I don't know why I'm posting this, but I was inspired by Suzanne Berry's photos of her studio in COMPLETE disarray. I think it's a sign of an artistic mind to live amongst clutter. What you see above are the AFTER pictures. I wish I had taken some BEFORE pictures.
The top picture shows the computer desk I'm sitting at right now. Adjacent to this room is an unfinished basement space where we have an upright freezer. Some months ago, I was defrosting the freezer and, to hasten along the process, I was chiseling away the ice build up with an ice pick. Suddenly, pssssssttt. I had punctured the tubing holding the freon. To my dismay, I found out when you put the tiniest hole in one of those tubes, it renders the whole freezer worthless.
Yesterday, we finally bought a replacement freezer. That meant the old freezer had to go, which meant I HAD TO CLEAR A PATH. You see all those canvases in the lower picture? Most of them are at least 30x40. They, and numerous boxes, were stacked up taking up about half the computer room space and blocking access to the basement area. So I organized them and moved them to the space next to the freezer.
Sometimes we need a nudge in the right direction. It's (kind of) a joy to see the carpet again. Charlie has room for his dog bed. I have a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Next, I will tackle the studio room where my work table and easels are. It's AWFUL right now. I can do this.
14 comments:
Ha Ha. A nudge. Or a push, shove, full body check!
My husband is taking a much needed week off. We can't afford to go anywhere, so I have convinced him that it will be great fun to finish my studio. It used to be the kitchen which we moved when we bought the house. (Who on earth would put a kitchen on the top floor of a four story split level??) I need to put the flooring and trim up. We will have SO much fun doing this together. Right, honey??
In preparation for this, I fixed the former broom closet so I can store both blank canvases and finished work. I put all of the clutter away. I swept. Hey, its already looking pretty good!
I lost a shoe one time in my "studio". I had to clean until I found it, and I cleaned the big pieces and put them back where they were. I often use a rake and a leaf blower.
I just hope your new freezer is self-defrosting!! (I remember my mom having to defrost freezers in our fridge (and I think we had a stand alone freezer when I was a kid too). I think I've done it myself a few times in fact. Hair dryers and pans of boiling water set inside...Ei yi yi.
Anyway, so good to have that sense of accomplishment, yes?
Congrats on your cleaning project Carol...I'm sure it will serve to inspire and motivate you!
I'm glad you posted this. We all need to be reminded of others' suffering in our same situations...LOL Probably good I don't have a basement. Yesterday Craig forbid me to store an old family sewing machine my sister wanted. His point was - when will she pick it up. Well since I didn't have a day/time that was had to argue with. Also he wants to paint racing stripes in the garage (really) and the machine would be in the way. But if I just had a basement...
You're inspiring! I've been so busy hosting and painting, my whole house is in disarray. I need to take a break and start cleaning. Motivate me more... I need it!
I love your studio space Carol and would have loved to see a before. It looks like a great place to work. Sorry to hear about your freezer. Our fridge needed some mouth to mouth last week. It defrosted everything a day after I went grocery shopping. Luckily himself did a magic incantation and it began breathing again. Paint on and thanks again for the mention.
it's neat to get a peek into your life and work space. And wow, all that clean canvas!
I am sooooo identifying with you... I HATE cleaning and straightening... but when forced it is satisfying to see it all organized and clean again.
Last month I finally got my carpets clean... In moving everything out I found tubes of paint I'd purchased and put away (for when I needed them)... I'd actually forgotten that I had even purchased them... shame on me...
HOORAY my friend!! Looks great!! My nudge was needing to make room in my basement for workshops! HA...that led to the garage sale...THAT led to the Studio sale so I'd have room for new art...and, and, and...GOOD JOB! ps...sorry about your freezer! :)
I'm gonna go stab my freezer right now...
Being able to find things is nice sometimes. ;) I know when the mess is out of control when I am spending more time looking for things than using them.
Oh boy. I presently have to 'clean' my home studio which doubles as an office/guest room/TV room. Currently it is a mess and I have company coming in a week who'll be staying in that room. I'm going to take a before picture.
I love your work Carol.
Go, Carol, go!
The main thing is that it got done, right?
I know Suzanne will get her workspace in order too!
-Dean
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