Studio progress (studio visiting)

Today was a nice day at the studio. It was spent mostly visiting, drinking coffee, and picking paint colours. I love the current (and I'm sure original from 1953) baby yellow and pink, but it's quite dirty and as one of my studio-mates pointed out --- the pink kind of reminds her of boiled hot dogs. Enough said. So we spent today trying to pick vintage inspired colours that would suit the style of the studio. We were especially inspired by the old metal office table we have in the main space - grey and green. Sturdy and utilitarian but still soft and pleasant. Added bonus- other colours look great with it. So I think we are going to try a dirty greenish grey for the wainscot, with shiny bright white for the trim, and slight off white for the walls. Now when are we going to find the time to do all that painting?



We also went on a quick tour of the architectural clearinghouse. I was looking for an old enamel kitchen sink to replace one of the existing bathroom sinks. Something a bit better for washing brushes and studio goo. We saw a few possibilities, but nothing I needed to take today. We did see these beautiful toilet tops and old radiators. I also got a fantastic black and white metal cart --- with casters! -- for $10! Woo hoo.



There was even a few hours of painting, which didn't feel like it amounted to much but I think actually did. I keep reminding myself to be patient, but starting painting after a break feels like learning all over again. I am impatient for results.

Happy Halloween

Tonight was the annual Superfriends Pumpkin Carving Extravaganza. We were a smaller crew than in years past, but apparently no less messy.



My favorite is this view from inside the pumpkin......scary.



Happy Halloween.

Updates from the new studio

Today was the first day I painted in the new studio.



Of course since August I've been cleaning, moving, drywalling, mudding, sanding, and painting ceilings, walls, and trim. It's been a long time coming, and I was even starting to think that I didn't really miss painting. But I did.



I went to the grocery store with my new studio-mate to get inspiration (and even some groceries) and then it was off to work for both of us. It felt a bit awkward at first, but I know it will all come back to me if I just keep at it. So for now it's one bit at a time with little expectation. How could I have forgotten how ugly paintings are at the start?

A letter from Kya to Jodie

Today was a beautiful fall day. You know those days where it really smells like fall?



We went for a walk down by the river. The leaves are all turning colour and the light is really nice. The sun was bright, but a storm wasn't far off.



The rowing club was practicing, just beginners learning - "ease on starboard, ease".



The rowers made me want to go into the water even more than I already did. I'm sure I could swim out to them, to join them in their awkward glide - which side is port again?

Instead I had to settle for a wander and a climb.



Wish you were here. It doesn't smell the same without you.

Always lots of love,
Kya

Mailing presents

I wrapped up the wedding gifts I made for my friends tonight. I'm so excited for them to be opened. I think they'll love them, or at least I sure hope they will.

I won't post pictures of the gifts yet, just in case they happen to read this post before the package arrives. That will have to wait until later.....

Last Suppers

We have just said good-bye to our lovely house guest --- and she was lovely.



Her presence encouraged us to make nice meals and enjoy long conversations at the table.
She provided lovely vegetables and ancient grains, and her mother gave us beautiful squash and flowers from the garden.



We ate well, walked a little, talked a lot, and laughed.



I'm sad her visit passed so quickly and hope she will come again soon.

Good luck with your move Jodie Anne. Enjoy your new city.

Studio Moving

I'm currently moving to a new studio, and yesterday my old studio mates came by to see.....



and to eat and drink and celebrate the new space with a picnic. There was poppyseed cake, chocolate chip & nut cookies, strawberries, cherries, and fantastic coffee.



Even though I have sad moments thinking about leaving my old studio (I have been there for 10 years!), I know that the new space is full possibility. Here's to new beginnings and old friends to help things along.