The Evolution of an Art Studio: Manifesting a Dream

All Ready for Kentucky Girl Designs to Move In

At the end of this month I will be moving into my new art studio at the Hamilton Arts Center in Novato, CA. This is a BIG step for me on both a personal as well as business level. When I started working with creative business coach Jennifer Lee of Artizen Coaching this past April, one of my future goals was to have a public studio in an artist's community by late 2012. Didn't seem unreasonable. What was unreasonable was that it manifested within a month of setting my goals. I had visited the center at an open studios event and talked to my friend Jill Culver (Soul Portraits -- check her out) who had a studio there. Within a week she called me and said call the realtor because a studio had come available.
Wow! That was fast! But I thought -- what's the harm in just looking. Well, I looked at the space and the most wonderful feeling came over me -- I saw myself in it, creating art, holding workshops, and selling my jewelry. But this couldn't be happening now. It was too unreasonable. I wasn't even generating income in the present moment. Unrealistic. So I sat on the fence for about 3 weeks, then told the realtor that I just couldn't do it right now. But at the same time I couldn't shake the feeling of the rightness of this step forward, so I got out the word to artists that I might be looking for a space to share, or for they to share this one with me. In a matter of weeks I found someone, recontacted the realtor; applied for, qualified and signed a lease; paid the first and last rent; got insurance; lost my co-renter; and decided to go for it anyway. Why not? Why not now? It's kind of exciting to see the development...if I fail I fail. If I take off with my mane in the wind over the cliff I might just sprout wings and fly!

Ring the Bell, I'm Back in the Ring...

Note the New Spiderweb the Day After Our Painting

Well, after a two-month hiatus I think I'm ready to continue writing about my creative exploits and experiences. I am finally feeling like I can sit down in front of the computer and...muse. And more. I'm still taking a break from my Daily Journal Page Challenge and will resume that when the call is strong enough.
Post show, my sister Mary and I totally revamped our front porch. She talked about this on her last visit in March, and I finally let her at it after the street fair. Prior to her coming I ordered a wild indoor/outdoor 5'x8' rug -- orange, red, purple were the colors. We headed off to Pini's Ace Hardware and bought red, orange, purple, and pistachio spray paint. We went to Pier One and bought a ton of mismatched pillows with those colors in it. Back at home, we pulled all the vintage, peeling, dull, white wicker furniture that I inherited from my grandparents off the porch and in the 85+ degree heat went wild with the spray cans.

Not to say I didn't have reactions to all this change. My sister had to keep saying to me "you're going to love this". Sometimes I'd put my foot down and say what I did wanted. But mostly I went with the flow cause I know I like what my sister does. That's the creative process. And it fits with who I am and where I am heading. These pictures show the result: wild, bright, fun colors. Adventurous. Playful. Stimulating. Productive. YAY!!!

Transformation Achieved!

A Successful Adventure...

Kentucky Girl Designs Booth Back Wall

Well, I've finished my street fairs for the summer, and the pressure of making pendants and product is temporarily over...at least until the November/December holiday shows! The San Anselmo Art and Wine Festival was all-in-all a successful experience for me from a sales and marketing experience. In general I think that street fairs are a mixed bag -- they are grueling on many levels especially the prep and set up and not a ton of sales in this economy. HOWEVER, they are really great for me to be in because they get me out into the public in front of people and they get out the word about Kentucky Girl Designs. I get good feedback all along the spectrum -- excited, awestruck, friendly, lukewarm, indifferent. I take it all with a grain of salt and enjoy the process. I can see how many people appreciate the creative spirit, and also how some wish they could be more creative for themselves. These are the people that I welcome into my altered book workshops because I know I can get them in touch with that side of themselves! I also like the idea of my jewelry being worn and treasured by the "perfect person".

San Anselmo Art and Wine Festival 2011  Street View

And as a footnote,many thanks to my sister Mary -- always supporting that creative side of me and being with me for the show set up, sales, and tear-down. Among a zillion attributes, my sister is a booth stylist and sales floor whizz and "just the bestest" sister I could ever have.

My Adorable Sister Dearest, Mary

And hugs and kisses to my husband Munro for getting up at 5:00AM, transporting goods, set up and tear down, following directions from his loving and pushy wife, and tolerating a chaotic home for the past two months. And more hugs and kisses to all of my peeps (you know who you are) who came by to say hi or make a purchase, or even just sent good wishes my way!

My Co-Heart and Chief Sponsor

My Old Kentucky Home

Quintessential "Kentucky" Courtier Looking at the Bluegrass

There are people and places that just stay in your blood. (What is that song by the Beatles? Oh yes, "In My Life I Love You More".) These people and the feelings they engender weave through the cells of your body and seem impossible to eradicate or hold onto. Memories, and the stories we weave around them, become the fabric of our life -- there is much bittersweetness there and there is also much joy. And it is also good to remember that even though we make up in varying degrees stories that help us live our life, we are not imprisoned there. The feeling is ours to carry with us and enrich our life whether or not the people remain present. And with this openness to change there is always another direction to take, there is always another grace to be given.

I spent a week in Louisville last month visiting my mom and brother as well as attending my 40th high school reunion. I haven't had the desire to go to any of the previous reunions, but something called to me this time and I made arrangements. My classmates may have changed physically, but there was an overall sweetness to the re-meeting and acknowledging the passage of time and the lives that have been lived valiantly. Even if someone would not claim this adjective to describe their life -- I will for them. You live your life the best way you can, you love the people, the animals, the places, in your life the best way you can. Some you love more than others, some you may not keep in touch with and still feel deeply about. Maybe it is imperfect, but most people give their very best to living and to loving others. This I believe is living your life valiantly. This is the journey.