I’m finally in the new studio!
I know it’s been a while since my last blog post. I’ve been busy for sure. In June I finally moved into the new studio and quickly went to work on new paintings. I do have a lot to share but will try to keep it simple and come back with an update soon.
Here are a few things I’d like to share with you today:
- Studio location and view
- Upcoming events
- Plans for the shop side of the studio
- My new “Win” videos on YouTube
- Making time for me!
Studio location and view.
If you didn’t know, I’ve moved to Maryville, TN. I’m in between Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains. This is one of the best things about my studio. I purposely built it so I have plenty of windows and the window from my work area faces the mountains. My view is of the foothills and in the distance I can see Thunderhead Mountain of the Smoky Mountains. I’m constantly in awe of this view. Another benefit of the new space is that it’s not inside the house. I’m no longer tracking tiny pieces of paper through our living room. I also love that we installed a fence so Tracy and let Jagger out and he can come visit me in the studio. (Below is a pic of what my view is while I type this blog post. It’s a little hazy so it’s hard to see Thunderhead Mtn right now)
Upcoming events.
I have three exhibits coming up this fall. The first is at Vienna Coffee Company here in Maryville. Vienna is one of three coffee shops I love to visit and get my coffee beans. Since I started going into the space I noticed they hung local art so when I moved here I reached out to see if I could join in one some of the exhibits. Turns out they have a small group of artist/volunteers that curate the shows and it’s well managed and embraced by the community. The current exhibit is titled “Sweet Rides.” I entered my Big Ole Buick painting. I found out recently that I won an award:) I’ll know more about that in the next week or so. (Pic below is just a small part of the last exhibit at Vienna. My “Big Fish” painting).
Vienna Coffee Company: https://www.viennacoffeecompany.com/
My October exhibit will be back in Nashville at University School (USN). This is their yearly fundraiser, “Artclectic,” which has been one of my favorite events to participate. That’s what I’ve been doing with my time in the new studio, preparing for Artclectic. I have several new pieces, including one of my most detailed. If you’re in the Nashville area please come by and say hi. You’ll love how the Artclectic team transforms the gym into this amazing gallery space. (See image below from last year’s event).
Artclectic: https://artclectic.org
This is my set up at Artclectic in 2024.
The last exhibit for 2024 is in December here in Knoxville. This will be my third time participating in “Artsclamation.” This is another group exhibit that benefits a local non-profit. I’m pretty excited to see many of my Nashville friends on the Artists list. The dates for this event are Friday, December 6th from 6-9pm and the 7th from 9am-4pm. Like Artclectic there will be several great artists on display. (Image below is a list of this years artists:)
Here’s a link: https://www.covenanthealth.com/peninsula/artsclamation/
Shop side of studio space.
I’m so lucky to have my studio broken into two areas. I have one side that I mostly use for my painting process and to display some of my work. I also have an area that will be for the messy stuff. This will be my wood working, mixed media, assemblage space. I’ve been slowly working to organize my tools and materials so I can easily go into this space and play. I tend to be so process focused with my paintings that I need to occasionally step away and just play with materials. This will be a good way to keep my ideas fresh and allow me to explore alternate ways of creating. I see so many artist get caught up in one thing and then stuck making the same things over and over. I like to keep exploring and finding new ways to challenge my creativity. (The shop is still a mess but I’ll share an image anyway:)
The messy shop!
My new “Win” videos.
If you follow me on YouTube you’ve probably seen I’ve posted some quick videos lately. I’ve want to be more consistent is sharing videos but I hate all the editing that goes with it. I decided to try sharing my little wins, but not edit them. I’m just reflecting on my day and sharing something I consider a win for the day. I’m still going to create more process videos. I just needed to take a break from that for a little while. I have a lot of video I’ve collected and will edit for YouTube soon. If you don’t already follow, please find me on YouTube. Let me know your thoughts on the win videos. Here’s a link to the most recent video: Another Win!
Another Win!
Making time for me!
I’ll close with something I’m most grateful about being in the new house. We knew when we built our house we had to have a porch that allowed us to take advantage of the view. Since we moved into this house I have spent almost every morning drinking my coffee and every evening relaxing on our porch. It’s been almost 4 months and I can already tell a difference in my mental health. I’m finding this has replaced a lot of my screen time. Got to love being in nature and how it makes you feel. I definitely feel like I’ve found my place.
Until next time!
RLP