Studio in the Woods - A Dream Fulfilled

I think it was almost two years ago that I started to think about building a small place for me to paint while I was at the cottage. I started out in the garage and I also built a little outdoor platform so I could work outside. I hate being indoors on nice days. But, I always had to move my things to make way for cars and other inconveniences like that. And the garage wasn’t heated in the winter. I started looking into small 10x10 bunkies. But, then I learned I was allowed to build a bigger building. That began the process of finding a site and making sure it was all legal, figuring out a design and choosing a person or company to help me build it.

I have been showing photos of the work in progress, and it is an amazing building that has finally come to be, but this story is mostly about having the courage and belief in yourself to move forward on a project that seems a little crazy and like a gift to myself. Learning that it is OK to go after your dreams even if they don’t make financial sense, has been hard for me. I’m used to putting others’ needs first and to making do. It also means believing that making art is something that I need to do and that it is worthwhile for the joy it can bring to others as well as myself. Many people think of art is thought of as a luxury. And I probably adhere to that view to some degree. But, as with a bouquet of flowers, or a new coat of paint, or a special pillow or blanket, art can bring comfort and enjoyment every day to your life. Having things that speak to you and that you love, is what creates your home, your space. I’ve used that message as part of my slogan - Art that Defines You. I believe people are drawn to the art that resonates with something inside of them. So, this new studio is my space to create good things, and hopefully share them with you. I am very lucky, and I appreciate that I’ve had this wonderful opportunity to fulfill a dream.

I have put together a video of the studio being built as many of you have shown an interest in the building itself. In September 2021, the construction began on my studio and bunkie at my cottage in Muskoka. It was envisioned by myself and my contractor Yuill McGregor of North on Sixty and Yuillbuilt. I had met him when my husband decided to buy a desk made with "live edge" wood from Yuill's mill. I also visited the laneway house he had built behind his Toronto home. That design, his attention to details, the wood finishes, and the functional extras sold me on his work. The project has had its moments being built during COVID with supply chain issues, labour shortages and during a Muskoka winter. And it has been a labour of blood, sweat and tears with many craftsmen contributing to the outcome. The video is a behind the scenes look at some of the construction and the finished product. I’m glad I was part of this challenging process. The video can be found on my website under Media Clips.

Riverdale Artwalk August 20-Sept 3

I turned 65 yesterday, a milestone I’m told. I have a good life. I live in a neighbourhood where I feel connected and valued, I have three sons who are making their way in the world, I have good friends and family and I have some great nieces and nephews I get to watch as they grow and develop. And, I have a passion for painting that I have been able to develop in the last few years. I am lucky to have so many good things in life.

I would like to invite you to join me, to celebrate your own milestones and good fortune. See me in my Booth #39 (I think a number that is 3 x 13 is probably a lucky number) this Saturday and Sunday. I would like to share this passion of mine with you. You will also be able to see the work of 70 other artists who will be so happy to share their work with you. It has been a long time since we have been able to meet outdoors and present our work. Everyone is beyond excited to finally show what they have been working on, mostly in isolation.

I hope you are able to come and share in that joy, optimism and the beauty of an eclectic, talented group of creators.

Cherie Daly Art

Ch-ch-ch-ch- changes..........So many coming at us. What will be next?

Turbulence is life force. It is opportunity. Let's love turbulence and use it for change. Ramsay Clark, civil rights lawyer

COVID-19 has forced us all to change, like the title of my favorite David Bowie song. Most of us don’t like change, but we know it is inevitable. We are all going through “unprecedented” and unplanned changes that came on us abruptly. We weren’t prepared. We’ve had to adapt. And it has taken some time; it’s been a grieving process for many.

However, some of those changes are probably good in the long run. For myself, I have slowed down, a lot. I’m taking my time to do things. Creativity takes time, and so many of us seem to be taking up creative pursuits now that we have the gift of time. In another vein, my neighbors’ kids are thoroughly enjoying their freedom. There are bikes and scooters strewn over lawns and happy little voices along with the birds chirping. They are now allowed outside and are creating their own games. It reminds me of when I was a kid — a long time ago. Drive-in movies are also back in style. We seem to be regressing, but in a good way.

Ready, set, hop scotch.

I’ve had more time to reflect on what is important and how to protect my “creative” time from interruptions. I find I need to spend time warming up and then getting into a flow. Then my creativity is allowed to come. I used to spend days rushing around doing errands and could not find more than three hours a couple days a week to focus on my art and my art business. I am trying to be more disciplined about how I choose to spend my time. But, I also want time to connect with friends, to walk my dogs and to observe life around me with more attention. As the yogis say, “To be present”.

I have been reading a book that seems quite appropriate for our situation, “World Enough & Time on Creativity and Slowing Down”, by Christian McEwen. She believes we can have a “rich sufficiency of time”, but we have to choose what to let go of. I’m hoping it will help me with my priorities and keep my focus on my art.

Mannequins dressed in fine 1940's-style attire were already theatrically staged Thursday at The Inn at Little Washington, tucked in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains about 90 minutes west of Washington, D.C.

I enjoy hearing about all the novel ways that businesses are finding to cope. Most are moving their stores online and offering free delivery. One restaurant is putting mannequins in seats to separate customers and to create an atmosphere. This sounds kind of fun. The pandemic seems to have spawned a lot of creative and positive forces.

Another change I will be going through is the move of my studio. Unfortunately, a rent increase has resulted in the closing of the Akin collective that I’ve been a part of. This is sad and another change I have to accept. But, perhaps, it is also a new opportunity. I will be joining Nanci Miranda’s Studio 360 and hope to keep creating and building a new partnership.

I hope you are all able to work through your own challenges and changes during this time. And that you are able to look for the silver linings.

You can click on the photo to take you to some small work I have for sale. I also have joined the #Artistsupportpledge and have two paintings on sale through them.

Smalls