A hat tip and thanks for the reminder to wise and inspiring friends Donna, Karen, Lisa, and Nin. I’ve been re-focusing and that is certainly a helpful mantra. Magic, Art, and Beauty. That’s what it’s all about. Thought about calling this post “Magic, Art, and Booty” (as in the booty from treasure hunting) but that could be taken the wrong way.
I’ve been deeply immersed in the wondrously weird little world of my crow’s nest studio, much more appealing now that C.P. McDill helped me re-organize it and found a way to make it reasonably warm. Another important part of “gathering mojo” for the working mode has been treasure hunting for dusty old books and their pages. I guess this replaces beach combing and gardening since I do tend to switch to antiquing in the winter months.
I’ve also been listening alternately to two amazing internet radio stations, both of which I highly recommend. My current favorite is the recently discovered Ancient FM which plays medieval and early music. I also madly love the ambient otherworldly atmosphere of Drone Zone at http://somafm.com/ and not just because they occasionally play tracks by yours truly although that is always appreciated. Both stations have a nice flow to them. I am rarely taken out of my own zone or distracted from what I am working on.
The photograph (above) is a corner of the studio arranged with newly adopted books and cheese crates, along with an antique paper cutter, restructured wooden cigar boxes, and more books from the last successful raid.
Gorgeous book from 1905 illustrated by Will Carqueville.
This is not only a nicely tattered old book. It’s actually a useful music lesson primer. I’m beginning classical guitar lessons next week so it’s just what I needed.
Oh yes! Peacocks and columns.
No idea what these are! Embroidery cards?
Last but not least, deep in some arid desert is a cool cave, an abundance of life within finding refuge from the brutal noontime heat beyond. Small luminescent creatures dwell on the walls of the black interior, making unintentional constellations to delight the eye.
Size: 6″ x 6″
Mixed media: oil, paper, ink, and varnish on canvas.
That’s all for now. I’ll be in the cave.
6 responses so far ↓
1 Nin Harris
// Jan 10, 2010 at 8:46 am
Cannot describe how much this post makes me smile. Your old books and studio look so lush and gorgeous. (also, Booty is good for the soul)
;)
2 Gentress Myrrh
// Jan 10, 2010 at 1:22 pm
I’ve been working on my “special nooks” in our house. Although we’ve been here for a year already, I still haven’t really settled in, but my “stuff” is slowly taking over and transforming the place, one dusty little thing at a time! ;)
I absolutely love the pictures of your special spaces full of beautiful things.
3 Erzebet
// Jan 11, 2010 at 1:37 pm
What a beautiful post. Thank you for another glimpse of your studio!
4 Aria Nadii
// Jan 12, 2010 at 4:54 pm
Thank you for the comments. Booty is indeed good for the soul. I’d love to see more special nooks from artist’s studios and homes.
5 Stace
// Jan 28, 2010 at 11:55 am
Followed a link from Nin, and I just have to say how much I love your painting. It’s just enchanting!
6 Aria Nadii
// Jan 28, 2010 at 4:24 pm
Thank you Stace. So nice of you to say so.
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