New SPACE

Taking Inventory: I've had my sleeves rolled up all weekend w/ projects around the house.... clearing out and shifting the space. It's amazing how these changes have such an impact. Even Koko (the cat) was darting around listening to the echo of his own meow-symphony in all the new spaces we created.

It all started with the decision to get rid of this giant TV stand / armoire we've had since our first apartment (10 years ago!) We maneuvered it to the end of the driveway and donated it to the curb gods. Within minutes my Mister was helping a happy couple load it into their truck. Bon Voyage!

The same day at the magical thrift we found this old school chalkboard (for $5!!! ) It's been a dream to have one of these traditional teachers chalkboards... I LOVE IT, I love playing w/ chalk. The model to the right there is Cindy. I've used her as a figure to draw quite often.... On the other side of my room (the VERY messy side) is a set of old school lockers (also from the magical thrift.) I'll share some better shots of my studio space when it's been put back together. I really love my space. 

The BIG Three-Oh: I'm turning 30 tomorrow! I can hardly believe it. I'm extremely proud of all the progress I've made the past 5 years from 25 - 30. There were some crazy times in there... Crazy, but necessary for overcoming and becoming. I'm especially grateful for the past year, for all the amazing people in my life, for all of the friends and soul sisters I've been blessed to meet in the flesh. . . for this journey, for the good and the bad and the indifferent, for the art and writing and discovering and naming and healing and growing and helping others do the same. This year from 29 - 30 has been one of the best years of my entire life. One I will never forget.  

Bon Voyage, 20's! Hello 30's!

I could go on and on w/ so much more in my heart... Instead I will leave you with a new painting called Waiting for Words:

All my heart,
Carissa

Studio Views and Juicy New Stuff in the works

 Hello Friends, I'm back w/ a little update from the Studio! It's chilly here this morning and I'm all bundled up w/ festive socks and comfy jammies. I'm having some tea and pondering breakfast as I type this. Hmmmm.... Before I get side tracked I wanted to show you some paintings in the works!

 

 

 

 

All these are in the works or almost done...The very first painting above (a background in the works) is actually a canvas w/ a custom frame built around it. I found it at The Magical Thrift! Originally it had a plain cream colored background w/ a bluebird sitting on a branch. I gesso'd over everything w/ my bare hands (oh how good this feels!) and was going to somehow incorporate the remaining bits of the bird after it dried. I decided to cover it all up using this muslin fabric I had screenprinted some of my writings onto, along w/ bits of fabric and pages from a French Dictionary (all from The Magical Thrift!) I smooshed on paint w/ my hands some more. . . Here's a closer shot:

I'm working on it slowly trying to figure out whats there.Theres more pink/fuscia than I planned because my previously constipated tube of paint became suddenly regular again and gooshed out all over the place!

Lovely people have asked to see more of my creative space, so I promise to share views more often (with better lighting!) It's mostly just a disaster ;) I'm getting ready for my first ever show on December 11th and working on my display. I cut these old closet doors I found at (you guessed it) The Magical Thrift, in half and added some hinges. I had some snafus but I'm really happy w/ how it's coming along! I'll share before and after pics along w/ a rough tutorial of this little DIY project! I'm in the middle of painting it white right now. 

Well I'm off to figure out breakfast! Hope your week is going well!

Love + Light, 

Carissa