Five years ago this summer, I decided to take the first step in the journey that is becoming a visual artist. I stopped learning how to play the guitar, I said no to people who wanted me to join their whatever groups, and I committed. With my heart pounding in my chest, I told my husband that this was what I was going to do, and he said, "Sounds good to me." And so I began. Another artist that summer said I should just go ahead and have a show. Make some stuff, have my friends make cookies, and send out the invites. I resolved that I would do this in 2013, after I had some time to figure out what this whole thing was going to look like, and time to develop myself as an artist.
This weekend, I opened my studio up and (!) had a show. My friends made cookies! I had stuff to hang on the walls, my husband couldn't have been more supportive and encouraging, and despite the huge ROAD CLOSED sign 200 feet from my driveway, 45 people defied the sign and came! I got to show off my space and talk about my work and my ideas and my values. I got to meet people who really loved my work, who saw me as an inspiration to them. (Me? Inspiring other people?) Some people came, saw, thanked me and went. Others lingered with a glass of iced tea, asked question after question, and stayed long enough to make their own little work of art take-home piece.
Everything went just as I'd hoped it would. It was a fantastic experience! And, I'm exhausted!
Follow the steps around the house...
Welcome to my studio!
Organized, clean, bright! People loved my shelves, windows with north-facing light, sink and magnet wall.
A mix-n-match of lots of my work over the last few years.
My new curtain, to keep my unkempt house out of sight! (Made of a drop cloth from Home Depot, thanks to Martha's May issue.)
Hamming it up with some visitors.
Aprons blowing in the wind, and refreshing, healthy, tasty snacks. Plus the perfect temps!
Thank you to everyone who paid my studio a visit this weekend! It was a pleasure having you, and I feel truly blessed to be able to pursue this dream. I think much is in store for the NEXT five years! Stay in touch. :)
2 comments:
Hi Heather! Thanks for posting so quickly! I enjoyed the photos and the descriptions so much. I also LOVE your new advent calendars! They're unlike anything I've ever seen, and I think in our times it's unusual to find something so cool and original as these!
In looking at these photos again I am amazed at how you are realizing your dream Heather and I think it's so great! I love the photos of you showing off your space as well as seeing the studio itself, so colorful and inviting. I just want to walk into the picture and look at everything!
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