It's been a while since I've done this and probably because life has changed so much!
Where to begin?
Well, I've moved! I left my beloved Portland for Central Oregon. This transition has been a roller coaster of emotions, but I have to say the highs are so much higher than the lowest lows. I miss my friends, favorite restaurants and the ease of seeing live music any night of the week. There aren't photo booths and strip clubs on every corner, but there are mountain views and snow-dustings everywhere I go. The natural inspiration is like nothing I've ever experienced. New materials and soothing colors pallets are giving me the opportunity to experiment with my creativity. Welcoming new friends have allowed me feel at home in a way I never expected so quickly.
Through those new friends I've manifested a studio. This happened with way too many "small world" moments and ended with the space you see me in above. Friend's art, along with thrifted items and my own work hang on the old ironworks buildings epic wood panelled walls. My huge classroom sized chalkboard gives me a free-space to do my monthly chalk installments. For 2014, each month is handlettered.
Initially I am using this space to nurture my chalk art and hand-lettering. Honing my craft and doing projects that are all my own. "This space is all my own," something I have to keep saying to myself, something I've never experienced. It's small, 10x10 cube and my sweet next door studio neighbors are almost within whispering distance...but, it's all mine. A community and individuality all in one fell swoop.
After jumping out of the warm feathered nest that is Portland, I feel more at home flying on my own than I ever expected.
Portrait by Cat Carty
