The Gift of a Residency

That’s what I did this weekend; I gave myself the gift of a residency.

Nope, I didn’t apply for anything, or get any funding.  I gave this time to myself.

I am fortunate enough to have carte blanche access to a condo in Daytona Beach, Florida that over looks the Intercoastal Waterway.  For a salt loving, ocean loving person this is pure heaven.

But I seldom go.

It’s too difficult most of the time to just go.  Life gets in the way.

But this past weekend I did it.  And, boy am I glad I did.

I wasn’t making work, rather working on the business of art.

Not as much fun as making art, but very enlightening and worth the effort.  We artists really need to know the why’s of doing this crazy thing called art.

I won’t be so bold as to say I did all that I set out to do, but I accomplished a lot and I hope to do it again in the future.  It is a necessary part of being an artist.

My only wish would be to have the opportunity to do it with like minded artists, too.  This past weekend was for solitude, but having a sisterhood from afar to share ideas with, well, that would be fantastic.  And I hope someday that wish comes true.

But now it is Monday.  I am refreshed and ready to face the world.

I hope you are too.

May you have a creative day!

One Year, One Month, One Day

That is exactly the amount of time that has passed since I last blogged.

Mercy me.

It wasn’t an intentional choice to stop, it just happened.

First, I went to Penland School of Crafts for an encaustic class.  Which was FABULOUS, by the way.  I learned lots and met a wonderful group of artists.  Hands down one of the best experiences that I have had taking a workshop.  (Below are a few pieces I made during the workshop.)

And then one thing led to another, and then another, and I got out of the habit of blogging.

I toyed with different blog post ideas from time to time, but they never made it past the idea stage.

But, here I am back again.

I’d like to think I’ll make it a regular habit, but in the past year I have also tried to let go of the many “shoulds” in my life, so I’m not going to force myself into a “one size fits all model.”  Instead, I’ll shoot towards once a week and hope for the best.

I do have much to share and much to learn from you, so I look forward to reconnecting again.

Until the next time, may your days be filled with lots of creativity.

Artfully,

Kim

Encaustic work done at Penland 2012
Kim Radatz

Encaustic work done at Penland 2012
Kim Radatz

Letting Go, Orange
Kim Radatz

Letting Go, Green
Kim Radatz 

Polka Dot House
Kim Radatz

You Say
Kim Radatz

Seeking North
Kim Radatz

Something New to Play With

I am hard on equipment and recently killed one of my sewing machines. It lived a very long and productive life, first with the previous owner of over 30 years and then five years with me. No regrets or complaints about that work horse.

But, I cannot be without a backup sewing machine since much of my work is stitched.

So my 10 year old Viking goes to back up position and my brand spanking new Viking Sapphire takes center stage.

Woo Hoo, wonder what will come from this. Only time will tell.

Until we meet again, may you have a creative day!