A Place to Create

I often get asked about how and where I work on my art, and I thought I would share in the designing, and building of my studio. For years I shared a studio space in the basement of my husband's office building, and was so fortunate not to have any overhead, and a great artist friend to share it with me.
But it left a lot to be desired, as it was not heated in the winter and had no windows! I had always dreamed of my own creative space.

In anticipation of my husband's retirement, we started designing a barn, with a garage level for his tractor, kayaks, etc., and the second floor devoted to a studio space for me.

There were several things I really wanted, and one of them was a ventilation system over my encaustic work area to take out the toxic fumes from the wax. And of course, lots of windows and  counter top work areas.

We had the perfect spot on our property to build it. Across our creek there was a flat area surrounded by woods with a beautiful view of the creek. The first photos are of the setting before construction.

Fall

Summer

I couldn't resist putting this photo of mama deer and her babies in, and was worried that we wouldn't have them after the studio was built, but as you can see they did come back.

Now back to the construction. The framing has begun for the second story. I had to climb that ladder you see and take a look. It was hard to imagine at this stage, but I was already moving furniture in.

We really had to challenge our balance to use that "bridge" across the creek to get the the other side.

More to come on my next blog post.

A Field Trip with Mama

This is what is so special about living here  in the Smoky Mountains. Today I casually glanced out my sunroom
window and was greeted by these charming visitors to my yard.  I have been experimenting with taking photos of my artwork with my new camera so it was handy. I grabbed it and pulled out the zoom and here is what I got. I know I usually put up artwork but isn't this a marvelous change. They are licking what is left of last winters salt lick, and basically it it just the leftover residue that has crystalized on the stump. We put one out every year at the beginning of winter. There are several types available and the one we like best is a natural salt rock and contains all the minerals.
At first I didn't see the second fawn, his spots act as such a great disguise. I have watched before and the little ones are so full of mischief they run circles around poor mama. It is quite comical to watch, you can just hear her saying,"Settle down and leave me alone or we'll have Time Out"

After about 15 minutes they had their fill and quietly left. I love this photo of them through the trees.

I wish I could have gotten closer but if I had made the slightest move they would have ran, they are very skittish and can even see me if I am in the house and move.