thoughts on art and creative living

Outdoor Studio

I feel that my creative breakthrough is just beginning to emerge! I’ve actually spent more time setting up my space than creating, but I feel that this is, for me, an important part of the process. I’ve decided to move much of my studio out to the balcony, so that I can create outside while the weather is nice. I’ve moved all of the things I feel I’ll need to create my new series of small works, including gessoed panels, collage papers, paints, brushes, pastels, pencils, pens, texturing tools, bottles, etc.

Getting everything organized in its proper place takes some time. Small spaces require even more organization so that all the tools don’t become clutter. Now that I’m set up, it’s evening and I’m too tired to work. But I’m excited that the time has arrived to get things moving.

I made a resolution a few days ago to take a walk every evening. I prefer the “golden hour” while the sun is just beginning to set, and all the plants have a magical glow to them that renders everything more ALIVE. Part of my daily practice is to take my camera with me. I make quick shots throughout my walk, without stopping to do too much editing. I want to keep up a steady pace so that I get my exercise – so I pause only briefly to take a photo of basically anything that catches my eye. Mostly its the plants and flowers, occasionally a tree, tiny weeds breaking through the textures of a wall or pavement; or a cat that comes up to greet me (if I’m fast enough). I don’t know yet whether I am actually going to USE any of these photos. I just feel that taking them helps me to take more notice of my surroundings: how the light affects everything; how different plants, placed next to each other, create interesting patterns, textures, and color contrasts.

It was a good idea to move my studio from the basement to the balcony. I couldn’t bring myself to be down there while the weather is nice, especially after surviving a cold and rainy winter. One must “Seize the Day” while the sun is shining in this town. It might be raining the following day. But the rain here brings good things too. This is known as the “gardener’s paradise”. I’ve created hundreds of photos during my daily walks. I want to post some of these, but need to organize them and figure out which software is most convenient to blogging. In the meantime, if you are interested in sifting through them, you can find my  Portland web album on Picasa.com:

I don’t know how I am going to use any of these yet. Mostly I am interested in the patterns and textures that I see in all of these plants, rock walls, trees, etc. They’re visual notes of my daily journeys… which I’m sure will find their way into the studio at some point.