files I hope to keep from cluttering!

There are still a few things that need to be done before calligraphy classes begin on March 1. But I'm testing the space to make sure things are efficiently stored away ready for me to pull when I need them.

Before Studio Arts I would spend every January hibernating, reflecting, regenerating, and incubating plans for the year. I have the luxury of enjoying January & February emptying my well so I can begin to fill it again. I found this haiku circa 2001 that rekindles the reason why winter is a time for hibernation.

So.......What's next?

The transition from the responsibilities of being an owner of a business to not has left me wondering if I'm experiencing an identity crisis. During the two weeks spent going through all the things that needed to be done to close the business, my thoughts fantasized what life would be like without the burdens of owning Studio Arts.

People asked what I was going to do after SAC. My husband asked this question and I had no trouble answering: To have time to plan, shop and prepare nourishing meals, sleep in, walk everyday, put the house in order, bond with my sun porch studio, reconnect with old friends I've ignored for the past five years, and smell the roses. His reply was, "So, what are your plans for February?" Funny guy, but he does know me!

Here it is, a mere 18 days of being a 'free' woman and I am enjoying all the above, but why did I spend 20-hours on updating my web site? That wasn't on my list. Also got the idea of making a painting studio/classroom space usable for teaching art classes from home. The amount of work involved to achieve this is daunting! Clearly, and I know this because the epiphany came at 3am, I am *still* a professional artist/instructor regardless of the closing of Studio Arts. All I need to do now is find a way to not be a slave to the professional side of my personality!

These photos chronicle the progress to reclaim space in the basement for a painting studio/classroom. I'm thankful to have two willing sons and a husband to do the heavy labor. They tell me the place will be ready by mid-February to early March.

The two paper rolls are from "Pay as You Exit" calligraphic performance by Denis Brown. I can't throw them away!

This is the third time Bill has moved and rehung these cabinets. He's hoping this is the last.

BUT! I want it done by yesterday. I think I should add "cultivate patience" to my list of things to do now that I'm "free".