"poop or get off the pot....."

.....and so I will poop!!!!!! What does this mean???? The beginning of June my etsy shop will reopen, yup, it is time to learn how to market oneself, that would be me!!!! Nelson is wonderful in its support and enthusiasm, however it is not the place to make myself into a full time financially "stable"artist...nope, it is time to get over my computer hangups and fear of potential packaging and mailing issues and do it....oh la la...time for the next step in the process of being Kim the artist...hear goes gang....

Week after......

Hello my lovelies!!!! The show is up, the opening was a success, and I am still in catch up mode...I may have overdone it...however in doing so I finished the big piece...and love it!!! I also finished the wedding picture...yey!!!! (the photo is a bit fuzzy) I am still bloody sleepy and truthfully a bit overwelmned as to what the next art step is...oh well, plenty of time to worry about that..in this moment I am more concerned with making enough money to support myself and the furbies...resume writing today....tomorrow the job hunt starts.....oh lovely...giggling....because sometimes that is the best reaction....

The day before show night.....

I have to work at the soap store today and tomorrow...and so in an effort to accomplish everything that must be done I find myself up dressed and about to head to the studio at 5:30 a.m. The huge tragedy of this scenario is that coffee dosnt become available until 7...deep breath......Good Morning!!!!

Tuesday night.....mmmmm, Wednesday morning....

12:02 a.m. Wednesday morning, off to bed, but first an update......will the big piece be finished by Friday? This Friday, the night of my opening? Perhaps....wake-up call VERY EARLY tomorrow will be a step in the "finished" direction....I am tiered, I would like to have a conversation without the distraction of deadlines...I wish I had more time..oh well, what will be will be....here are some pictures, including a couple of my things in a shop window...good night my darlings, sleep well..
xo

Good Morning!! I should be in wool land so I will make this short.....My first children's felting workshop was wonderful!!!! 8 kids successfully made Easter bunnies, had fun and sustained only minor injuries. I learned some valuable lessons about teaching which I will apply to my next class...yup there will be more!!!!!!! I have included some pictures of the kids and some of my finished art...(the girl holding the hippo was the custom piece I did just after Christmas....she is hanging in her new home...being loved!!!!)

Tomorrows list of must do's........

I am not a list maker, however in an effort to alleviate some of my stress I am going to give it a shot and make a list. I have heard that things are less overwhelming when one has a clear idea of what must be done. Here goes. Get out of bed...giggling, o.k.......Get art show posters printed. Buy supplies for art workshop (dollar store and wool shop) Buy cat food. Cut wood for frames. Complete humongous boy's head. Start on humongous boys arms. Attach eye hooks to completed picture and hang on "the all done wall", take a picture of it and post on blog. Do the thrift store rounds (material) Breath. Mmmmmmmmm, I dont think seeing it in black and white is lowering my stress, perhaps it takes some time to kick in...........

I think I might be stressed......

Hello world, one of my quirks, or perhaps neurotic tendencies is to trim my hair. Feeling a little dumpy, stress or restless and inevitably the scissors surface and a little hair trimming follows (added to my slight craziness, my extreme lack of patience and a trip to the hairdresser is simply too long a wait) I have a new little "do"!!!! The stress? Job, art show, the fact that I quit smoking (again) (one month in....yey) Simon, and my continuing (almost a year) ear infections are all adding to the feeling of overwhelmed drowning sensations...big sigh!!!!! Fantastic things are also happening, new studio, new friendships, fantastic home, my computer is fixed (thank-you Joop, you are a mechanical marvel!!!!) A teaching gig (thank-you Teressa for believing in my felting, and for being my teaching Ginny pigs!!!).....I am very lucky to be surrounded by such lovely people, and loved by those farther afield as well...laughing, lucky AND stressed!!!! Here are some pictures of the studio and some art, both finished and in progress......

Today.......

I have slept the day away...........late night at the studio to catch up...oh my!!!!

The first day......

I had my first work day in my new studio....not even close to having everything moved in, however I had enough to have a fully productive inspiring day...in my white "industrial' raw artist studio......what a lovely day...excited to go to sleep so I can wake up and do it again!!!!

I am blogging....

