My weekend of co-teaching at The Art Clinic began with a lovely drive up the coast. I love this part of the drive, but who wouldn't, right?
I landed at my dear friend Syd's house after unloading my car at The Art Clinic.
I met Syd many years ago first via online where we were paired up in a mailing order for a collaborative, then at various art events like Teesha's ArtFiberfest. Syd often travels to art events with her art pal Mary, and after meeting them, we became fast friends. I love spending time with both of them so much, we may seem like an unlikely trio, (maybe that's the magic? i don't know...), but we have spent many an art retreat night in hysterics long after we should have turned in. To meet them is to love them. So, to finally stay at Syd's house was a treat. Her entire house shows a lifetime of art pursuits and a true love of the arts. Look at just this one shot of the kitchen I took, I was so in love with all the colors together...and that little center island...yum!
Jennifer arrived at Syd's not long after I did and we spent the next day was spent prepping for class over at The Art Clinic. Carol, who is Syd's partner in The Art Clinic joined in the fun. Carol is also wonderful and brings a different aspect to the Studio and playtime there, having a wise sage sensibility. She is very much like me in her love of craft tools and varied interests, but she is primarily a silversmith and makes beautiful, intricate works. It was great getting to really know her this trip. She's a real hoot and also super at stepping up and handling any need that anyone had (even if it was for a certain drill with a certain bit, right in the middle of painting- yes, it was me, I confess), besides of course, being a passionate artist.
Here's a pic of Jennifer making me laugh on the way to class :)
Another great group of women joined us in the fun:
Both old friends and new.
As always seems to be the case, especially at The Art Clinic I hear, those that were meant to be there, were.
Jennifer and I had a great time teaching together. Even though we felt we prepared extensively, you never know till you do it what might occur, and we were so pleased that we are making plans to co-teach again soon. (This time with more advanced notice, we promise!)
Jennifer serenaded me by the fire one night:
And in an attmept to entertain her, I think I pretended to be a rock star? ( not really sure what I was doing, but she did laugh at me, so I call it a success).
Always lots of silliness at weekends away, which is so good for the art as well as the soul. Jennifer and Syd being silly:
Here we are goofing around getting ready to load up our teaching demo board. We just didn't want the time to end!
Really, it was a great weekend. And I could go on and on. I wanted to once again thank all the artists that came to join us for the weekend. I know it's not an easy feat to get away from your life and all it entails and that it is an investment in your art, with class fees, materials, travel etc. But I also know that you are all worth it and I'm thrilled that you gave yourself Permission to Play!!!!
And Carol and Syd? You guys are the best! You haven't seen the last of me by a long shot...wait, did I just hear you locking the studio door? You think that's gonna stop me? Hahahahahaha! You should know me better than that by now. xoxox