Welcome to Studio Muse!

 
studio image, work in progress and raw materials

studio image, work in progress and raw materials

As the world slowed down…

I hunkered in at home, anxious and forced to live more and more with my own thoughts. I found myself increasingly aware and more conscious of my inner dialogue - muttering away, jotting down notes, asking myself questions aloud.

I heard the same from many of my artist friends. This forced pause encouraged an examination of my current path in life and art; in my priorities, desires, sense of gratitude, and purpose. I sensed the fragility of life and human connection. I felt my need of others, and of community.

work in progress, hand-dyed silk cocoons (tea, coffee, sunflower, walnut and oak gall ink)

work in progress, hand-dyed silk cocoons (tea, coffee, sunflower, walnut and oak gall ink)

A refuge

The studio has always been a refuge for me from the tumultuous and uncertainty of the outer world.

The studio has always been a refuge for me from the tumultuous and uncertainty of the outer world. Within its walls I feel adventurous and safe to explore and experiment; reveling in material, concept, and meaning.

What about this material draws me in? What is this work about? What am I trying to express?

I started having longer text and email exchanges with artist friends in addition to the not-satisfying-enough-but grateful to-have-something zoom talks. Zoom feels necessary. Yet it is as if a viewfinder is centered on a tiny fragment of a large, vital, and intriguing painting. So much is lost in the translation; the breadth and depth, and texture and fullness of experience.

work in progress, handmade abaca and flax paper forms, honey locust thorns

work in progress, handmade abaca and flax paper forms, honey locust thorns

Studio muse

Studio Muse was born of a period of contemplation. I missed the impromptu conversations with others at openings and gatherings, critique groups, and shared meals. I missed the questions that stir the pot and volley back and forth generating ideas and stimulation from other artists. This blog is my internal dialog — as record, response, sketch or rendering — of where I am and what I am experiencing in this time as related to my studio practice, art in general, and the connections and pathways between my life and my work. I welcome you in and look forward to reading your thoughts in this digital conversation.

Overwritten: 1461 Days of the Trump Administration, 2016 - 2020, burnt drawings on Grays Anatomy Textbook, one page burnt for every day in office, 10 x 13 x 5 inches (open)

Overwritten: 1461 Days of the Trump Administration, 2016 - 2020, burnt drawings on Grays Anatomy Textbook, one page burnt for every day in office, 10 x 13 x 5 inches (open)


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