FEBRUARY NOTES
January came and went (as it does), and now here we are staring February in the face. I said I’d be back in this space this month and here I am. What do I want to say? I have no idea. But I said I’d be here so here I am.
So, let’s catch up.
We’re in the middle of the winter in Canada and it’s a little chilly. We don’t stop for cold up here on the prairies though. I mean we only cancel schools here if it’s -45C. And truth be told I love the winter — when everything’s just quiet and still... and the world just seems to go at a much slower pace. So despite the wind and tingling fingers we carry on. Trekking through snowbanks to feed the chickens. Gunning the vehicle to break through driveways that have blown shut. Stacking lots of wood and keeping warm by the fire. But the seed packs in the store tell me that Spring will soon be here so that’s something.
IN THE STUDIO
Once I take a break it’s pretty hard for me to get back into a routine again. So here I am… freshly off of Christmas break a month later. Last month I took time to do a little studio refresh though. I brought in a longer table that can double as a desk / display table and scored a second hand rocking chair. Just some little things that make this space a joy to be in again.
As far as actual work, I restarted my studio practice last week and it’s been great! Painting has always been something that I put last. But no more. I’m starting off by finally finishing a gallery wall in the hall since there’s way less pressure creating art for yourself than for others.
I’m in the beginning stages of planning out a summer series that I’m super excited for and want to get all those ideas down on paper while they’re fresh. Typically I’m just a throw everything into one notebook kinda gal… lists, ideas, plans… but lately I’ve been thinking about starting a dedicated sketchbook / idea book for all these little ideas that could bloom into something bigger. There’s just something about a sketchbook you know?
Sources | 1. unknown 2. Heather Day 3. Brice Marden 4. unknown
INSPIRED BY
Some things that have caught my eye and have been inspiring me lately.
Sources | 1. Studio stuff 2 unknown. 3. Layers 4. Textured wood and pots 5. Wood and white 6. unknown 7. unknown 8. unknown 9. unknown
LATEST WORK
Some work that came out of my fall art tour prep…
little landscape minis on raw canvas and some earthy abstracts (8x10). I snagged a few for my walls and put the rest up for you.
BOOK STUFF
Back in August I started reading again. I mean I’ve always read… but not like this. This is finishing a book every few days kinda reading. I’m finding that I’m really enjoying cozy mysteries and sci-fi right now. Some of the stuff I read last month…
Dungeon Crawler Carl - a wild ride for sure! I’m the furthest thing from a gamer but totally loved this one enough to continue the series.
The Maid - a solid cozy mystery where you can’t help but root for the main character.
Project Hail Mary - so so good! I hope the upcoming movie does it justice. No science degree required.
That’s Not My Name - I crafted a plot twist in my mind and was totally wrong. A great YA mystery thriller.
The Man in the Brown Suit and assorted Agatha Christie Short Stories - I’m reading the works of Ms. Christie chronologically… novels and short stories… so there’s a lot to get through. I do have an alphabetical Agatha Christie printable up in the shop for download but I’m working on one that lists her stories in order soon. As I’m learning more and more about her books I’m also learning about the different US / UK titles so there’s some editing to do in the next version.
Finlay Donovan is Killing It - I did enjoy this one, but I don’t think I’ll continue the series right now but might revisit it later. I just have a lot of good books on my shelf right now that I think I want to read more.
Shift - loving the Silo series (on paper and TV)! Hard to put down and I’m not wanting this story to end.
No Exit - reads like a movie (and there is one)… fast paced and perfect to read in the winter.
Phew! I’m hoping to take February a little slower but hopefully a few more good books are in my future.
What are you reading right now?
Till next time.
xo. M
CURRENTLY
Truth be told I’m struggling to get out of holiday mode. I’ve found too many good books and the fireplace just makes the living room far too cozy.
Just a couple of things…
Shipping is back on. Canada Post has gone back to work (for now) and we’re back to shipping art like normal. I am still waiting for a Christmas gift to arrive however.
I have some potential leads on shipping larger artwork to look into. Hopefully they pan out. I am currently hesitant to work on really large pieces just because they’ll have no option but to fill my home and I’m running out of wall space. This would really be a game changer.
I’m hoping to start sharing more regularly again. Why does it seem like I say this every couple of years? Regardless, look for monthly updates from me starting February (fingers crossed).
That is if I can put this book down.
xo M
SHIPPING PAUSE
Just a quick little shipping update…
During the Canada Post strike we’ll be pausing our shipping. You can still pick up art and prints in person but our shipping options simply won’t exist until the strike has concluded.