I am sitting on a disassembled couch in my kitchen watching Paul cook dinner and ranting about the mouse who has taken up residence in our kitchen...run little mouse, run!!! Paul is cooking, because my cooking is a disaster, the couch is disassembled because it is moving..........to my new studio!!!! The space is "new York" artist raw space...o.k. maybe not New York..laughing, but it is raw, and light and bright and wonderful!! We painted everything bright white, the exception being the huge industrial air conditioner which we painted pink, which matches the coolest pink chandelier EVER (thanks Paul!!!) Although the plan was to go paint the final touch-ups tonight, I am hesitant to commit to that time line..dinner still needs to be eaten and a bottle of wine has been opened!!!! In a moment of utter optimism I have taken on a custom piece...a wedding gift.....almost done but not quite...still unprepared for my art show....one month and 6 days till the grand opening....my forehead just did that worried crinkly thing...I work well under pressure...at least that is what I keep telling everyone!!!!! I told a friend today that once my art show is up things will calm down abit...they laughed at me, informing me that my life was never calm and most likely would never be......I suppose that keeps it interesting.....

Production

I have 7 new owls hanging on my all done wall, big people have more body parts, fairy people have arms and legs and are awaiting heads and torso's. My confidence is returning and excitement over creation multiplying!! Off to be a soap seller....less exciting!!

Studio

I have keys to my new studio. It is a shared space with a woman named Tara, she is a successful business owner and artist. It is upstairs however the entrance is on Baker (main street) it has windows overlooking the main drag and space for a small gallery.....I am heading home to work on art..I am happy and scared (in a most wonderful way)
xo

Studio

Studio space on the main street....looks like it!!!!!!!! Details to come!
xo

St. Patty's

Happy St. Patty's day!!!!!! 8:30 p.m., and instead of winding down for the night I am dragging out my "reserve" energy for a night out and green beer....oh my!! No batteries for picture taking......I worked at the soap store today and will again tomorrow, Paul and I are hosting a small dinner party tomorrow.....a bad hangover could certainly throw a wrench in those plans.......green tea perhaps????
xo

Day 4

Due to a slight plumbing issue I have no hot water........in true crafting marathon mode I haven't bathed in a couple of days and am feeling and smelling a wee ripe...son of a %$#@!!!!!!!!! I have also started a new health plan, which means changing bad habits and forming new healthier(?) ones....one day in and I don't feel healthier, although a hell of a lot grumpier......I need to find batteries for my camera and then will take some pictures...right now I am eyeing up the remote control to the electric fire........

Saved by art....

Art swooped in and saved the day. My vet (hello!!!!!) had purchased a piece of art but hadn't yet paid. Simon's vet bill came to $7.98 over the piece of art......she now has a girl holding a snake and I have in my possession a sick cat, as well as the drugs to (fingers crossed) make him "unsick". Thank-you, Thank-you, Thank-you!!!! Back to my headless dude (with the great ass!!!)
xo

Simon

Simon peed on a blanket, and its red..............in this moment I feel like giving up. Ohhhhh Simon...

sheer terror....

Sheer terror over the length of time I worked on the "dude" for the GINORMOUS frame, and how long it has taken to felt what appears to be very little........on purpose I have never timed how long it takes to complete a piece...this one being no exception, however in 2 days I have spent over 16 hours crafting. Before leaving the Valley I had been plugging away at it off and on for a month......completion is not close. It is pure stubbornness that will finish this picture!!!! Stubbornness and a 6 a.m. wake-up call.....off to bed to dream of felt!!!
xo

start of day 2...

I didn't set my alarm this morning, which as it turns out was an oversight...I am super sleepy these days...o.k., coffee is brewed, I have vacated my bedroom/studio in favour of a crafting position in the living room in front of the fire. I have decided to dedicate today to the GINORMOUS boy that is going in the GINORMOUS frame....I am kinda liking the word ginormous!!!!!

End of day one......

I have learned that arranging ones self in the shape of a pretzel, and then staying in that position for 7 hours makes your whole body hurt....allot. I have "sort" of finished sewing the material backing onto the GINORMOUS frame. The "sort of" is that I messed up a little and will have to tear out some stitches and resew......working in big is not easy. My little finger tips are red and raw from not using a thimble..and my back and neck feel very much in need of a massage and hot bath.....and so day one of crafting is done!!
Good night, sleep tight!!
xo

Crafting has taken off.....

