New job, new apartment, old college stomping grounds and a new sanctuary....well when I put it into these few words it doesn't sound like much but believe me...it has been. I won't go into great detail about my new job or the circumstances that led to the unexpected change in my employment but suffice it to say it was long overdue and a very, very welcome change of pace. It's funny how opportunities arise when you least expect them and I've learned that when something comes along remotely close to what you've been wanting...there's no sense in waiting for something better. You have to take your chances on what is and hope for more to come. Sometimes you don't have time to think about the splash you create when you dive into cold waters...just jump in and give it a go. I'm doing something I know very little about but I admit the challenge is refreshing. I had grown overwhelmingly bored with my previous job. So much so that I found myself dreading each work day...and that's just not healthy in any sense. But this new job will help me grow not only as a professional but also as an individual and that's the kind of feeling that's been missing for about 5 years.
Anyways...during my move I wasn't able to pack all of my art stuff...so I'll have to make another trip back home to get a few more things before I can say I'm actually settled. But...I did something that's completely uncharacteristic of myself...I actually spoiled myself with a few things that I'd been wanting for a very long time. I have wanted a drafting desk for drawing and painting and some shelves to store my things in and I finally found a desk and shelf that were so perfect that I bought them as soon as I was able to bum my dad's truck to pick them up. And here...in this old apartment (that's new to me) I finally feel like I have a decent creative space and I must admit I'm very excited about it. It's not anywhere near being finished but it's sooooo much better than just having my supplies randomly tossed about my bedroom and having an old used easel. Here's a glimpse (it's still a work in progress but it's a good start to a small studio space):
I have actually been able to put it to good use already. My first work produced from this little haven was a request from a good friend of mine. He asked if I'd do a small painting of Kokopelli - the Native American Fertility God - for his Mom. Something small and simple. I finished it in about an hr. It's nothing stellar but I like it. It's actually on the desk in the picture above along with some supplies I'd left out (you might be ale to see it if you zoom in really close). It felt good to have breathing room while I was working and I hope for many, many great things to come from this creative space that has become my own sanctuary.
If you haven't done something nice for yourself lately...do it! People tend to underestimate the therapeutic nature of simply being selfish every now and again.
