Purge

Recently I have taken on the task of completely reorganizing my studio.

I am a pack rat and terribly sentimental. Every nook and cranny has been absolutely filled in my small studio space for over 7 years now. 

During this purge I encountered this- a water color paint tray that I most likely used last when I was in my early teens. Now, riddled with mold, it is an emblem of how this craziness of being a professional artist all started. 

The wistful days of just needing self exspression...

Perhaps I'll finally throw it out now.

(Please tell me to throw it out now.)

Open studio

A couple of weeks ago my studio was a part of the Chester county open studio tour. I have taken part in this event for the past 5 years. It's an event that I very much look forward to and work hard in anticipation of. This year did not dissapoint!

I had a great turn out, a positive response to my work and a good ammount of sales. I was very pleased and grateful. If you were among those who came by- thank you!!!

There is something very special about having people interact with my work in the space where it was created. 

Since then, I've been working hard at tackling the not so fun to-do's besides just creating my work. Once I finally finish my taxes (having gotten an extension) in the next couple of days, I will gladly be back hard at work in the studio. There is a series that I've been dying to start for almost a year now... I've been amassing the materials and I am finally going to let myself work on it. Stay tuned for the Reliquary series. 

Renewal under foot

I get kind of lost when I paint- usually in maddening circles spread over several panels. I build up the paint/wax and scrape down to reveal what is underneath. This is a beautiful aspect of my preferred medium, encaustic. 

A not so nice by product of this process is that my studio floor becomes thick and sticky. Where I do the majority of my work becomes a 6" hill and I am constantly tracking debris into the hallway/common area. 

Tonight I took on the task  prying up half of my small studio's flooring and replacing them with gleaming new rubberized drop cloths. 

It is not easy work, but the end result is reinvigorating! Thank God for my understanding landlord. I'm sure it will be quite an undertaking when I relocate some day.