On The Art Table in January
Holding two things (or twenty things) at once.
Since having kids, January has been a blur of a month for me. Our daughter Clara was born early January 2021, January 2022 I spent quarantined in a hotel, (not because of Covid ironically, but because I was pregnant and Clara had Chicken Pox… a very long story for another time, but also, maybe not) and January 2023 our 5 month old spent a week in the hospital with RSV. Needless to say, I have so much gratitude that 2024 *knock on wood* isn’t starting with any hospitalizations or quarantines. Don’t get me wrong, it still feels blurry, just a softer, less opaque blur. The post holiday haze continues to linger. We’re very much out of a regular routine. While we continue our home restoration, Clara, James and I are living at my parent’s house in Frankfort while Dave works in Traverse and lives amongst the lath and plaster.
It’s a season of life where I constantly am reminding myself two things can be true. Both, and.
I’m so grateful (and proud!) that after 5 years of saving we’ve started home renovations and it is stressful (hello canker sores).
I love being home with my kids and I love working.
Living in such a quiet town in winter can feel lonely and the landscape right outside our door is endlessly inspiring.
Have you practiced holding two seemingly opposite ideas at once? I’d love to hear yours in the comments.
If you’re reading this and thinking “I’m just here for the studio updates”: Thank you for subscribing, updates are below and I’ll get to them momentarily.
Just yesterday, I drove an hour to Traverse for a dentist appointment with the plan to spend the rest of the day working at the studio. Believe it or not, most of my work days unfortunately do not include mixing paint. However, as sleep deprivation would have it, I forgot my laptop in Frankfort, so it was decidedly a painting day. And it was just what I needed. The relief I felt reminded me of this favorite quote from a favorite film:
“You know what I love about cooking? I love that after a day when nothing is sure…and when I say nothing, I mean nothing. You can come home and absolutely know that if you add egg yolks to chocolate and sugar and milk it will get thick. It’s such a comfort.”
-Julie Powell, Julie and Julia
In my case, of course, mixing colors is my cooking. And the wonderful thing about making art, that my mom taught us, is that nothing is ever ruined. Just simply paint over it, start again. Or when we were young - “color over it, make it into a heart”.
Local Mastermind
I’ve made it abundantly clear at this point I’m desperately lacking structure, so what better way to hold myself accountable for finding some than to host a local annual planning and goal setting workshop?
I've participated in two virtual masterminds over my 8 years in business (one ongoing) and I attribute much of my business growth to these communities. I've always been inspired by our local creatives, and it seemed like a no-brainer to pool our resources and meet in person. I firmly believe in 'community over competition'. The stronger one of us is, the stronger we all are, especially when reaching back and pulling each other up.
If you’re interested in joining, let me know and I’ll forward you more information.
Annual Print Sale: 1/25-1/28
Save the Date for my annual print sale January 25th-28th!
As a very small business, I'm not able to regularly discount my work. But I am passionate about everyone being able to see art everyday! Once a year I find so much joy in making my work more affordable.
I’ll send a reminder email later this month. Keep your eyes peeled!
Summer Planning: Studio Art Show July 25th
Just in case you’re planning summer vacations to northern Michigan, *tentatively* pencil in July 25th for my annual open studio art show. We had a blast this past summer. I hope you can make it.
Table Talk (aka the convos I’d be having with you while sitting together, making art.)
This month, I want to hear from you. Each year, I send out a short survey asking for constructive feedback that helps me set goals and better serve you.
If there is something you've been hoping for, now is the time to share!
Alright, that’s all for now. Each year I pinch myself that I can continue painting for a living. I’m so grateful for your encouragement and support of my art practice. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
x
Katherine
‘the wonderful thing about making art, that my mom taught us, is that nothing is ever ruined. Just simply paint over it, start again. Or when we were young - ‘color over it, make it into a heart’” This was so heart-warming to me. I tell my kids this all the time (and my friends!). There’s no such thing as a mistake, only a discovery. (Of course, easier said than lived in spirit sometimes, especially when I’m stressed.) I love this idea of holding two things at once and right now it feels like I’m doing it in so many corners of my life, especially in the “absolutely adore time with my wild children & also need time to hear my own quiet voice…” Happy to have stumbled on your beautiful space this morning. We’re down in the middle of the state, wandering among the trees. Hello from down there 🫶🏽