Ode to the art studio--a show and tell for the sake of sharing and remembering.

Once upon a time, this building was a library.
These days it is the home of the Bemidji Community Arts Center where, since 2002, I have had an art studio--my home away from home.
I have loved that place dearly.
It is where I became an artist.
It is where I started
to take myself and my art seriously.
It is the sort of place that will always hold a place in my heart
because it gave me
space
to express myself
to explore myself
to save me from myself
to discover myself
to heal
to grow
to be.

It was a place where I could be alone
where I could lose myself
in music,
in brush strokes,
in color.
My studio floors were made out of movie tickets.
It felt good with bare feet.

It is a place where I enjoyed the company of other creative, intelligent women.
A space where I felt
safe
supported
relaxed
inspired.

Now it is empty except for a few pieces of art.
One made by me,
one by the woman before me,
another by the woman before her,
and yet another by the woman before even her.

I loved this bench...but left it for D., who will replace me.
This bench holds the collective energy of several artists.
I took a picture of it because maybe, someday, I'll build another just like it.

Inspiration seeped from the floors,
the walls,
and even the doors.

These are the ghost paintings from past canvases.
They hold the story of the many things I've painted.
That bottom reddish colored line healed me more than modern medicine could ever dream of.

And now, back home, it is time to unpack my studio
in a new place where there is room
to grow.

I don't know what will emerge...
but I look forward to whatever it is
with anticipation.

I am thankful
for all I've been blessed with.

Thank you Universe.
Thank you God.
Thank you Art.
Thank you Studio.
Thank you Women.
Thank You.

Goodbye studio. I have loved you.
May you inspire many more.