The crafting plane has taken off!!! I have backed the ginormous frame in fabric...I am now drinking wine!!!!!!!!! I have sustained 2 hot glue gun injuries and can barley fit in my room with the GINORMOUS frame and everything I own on the floor (the search for the glue gun involved emptying everything I own onto my bedroom floor.......) the glue gun, as it turns out, was not in my room but in the kitchen.....my organizing apparently lacks logic!! I am going to drink my wine, set my alarm for early and then crawl into bed......crafting and coffee first thing in the morning...giggling, my life just might be returning to normal!!!
Good night!
xo

Help......

One should never go against ones nature...case in point....in a moment of organization I have put my glue gun "away" the problem with this is that it's home has always been on the floor in the middle of crafting chaos...I cant remember were it's "organized" home is and now crafting is at a stand still until I have found it.......cleanliness is 100% over rated!!!!!

I am still here...

I know that it has been some time since I have blogged, however I am still here! Here is in town. For the first time in 2 weeks I will have 4 consecitive days dedicated to art. Pictures will come at the end of these 4 days. Finished products? We will see. In a move that I am now questioning I got another job, retail, selling soap. What was ment to be a one day a week job in order to supliment my income has or was a 5 day a week job pluse one day at the restraunt......no art has been produced and my stress levels have risen. I will have to reavaluate, however for the moment all energies will be focused on creation. My in town living situation is great....I have been to the coffee shop multiple times in my P.J's and in those moments all is right in the world!!!! I have another studio/gallery oppertunity, although nothing concreat. I will keep you posted..fingers crossed!

Proper bathroom

For 11 months I have been using bathrooms with either no mirror or dreadful lighting. I have just gotten up and brushed my teeth in a room with bright lights and a big proper mirror......I have grey hair!!!!!!!!!! Not just one but several, and several in this case means more then 2.........I think I might be a grown -up........

the good and the stress......

I spent my first night in town in my new home....the furbies and I have relocated...still a garbage run and last minute details to attend to in the valley, however, we are on the home stretch! Let me tell you about my pleasurable morning...o.k. not really allot to tell except for the wonderful moment when 5:30 (a.m.) came and went without my alarm going off...no dash to catch the 6:50 bus...in fact my alarm didnt go off l until 7:15...really quite wonderful..as was the one block walk to the restaurant. Now for the stress......in 2 months I am responsible for filling a shop with my art, including an opening and party. Only crap....am I in over my head? In this moment is certainly feels like it.

one week and 2 days........

Till what? Till my move to the "big" city!!!!!! Life can very often through you curve balls, which often can be stressful and taxing, and then come the unexpected curve balls that are really rather wonderful. I am presently experiencing an unexpected pleasurable curve ball. Will it last? Will it continue to be pleasurable? Only time will provide those answers....but I am in the moment and am thankful for those wonderful things that catch you off guard. Does this blog post make sense to you???? Probably not, however it makes sense to me........lets play ball!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cooking!

Nope I am not cooking...but Paul is...my new roommate......a roommate that cooks!!!!!!! First backpack arrived in Nelson today and Paul has offered to pick-up a carload for me....yey for Paul...THANK-YOU!!!! Now comes the monumental task of cleaning.....can the budget afford a cleaning crew? No it can not...and so I will be putting on my cleaning cap!!!! I am going to curl up on the most comfortable couch ever and read the cooking book that I "rented" from the library.....yup, really don't know what came over me...don't fret, I doubt if it will last!!
xo

moving panic!!!

I am trying to be calm as look around my space in the middle of no ware and no place and realizing that I have no vehicle and limited friends with cars to move. Panic is silly, however a plan of action is definitely needed!!!!! I am working on a humongous piece, and really quite enjoying being completely creative and silly on a big scale..super fun!!! I have a very good possibility of working part time in a shop...perhaps done waitressing for good??!!! One can hope!! I am in town.....a super hero sold and I am on rout to pick up money!!! Another shop owner has invited me to show work in her space....I need to organize my life a bit in order to resume full productivity!!!! Sun is shinning and life is being supportive...a coffee and then all will be wonderful!!
xoxoxo

home

March 1st I have a home in Nelson!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A,B,C

Some pictures for you!!!!

