Studio in the Woods - A Dream Fulfilled
I had a dream to build an art studio at my cottage. It started out small, and it grew into a beautiful space. Part of the process was just believing that this studio was important enough to me as an artist to invest in. Planning the design and living through the process, was at times challenging, but has resulted in a wonderful place to make art. We all need to believe in ourselves and in our dreams. I appreciate all the work done on this project by my contractor North on Sixty and his many tradesmen. I look forward to being part of the Muskoka art scene.
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.
Studio in the Woods Begins
Waiting for my studio to be started and watching it grow, has taught me about patience and provided time for some introspection, and also time to create.
I am very excited to see my studio taking shape finally. I’ve been planning this for over a year now. I’ve been impatient to get started at times. But, as with most good things in life, a little patience is helpful. The more you push to get something, the longer it usually takes. This is a lesson I’ve been resisting, but am coming to realize I must learn it.
At the moment, my driveway is dug up. I’m kind of living in a castle with a moat around it. The lake is on one side, and there’s a trench on the other. I don’t go out much. You might call it hunkering down. Living at the cottage without a car (my son drives to work so I’m home and carless during the day), has taught me to slow down even further than I did during the COVID lockdown. Pre-COVID I was always busy, running around, doing errands, going to meetings, feeling I must do things to feel productive. COVID, and now, living in Muskoka, has helped me to be more present and observant. I’m less of a doer. It seems that my doing self, was avoiding my inner self.
Some of this self focus is a little uncomfortable. But, there is also less stress from all that busyness and doing. If you follow me on facebook or instagram, you’ve probably seen my many photos of plants, mushrooms, and landscape photos from Muskoka. You might have watched a “crazy” video of me using a toilet brush to create a painting. These are the gifts I’ve experienced during my “down time” being up north.
I very much appreciate that I have been given the gift of time to spend on my art and to just BE with myself. If this is one of the outcomes of waiting for my studio/bunkie and watching it take shape, then it is definitely worth the wait.
Take care. Hope you have an opportunity today to be with yourself, really see the world around you and have some time to be creative. Oh, and definitely, to have some fun. Check out my IG video if you want a laugh.