Transformations.....

 I'm a type A.d.d personality.  I drive myself to the point of exhaustion,  in between spiralling in circles of course because I have no clue what to tackle first. (believe it or not I thrive on operating this way)

 So For the past few weeks I have been working extra hard to focus on the shop,  painting the walls,  moving EVERYTHING out to have the floors re-finished,  then moving it ALL back in,  weeding out things here and there and organizing. 

  I have to tell you it's an amazing feeling to know where everything is,  and to see your supplies at your fingertips so you can (hopefully)  become more prolific.

  All that working however knocked me on my hiney and I came down with a cold.

I very rarely get sick,  so when I do I swear I am a big baby about it....I hate feeling like crap,  because when you have one of these obsessive overdrive type of personalities,  it kills me to miss a day in bed.  I literally lay in the bed and flop around freaking out about what I SHOULD be doing.  Do you do that too?  Let's face it,  when you're a woman on your own,  making and supporting yourself through Art no less,  that's what you gotta do right?

  Anyways,  enough about that feeling- sorry- for -myself -business,  so here are some pictures of the shop in it's transformation stages......before and afters.....it's starting to look really nice,  and I am super excited about it!

did I mention I have a LOT of stuff?  this is the front room filled to the celings with stuff.  oye

Clearing out my studio is a major endeavor.  But it felt great.  My studio has had so many transformations......do you do this in an effort to make it more efficient?  well,  I do, over and over..... but honestly,  I think it's my MIND that needs re-organization. when I'm feeling chaotic,  my studio reflects it too.

here it is when it's more zen like......in 2010 mind you ;)

(and clean for a photo shoot)

this is not reality.

but this is....ha ha.

Actually this even drove me nuts,  so I had to scrap this set up.  I couldn't concentrate.

I loved that inspiration board for a few years,  then it began to make me feel cluttered and distracted,  so I decided to eliminate it....I have Pinterest.  an online virtual pinboard that's my place where I organize things, and where I go if I need to be inspired.  If you haven't signed up for that yet.  run.  don't walk,  to sign up,  it's AMAZING  (and addicting)

yes,  you have been warned.

So here we have the rooms cleared out so the floors can be polished,  this is what they looked like before,  dull and life less....

and this is the after.....ooooh  ahhhhhhhhhh

makes me want to dance :)

so then the process of moving back in commenced,  I am trying to weed through what I need and what I don't.  I repainted a wall in my studio a hot vibrant pink.

hotpink is supposed to be a very energizing color,  but not aggressively so.  it encourages change, creates calmness,  compassion and neutralizes disorder,  So I am thinking this was a wise sub-conscious color choice no? 

here's before:

and here's the now....

nice and tidy with a pop of color.....

before I had all my fabric in this glass case,  now it's out and folded on a shelf so I can see it better,  and my glass case holds jars filled with all sorts of supplies....

and a glass case holding current projects I'm continuing to work on...

i'm back to making goofy portraits of people.  In fact my daughter and I have been collaborating on a few things.  

Fiona draws the faces,  and I been starting to paint them

I also started making these 3 dimensional portraits encased in these old Martha Stewart shadow boxes that I've had lanquishing on my shelves for YEARS that I recently un-earthed.....see,  cleaning is a good thing ;-)

layers of paint, pastel, glue, and vintage papers on metal.....

of course,  when i'm making my things,  my little studio buddy has to make her own version.

here's Fiona's guy

crack me up.

So that's it for this week,  I am back to working on projects,  in between blowing my nose while twirling in circles..of course.........

thanks for taking a peek,  look forward to sharing and revealing more soon because even though i'm sick,  I am on a mission,  transforming not only my shop,  but myself.

always good to try and re-frame things right?

right.

XOXO

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Jackie]

It's looking amazing!! I love this beautiful transformation. It looks like such a happy place - wish I lived closer - I'd come take classes and enjoy the joyous colors and wonderful creations!! Hope you're doing well and getting over your cold! xoxo

[PJ Hornberger]

So glad you work like a mad woman... makes me feel like I'm not alone. LOL I was just thinking last week I might be needing a pink wall, there you went and did the whole room! It's gorgeous. Love everything you're doing. You're on a roll, girl. So glad Fiona has time to keep you straight AND give you guidance with the art. She's a good partner for sure. xx

[Stacey]

catherine, i am so excited for you & the new look of the shop. Just looking at the photos inspires me! The tins and jars of goodies....the pink wall color...your new work! Your creative soul shines in these photos. I am looking forward to the 'I'm OPEN' post and I'll be heading north :)

[michelle]

I'm glad you are keeping us updated on your shop. Those floors! Oh my. Hot pink walls too? I don't think it could get any better.

I love that face that Fiona made!

michelle

[PJ Hornberger]

I'm really liking the hot pink walls... I might be needing one of those. That Fiona! She's a talented girl. Fun stuff. It's looking goooood. xo