What a blast

I want to thank all the folks that came by my studio during 701cca's Open Studio event this past weekend. Around 90 people came through over the two days! It was really gratifying to talk to everyone and I feel honored by all who stopped by.

I sold some encaustic paintings and since it is a new medium for me - and I wanted to answer the question on how to frame them. Here is a good website that not only has a good method for framing them, but describes the process as well.

I was surprised that a number of people had never heard of encaustic painting— although they may be familiar with artists who employed it, such as Jasper Johns (one of my favorites). It is one of the oldest fine art methods and was commonly used by the Greeks and Egyptians. It has enjoyed a revival since the 1960's due, in part, to Jasper Johns.

Visitors to the space were also surprised by the fact that there were studio spaces above OOPS! in 5 points.  There are now 7 artists in this space and we plan on having a few open house events over the summer. Stay tuned.

Taking the Plunge

Do you remember your first apartment after leaving home? It might have been pretty basic. It might have had peeling paint, or windows with broken sashes that needed to be propped open with a sturdy piece of wood. The plumbing was questionable and the electricity unreliable, but it didn't matter. It was all yours and it was great.

That's the feeling I have when I walk in my first, recently rented, outside-the-home studio. It's pretty basic, but it's mine and I feel I can do anything when I walk in the door. I love the building it's in. It feels like the set of a 1940's detective movie. The door has that frosted glass that makes you think Guy Noir is waiting for you inside.

If you happen to be in Columbia the weekend of May 21-22, you can visit me in the studio during Columbia's Open Studio tour.

I'll have a mix of small paintings, photography, and I'll be working on my next mixed-media artist book.

Off to the studio.