The Empty Room

Well, it was almost empty at this point -- my old studio, close to being packed up for the big move:-- cleared bulletin board, one remaining shelf with some moving supplies; on the floor, the dissassembled units of my cherished "chest of drawers" for oversized art paper and finished paintings (JT-made) and the hand-me-down cactus plants that took on new life this spring, just as they're leaving the south-facing window.

I'll miss this room. It was the largest studio I'm likely to have, with plenty of room for promising artifacts that have travelled with me to our new place. I can't help but feel sentimental about the view I had, down into our garden, out onto the street -- so many times of day, so many seasons of the year, when I'd open the door, look out the window, take a deep breath and begin to work.

I learned so much here, about painting -- and there is so much more to learn.

My new studio is smaller and, right now, still a gridlock of packed boxes. But I like it already. It's a room that's full...of promise and future things to learn and do.