Issue #1: Notes From The Studio
Bad timing, a big blank canvas, upcoming art events, The Poetry of Spaces, and the importance of showing up.
Leave it to me to change my newsletter frequency to weekly on one of the busiest times for our inboxes all year.
I’m not great at planning out things like this. When the mood to start something hits me I usually just jump right in, regardless if it makes practical sense. As a painter, my impulsivity can serve me well. As someone who is also responsible for selling my art, not so much!
Hopefully, this message will escape the fate of a quick delete and you’ll enjoy what I’m sharing this week.
What I’m Working On This Week
This weekly section could be a great example of a “to-don’t” list, or the accountability factor may spur me on to greatness. Or both!
I started a large painting in my studio and have been doing pick-up, delivery, and planning/errands for upcoming events. I’ve also been watching a lot of Friends reruns and a predictable sappy Christmas movie. See? Both!
I’ve put the first layers down on a large abstract landscape painting this week. This is the first of three large paintings that I’m doing for a potential new client interested in licensing my art for wall coverings. I’m excited about the possibility of seeing my work in hospitality projects through this new professional connection, and I’ll be sure to share my painting progress here! The original paintings will be available for purchase early next year as well.
Upcoming Events
Holiday Pop-Up Party at Seattle Art Source: Sarah and her team at Seattle Art Source are joining Adorn for a holiday gift market. The event will take place next Tuesday, November 28th from 3-7pm in Seattle. Some of my art will be on display and available for purchase through Seattle Art Source. 5531 Airport Way South, Seattle
Art Walk: On Thursday, December 14th from 5-8pm I’ll be sharing my art in Studio 15 at The Building as part of the West Seattle Art Walk. My friend Dorothy Lemoult is hosting me and I look forward to meeting some of you in person at the event! 4316 SW Othello St., Seattle
What I’m Into This Week
The latest book by Sarah Andrews, The Poetry of Spaces: A Guide to Creating Meaningful Interiors.
This is the second book by Sarah that I’ve read and I absolutely love it — both the writing and photography. Someday I hope to stay at her dreamy waterfront creation in Tasmania, Captain’s Rest — read Sarah’s My Story Instagram story highlight to learn about Sarah and how Captain’s Rest came to be. It’s a fascinating story.
Our Thanksgiving tradition of having dinner in a restaurant.
This year it’s just the three of us for Thanksgiving — me, my husband, and our 13-year-old son, which is often the case, and we have a tradition of eating out at restaurants for the holiday. This year we are trying the Thanksgiving buffet at the Hotel Indigo in Everett, WA. The last couple of years we haven’t made good choices, so let’s hope this year is better! We really miss when Kaspars used to be open for dining in on Thanksgiving in Seattle!
Reminding myself of the importance of being in the world and connecting with people, even on a small scale.
Victoria’s heartfelt post on SFGirlbyBay last Friday reminded me how important it can be to just show up.
As I mentioned to her in a comment, there’s a man in Seattle whose daily writing practice is letter writing. He creates handwritten letters on a bunch of personal and philosophical topics and mails them to his list. He was a Creative Mornings speaker and I bravely requested to be added to his list, so I’ve been getting them for several years now.
One time when the world felt like such an unspeakably dark place to me and I was feeling so helpless in it all, I wrote to him and asked him how he dealt with feelings like that. He messaged back and stressed the importance of small daily interactions. Doing what you can where you are, just for one person — like a brief conversation with someone in line at a grocery store or something like that. It’s easy to feel like there’s nothing we can do — which is often true for the big issues. But we really can make a difference on a small scale. That’s what I try to remember.
Thank you so much for mentioning my post, Melanie. The “letter writer” and his response to you really warmed my heart. Happy Thanksgiving to you three. I hope the buffet is plentiful and delicious! ❤️
I love this new format for your letters to us. This time is already hard for me with the shorter daylight but it’s even harder after so many years of crisis. I’m more grateful than ever for moments of beauty & thoughtfulness like these showing up in my inbox. Thank you 😘