Art show and possible home in town!!!

I have booked an art show at Ourglass...a fantastic glass studio in Nelson...very cool owners, who throw huge art openings for all there art shows!! May 6th...lots of time to make a huge show!! Saw a possible home in town today...rent is a bit cheaper then what I am presently paying...really like it, really want it...will have to wait and see!!!! Will keep you posted!

In town again...although this time I am awake!!!!

I dropped off the completed cat picture yesterday....response was really good!!! The couple had both used the word dragon to describe the personality of there cat...what was I to do but felt a cat wearing a dragon costume..so that is what I did!!!!! Had a ton of fun making it!!!!!!! I did take a picture, so yes, soon there will be pictures!!! I am in town to get my first of 3 one and a half hour massage.....a trade I did in Dec. for a picture!!!! It is cold and rainy and a bit early to go knocking on friends doors...massage is not till 11....it is only 8:46...little time to kill...another coffee perhaps...I think so!!!!

waking up...

Although I have been awake and up since 5;45 and it is now 8;07 and one would think the waking up process would be complete...it is not...I am cold and sleepy and find myself in town waiting for the restaurant to open so I may begin my one day of "real" work. I have started my next custom piece...really quite excited about the process of it. The couple who it is for are lovely, and have given me full creative licence. There only specifications were that it involve a black cat, and then to my delight they told me his personality and left everything else to me........After work I am going to see about booking an art show in town. I also met a lovely older man at the bus stop who gave me a lead on a place to show some work in the Valley.....if only I could stop yawning!!!!!!!

happy dance...

Is it possible to be a working artist for the month of February????? I think sooooooooooooo....the Hippo sold for $500.00....a Gst check is on it's way to me...rent covered.....am in the process of making another custom piece...food for the month of Feb. Working one day a week at the restaurant.....crafting expenses covered!!!! February here we come!!!!!!!!! Still working on my computer issues...pictures to come eventually!!! Fraya, I will call you tomorrow...cant wait to hear about your job....sounds positively fantastic!!!!!!

Back down to earth....sigh

Hello! I am back at the Internet cafe!!!!!! There was a fire in an apartment building a week and a half ago....everyone made it out safely (thank goodness) although the building is gutted, leaving over 100 people homeless and in search of accommodation. Nelson has rallied around these people and it has been a hart warming and sad week. Although the fire does not directly affect me it has made it impossible to find a cheaper living space in town. Valley living continues. This also means that after some serious number crunching I can not afford to rent the office/gallery/work space. That plan was contingent on lowering my living costs. I am sad and disappointed. It is however not the end of the world....and the valley really is quite lovely...at least for a bit!! Upwards and onwards!!! I am back at the restaurant today, in fact in 10 minutes...hash browns with your eggs??? I also have been submerging myself in art...a hippo being carried by a girl in a crazy pink hat in the snow!!!!!!!!!!! Cathrine, I will post pictures soon(ish) I would LOVE for you to have another piece....your comment made my trying week end with a smile and burst of excitement!! We will talk soon!!

A million things have happened.......

Hi all!!!!! Alot has happened....the first was darling Simon has another infection in his nether region......I am in pursuit of a job to pay for vet bills!!! I am not doing my happy dance. I picked up a shift at the restaurant I worked briefly at this fall and another shift this weekend coming up. The owner wants me back and I am dragging my feet as waitressing eats up alot of creative time and energy. I also have 2 leads for retail jobs and will hear back soon. Between vet and job search I haven't had time to make anything...I miss it terribly. The other huge thing that has happened is this......a fantastic opportunity to rent an office space with street facing windows and amazing location to set up my very own gallery/work space.....I am in negotiation with the landlord. In order for this to fly I would need to find cheaper accommodation in town.....lot of balls in the air!!! My computer has also broken, thus no picture downloading or sharing...you will have to trust me that my show at the bakery is going well and my art has reached a new level...of goodness!!!! I continue to move in a forward direction.....although uphill...........
xo