Two Heads Are Better Than One

People are by and large social creatures. I think we all function better around others and often work best in teams. I have meant many artists who think of themselves as "lone wolves" and work best when they are alone to commune with their art. Poppycock.

Everyday I am lucky enough to work in the studio I miss having a buddy there. Vicki and I used to share a studio at Hood and I look back at those days as some of the most productive and fun filled time in the studio I have ever had. Having someone there was great, there was someone to hold me accountable for showing up and for slacking off. One the flip side there was someone to drag me out for tea when I needed a break. There was also another mind to bounce ideas off and to catch me when I put fingers on backwards. Now my studio is lonely in the basement where its cold, and since my hubby works long hours very quiet. Last summer two of my favorite artists came to visit, my sister Sumner and my friend Pam. Both times I spent hours working side by side in my basement studio with them and somehow those days it didn't seem so cold.

There are many ways to fix this problem, one would be get my sister to come live down here (are you reading this Sumner?). But other more likely solutions would be to try to take a class or move my studio. I like to dream big of a studio downtown somewhere that I could sell my work, or a more affordable and likely idea would be to move into the garage where there is more sunshine and fresh air. It is however not climate controled and everyone who knows me knows I am a polar bear and need my AC!


I am also glad to be working with Vicki as the other half of Curious Creatures for at least 2 shows this year. It makes those long days in the booth/gallery go by fast and gives me hours to bounce ideas off someone else. Thanks to those days at Hood I have a lifelong friend and show partner. And because we worked so closely in the studio it makes having those sometimes uncomfortable serious business discussions easier. Never under estimate the value of a good studio buddy! Until my downtown dreams come true I will have to settle for the company of the Sookie Monster, occasional visitor and many many cats so many cats. Perhaps I will give up on a climate control and move on up this summer...