Friday, November 28, 2008

space :: to be

It's nearly December and I've yet to write a post about the new studio space. I get tired of saying that I'm busy all the time. So, instead, I will just say that my life has been very, very active.

On November 1st, 2008 Marilou and I used our very own keys to walk into one of the most beautiful spaces I have ever known. Never mind that it was Marilou's biggest event of the year that day. Never mind that I had a show to hang the next day. Never mind that nothing has slowed down since.

The space is ours--and, for this, I am supremely grateful. It has been a busy few weeks of designing the space, painting walls, and pricing materials. I've hunted architectual antiques; I've poured over paint chips; I've studied up on industrial hardware for sliding doors. I've looked at sinks and cabinets and closets. I have daydreamed endlessly over workbenches and am still on the lookout for that perfect desk.

Today, however, I set up my easel and simply painted. The photo (above) is of a work in progress--a farm cat (turned city cat) named Chubbie. I listened to music, took breaks to run circles with my wolfie, Anu, and, with paint brush in hand, stood bathing in a pool of sun. For lunch, I made a picnic on top of a four foot pile of sheetrock. I ate avocados and tomato with crackers, washing it down with coffee from my hot pink thermos. As I ate, Anu enjoyed her fair share of dog treats. We were happy.



Tomorrow begins Day 1 of construction. Somehow I've managed to talk my dad and brother into helping me build walls. My dad has somehow talked me into beginning at 7am.

Right now the space is 2,200 square feet of wide open bliss--but before the end of the weekend Marilou will have her very own office and I will have a private sun-filled studio--each will have large wooden sliding doors that open up into the rest of the room which we are dedicating to gallery and workshop space.

I've been daydreaming about this for so long now that I look forward to seeing the end result.

I have a feeling that a lot is going to change for me in the coming year. I don't know what or how...but I feel myself planting my roots deeply. Getting ready. Inwardly preparing.

This year has been thrilling and scary all at once. It has required great amounts of faith and perseverance. It has tested me to my core.

Tomorrow, however, is a new day.
Tomorrow, everything is possible.
And I find relief in knowing that tomorrow started with today.


"Be Brave: 7 Little Letters to Live By"
new addition on my Etsy here.

~

12 comments:

Sharon said...

Oh, Jessie, I wish you all the very best on this new part of your life. Your enthusiasm is SO catching!!! Thank you!

Samosas for One said...

I think you should send me this as a Christmas present! :)

Maria-Thérèse ~ www.afiori.com said...

This is so wonderful!!!
I love seeing that it's REAL, that you are making your dreams REAL.

(It's what I'm doing as well but you're further along.)

♥ visit me at www.afiori.com

Anonymous said...

It's crazy beautiful, sweet one! Even without walls, it's such a big open space. I'm psyched for you!! I can't wait to see it when it's done!! xo

ps.. Your alphabet letters are amazing.

Laura B. said...

I'm so happy for you, Jessie - You are living your dream!

Amber said...

Yaaaaaayyyyy!!!! That looks aMAZing, dollface! I can't wait to see it in the end.

:)

Unknown said...

Wow!
I cannot wait to visit!
Talk about a dream come true! It almost looks exactly like your photo - minus the curtains.
WOW.

Sharon P Pope said...

Sounds like a perfect day, Jessie. I am so happy for you that your dream studio is progressing. What a wonderful space! I love the cat painting and the Be Brave letters. Good luck with your new venture!

madelyn said...

holy doodles!!

that space is

b r i l l i a n t!!!!


beyond brilliant....

i would want to SLEEP there
and wake up and make coffee and
paint

if i knew how to paint:)

wow.

way to go sweetie

so excited beyond measure for
your joy:)

muah!!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow, what an AMAZING space! Love the windows and loftness of it all.
Congrats, congrats, congrats!!

Samosas for One said...

This is so amazing Jessie! It is very inspiring to read about your accomplishments.

Suzie Ridler said...

Absolutely amazing and super exciting Jessie! The space is fantastic and I love the other post with you loving wearing a tool belt too. You're making it happen!