I think it is safe to say this January has been a lot busier than in years past and I really could not be more grateful. The Open Studio this past week was a success- especially in that there are some people getting my end of month emails now. Fingers-crossed you aren't scared away by the informality of it all!! I really hope for this to read like an old friend's catch-up, it really helps to take the pressure off me and to keep me from ever thinking of using an AI generated email. Hopefully its all enjoyable and if not, I know whatever recipe at the bottom is :) |
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I had so much fun setting up the studio space for the Open Studio night. Having work spread across two countries and pieces kept in storage for so long, it was such a great feeling to see it all in one place. I really put those studio walls we built to work (FINALLY!) Thank you to those that made it!! It was so much fun being able to see familiar faces and new ones in the space surrounded by lots of sculptures, drawings, and paintings. I am looking forward to having another one in the near future :) And if you are ever around and want to stop by, reach out! I love having studio visitors. |
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Unfortunately I was not able to take photos during the Open Studio because my phone was playing music for the night but here are some photos I took after. I love that now I can really SEE, photograph, and catalog my work. I am definitely inspired to keep working and rearranging as I go. |
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I started a portrait this month ahead of working with local business owners for my project with the ArtsBuild. It has been fun to really push myself by not working so much with the model as I am used to. Also not used to working with a microphone pack, video camera, and being asked questions but hopefully we can find a good flow...and it is pretty exciting, to say the least! Here is the portrait after almost 3 hours of model time spread across two sessions that were a week apart. |
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After 1 hour with the model and 3 hours on my own. |
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After 2 hours with the model. Looking forward to finishing up soon! |
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At some point this year I will switch my monthly meditation drawings to plants but for this month, I couldn't resist the lilies that came in a gifted bouquet. Its always cool to watch a flower bloom in real time. |
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**FUN FACT** Stargazer lilies represent prosperity and abundance, the perfect flower to symbolize the wishes of a new year. |
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January really did bring a lot more movement to than usual. We've had some trips out of town as well as get iced in for two days. The morning after the Open Studio we packed up and went to a cabin near Hiwassee, Georgia for a three night stay. It was the perfect repose after the grind it took to get the studio all set up. There was a fireplace, hot tub, creek going through the backyard, and a game console table loaded with all the old school arcade games. 'Gyruss' and 'Burger Time' are coming away as new favs. (and lots of props to you if you know what they are) |
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I love how the deep green color of the cabin made it feel like it was nestled into the trees and rhododendron bushes. It would be so nice to go during the warm months to take advantage of all the outdoor hang areas they had set up on the edge of the water. |
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They had some gems of antique stores there. Really could've spent a few days just doing that but we definitely would need to bring the bigger car! Between Blairsville, Hiawassee, and Blue Ridge, there is a lot of places to choose from. |
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After having the traditional Southern fare on New Years Day and Blake making the best black-eyed peas I've ever had, here's a dish we put together using the following three recipes put on a bed a rice. Its collards, black-eyed peas, and some leftover store-marinated peppercorn pork tenderloin. Feel free to do any variation- and to also buy the pre-marinated tenderloin- but just don't try to rush the greens and peas!! It is so very worth it the longer they can have to cook. *disclaimer* I have not tried this collards recipe (or ever really used a recipe for greens, its just something you come to know) but this seems like it will get the job done and you can also just use bacon instead of ham hock |
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If you liked this end of month recap. please consider sharing with a friend to sign up for next month's... the more the merrier :) |
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