new year, new studio

It is true that I have been absent from this space but it is with good reason, as I have worked tirelessly since November. I was not only finishing up my holiday production, events, and shipping at the time but simultaneously building out a home studio in the old storage shed in my backyard. It’s a little 10x12’ space that we used to store our garden equipment, tools, old paint and whatever other miscellany that couldn’t find a place in our home. Ever since I moved into this house six years ago I envisioned repurposing the little outbuilding as a creative hideaway. I knew that the shed was about the size of the of my old studio space I rented in Southern Star Studio so I understood what kind of set up I needed to make it work. I also grasped that although I had a clear vision for this project I did not have a complete set of skills to make the renovation happen properly. I hired a very talented local woodworker, a team of drywall craftsmen and a very thorough electrician to help me in my pursuits. I was able to handle painting, staining and laying a faux wood linoleum floor.

By the end of January the power was finally hooked in, my brand new Skutt kiln was on order and I was able to actually start working and getting my hands back in the mud after a two month hiatus. I can’t really put into words how content I feel for taking this step and realizing a very long time dream - to have my own personal dedicated space to make art. It makes my heart swell into my throat and at times I almost feel overwhelmed. For me this has been one of the gifts of the pandemic. What I mean by that is - over the past year I have had so many dramatic emotions and reactions to moving forward in this upside down new reality. I have taken a lot of time to reflect on what is important and valuable, how I want to spend my time, what I need to feed my soul. I am very fortunate and grateful to be in this position and I look forward to growing into my new space with new work to share with all of you.

Looking ahead at the rest of the year I am excited for more online shop updates along with in-person events at my new studio. I plan on taking a step back from my wholesale production as I feel it continues to tamp down my desire and ability to come up with new ideas. My chosen word for this year is NURTURE and I with that I plan to nurture my little studio and my creativity within that space right along with my mental and physical health. I am SO looking forward to

-the warmth and sunshine of Spring

-growing things in the garden

-seeing my family this year (after not seeing them for well over a year)

-less fear, less masks and more connection and travel!

xxoo