wise craft

in the studio

Working on an SSSP (super secret sparkly project).

tricking myself

I was thinking about something the other day. Working from home, being my own boss, really is the perfect situation for me. I have the flexibility to be available for my kids when they need me to be, I can adapt my own schedule to fit what happens in our lives and at our home. I can run out to pick up kids from school, it's great!

However, I have also begun to realize that it's very easy to put the needs of my own "work" on the back burner. Before I even realize it, a whole list of things can be listed in front of just getting into the studio and writing, pattern writing, or creating new ideas. It's my tendency to put everyone's needs before mine...for a long time, all the creative work I do has been a hobby, something I did to relax and "get away".

in the studio

what i'm working on in the studio today

in my father in law's studio

There is lots of art created and given on Peter's side of the family during the holiday season, we've done this for years. So long, in fact, that I think we would all feel cheated without getting something handmade by each other. Plus what do we really need? What's fun about giving art in this family is that everyone gets excited, and there is a so much appreciation for every type of art and everyone's unique style, medium, and talent.

In my father-in-law's home art studio in their home in New Mexico, he has created a family art gallery space in one area. There are many stories in that corner.

There's work from Kurt's mother Marjorie (Peter's grandmother), who was a fashion illustrator and a wonderful watercolor artist (we have 2 of her illustrations in our own bathroom, above the tub, which you can see a bit of here).

- from Emma (this painting was done a few years ago). The painting you see underneath was done by Kurt himself.

 

from Peter (I really wish he would pick up a paintbrush again)

 

watercolors by Kurt

 

from my sister-in-law Jen, who is a printmaker and also does gorgeous bontanicals

 

even the ojo-de-dios I made as a housewarming gift for them over the summer

We've yet to get art from Ian up there, he insists he works only in 3D, Lego primarily.

 

For my in-laws this year, I made a new painting, a New Mexico quilt star, to celebrate their new home. I challenged myself to work with earthy colors and, even though I had my doubts the composition and color scheme I used was working early on (I used a page from an old Anthropologie catalog as inspiration for the colors). But I came around to like it a lot and think it really fits in their new home.

My father-in-law, and Jen are both doing the year-long daily sketching with me. I love how different our styles are. The daily sketches can sometimes take on a daily journaling aspect, which is kind of fun since we are scattered all over the country.

I have begun listing some of my original paintings in the shop. I went back and forth with creating a whole separate shop just for the paintings, but decided not to. I kind of like everything being housed in one place. I figure all of it represents what I do as a maker, so why not have it all together?