Update On Some Stuff!

You know, I just came to a realisation about 15 seconds ago as I was pondering "what to write" here. I don't have a cartoon to post, I am too lazy to find/insert photos or something... I have a dash of a hangover and really just want to noodle around on the keyboard and share something. Something like an "update" on what's going on in my life. No, not everything... THAT's what occurred to me about a minute ago, now. (Back on topic!)

When I had started a blog, a few years back (I managed to erase years of writing, serious attempts at Art-Reviews and even Music ones when I erased my Myspace account... oh well...) I knew that I couldn't write about my work-place. I didn't want to lose a job, get sued, any of that stuff. Now, as a self-employed person, I can do that! So... I must say that my boss is very lenient. She lets me take breaks, start, finish my work whenever I feel like it. If I want to research galleries at 2am and call that work, it's ok! The only issue I have with her is the amount of pay she provides. However, with this excellent working environment and tons of perks... I can't complain.

In addition to my self-employment, I am looking for work. Perhaps work that has fewer perks than my self-employment provides... but higher pay! A little above minimum-wage would be fine. Or a lot more. Whatever. Honestly, I would work up to full-time, but am hoping for part-time. I'll keep you posted on what happens in this realm... I have applied for a couple of jobs, have talked to folks at a couple of places.

I am looking for work in the fields of art/design, embroidery, fashion, illustration, photography, costume design, vegetarian food-prep, light house-keeping, daycare, teaching, art instruction, and general office-help. I should find something... I am sure there is much more that I am qualified/able to do, just don't know that these industries/jobs exist. It's a huge world out there!

I taught a couple of sweet children how to make felt, then drew, painted, and sewed with them for a few days last week. The day-camp idea is fun to do. Yes, it can be draining... however it is rewarding to work with children! I like it.

I currently have an exhibition up; I've sold a couple of paintings through it. I am hoping to have a "closing" or "finissage" party, in September for this show. Worst case scenario, we have a party. Best case, one or two more paintings sell!

I am looking for a studio-mate, in order to cut down costs a bit. I have talked to some people, and so far no luck. I do have another coming on Monday, who is a serious artist, and I am hopeful.

I just realised that this is not well-written, or planned, or edited or... well... sorry. Hangover and I really really need to go through my storage-closets, clean and find some things I am missing. This blog-post is a little like that, digging in and finding what's there. Examining it. The trick is to sort this all out, and put it into place.

New Studio... Courses Offered Soon!!!

I just went by my soon-to-be-new-studio today. Saw the friendly land-lady again, paid the rest of May's rent... and got the keys!!! I didn't think I'd have access 'til May, but Landlady is nice. Happy happy!

So in the next couple of days, I will be heading over there with tape-measure and papers and pen in hand. Like any time that I start in on a new space (for example, back in 2002 when I bought my home in Courtenay, BC) I like to make a little "dream-map" of what I imagine things could be like there. I want to set this place up well, so that I utilise the space to its best. Shelving, extra lighting... things that will make it all the better.

I will be teaching courses in this space for kids, teens, and adults. The courses will be administered through the Salamander Arts Centre, but people can contact me directly, too. There will be courses in felt-making, painting, and mixed media stuff. The kids' courses will run mostly in the summer, and the teens/adults right through 'til Christmas. When I have the exact dates and times worked out, I'll provide a link to the lists. In the adult courses, we will make things like felt scarves, felt coasters, felt purses, felt beads, felt cat-toys...

The painting course for adults that I will offer is one that I had designed a few years back, and offered in the Comox Valley... however there was never enough interest in it then. I am hoping that in all of Montreal I will find 4-8 people who would like to "Add Depth To Painting"! It will be a fun course, despite the dry name. Depth is a good, good thing!

Anyhow, I must get on to packing things around the home that will be transferred over there, now. Soon I'll get movers to come and haul furniture and etc for me, so I need to get a-boxin' up. I'll also need to shift stuff from my old, shared studio space to home in the next couple of weeks...

Busy, happy, exciting time! Really, living the dream.