The Making of My Studio

About a year ago, I was talking with a friend who shared a dream of opening an art collective. I was, and still am, struggling with my current work situation, so the thought of working for myself was a very enticing idea. I decided start down the path of opening an art collective and invite artists that I knew who had also put their art on the back burner to join.

I signed up for a small business workshop, wrote a business plan, opened a Go-Fund-Me, found a great location, and started talking with a business advisor. I was excited, ready for change, and so confident in my vision.

But in talking with my advisor reality set in and a volcano of emotions went from being dormant to active. I quickly started doubting myself and the idea. I also started worrying about the consequences for my family if the business failed. As I became overwhelmed with these emotions, I allowed myself to sit with these emotions and really consider what they meant.

I had never truly done this before. And I knew I hadn't, because it occurred to me that I was struggling to name my emotions and name what was really bothering me. For reasons I won't fully go into today, my emotions weren't a priority growing up, so I got used to ignoring them like everyone else did.

With all of this bubbling up, I didn't feel like I was in the right head space to start a business, let alone one that came with a lot of risk. So, I put this idea on hold and started focusing on myself.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago when I saw an ad for a small studio space for rent downtown. My husband had offered the idea some time ago to scale back my idea and start smaller. It didn't feel right then, but now with this space available it was starting to.

I emailed the realtor, toured the space, and with my husband and daughter's support, I signed a lease! We've gotten a couple of pieces of furniture and have started repainting the space.

I'm excited to have a space of my own to fully explore my creativity and share my creations with people who wandering around downtown. I look forward to seeing where this journey goes.

If you are ever visiting Downtown Port Townsend, come find me (or check out my work through the windows) downstairs in the Kellogg Building!

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