Home #2
Home #2
©2008
10" x 9"
sold
The Economy
A portion of yesterday’s lack of confident, as related in my post Shaking Self Doubt, was related to doing a major home renovation project in rather shaky economic environment. It help trigger all sorts of negative self talk.
I think most everyone’s natural tendency in times like this is to contract. Time to pull back, withhold, grab on and hold tight. Doing otherwise is considered foolish, risky and gambling. I’m doing the opposite of the herd and when I listen the news I can get spooked and start thinking I’m foolish.
Then I remind myself that I bought this house knowing full well it had to be remodeled. Half of the windows don’t close properly, the bathroom is less than pristine (as in it’s pretty gross) and I have a washing machine next to my stove and the dryer is in a shed with serious mold problems due to a roof leak. I can’t do laundry when it is raining cause I’ll get electrocuted.
So when I think about what a home is I realize I am extremely lucky because many many people would consider such problems a luxury. If I want to live small I would suck it up cause other people have worse. Sure I could just live with the house as is until all was "safe". I’m not going to do that.
Instead it’s time to get out my word of the year, courage, and live the life I envision for myself.
Courage
I planned on this remodel. I budgeted it for it. So I’m doing it. And I’m not going to let fear stop me. I think a large part of what is going on out there is fear. It’s so easy to get hooked. I love Christine Kane’s post about the subject a few weeks back titled How to Stop a Recession in its Tracks.
Next time I get hooked I’ll just reread this article instead of doubting my art. Courage. I will survive no matter what happens. So best to do so with a nice big studio cause making art can get me through anything.
What is a Home
My definition of home includes some amount of comfort. I’m replacing the broken windows, putting insulation in the walls and getting a new heater so I don’t freeze. I’m building a laundry room that opens to my garage so I can get out of my car and walk into my house and not have to go outside. This luxury was near top of my list of nice to haves.
The cost of adding a second story under my studio in the backyard addition was fairly minimal so in addition to a new studio I’m also getting a new master bedroom suite, complete with big bathtub. There is even room for a small study so my computer doesn’t have to be in my studio or in my bedroom. This was something I didn’t realized was important until I lost it. Now I feel it is essential to my well being.
Art For Sale
It’s interesting the things we take for granted in our homes. I’ve learned a lot about what my home means to me living in such a small house the last 3 months. These thoughts are what inform my new series: Home. The first in this series was posted here: Home #1 with my initial thoughts on the houses and homes.
The second textile painting, Home #2 shown above, was completed this morning and is available for sale for $165. Please send me email if you are interested in purchasing the piece. Shipping is $5 in the US and $10 elsewhere. I accept payment via paypal or checks in US dollars. The piece has sold.
Coming Soon
I’ve already started Home #3 and today I photographed a lot of the artwork I made the last few months (took me a while to figure out the logistics in this place) so some photos of art will soon adorn this blog again. All the aspens and Colorado mountain photos are nice but time to show art also.
The big plan is to complete my studio newsletter and get it in fired off in email by morning. I figure if I say it here that will make it happen. So watch your email for the 3rd edition of my newsletter. Not subscribed? You can do it here: Lisa Call’s Studio Newletter.
Posted by Lisa in: Abstract Contemporary Textile Art
Tagged: Art for Sale, Home Series
Tracy said,
October 7, 2008 @ 3:14 am
Good to hear you’ve pulled yourself out of the doldrums. (a talent and skill in and of itself)
Whenever I take on a bit of remodeling of my home (though none to the extent your embarking on), I also keep in mind that of all the dwellers that house has seen in it’s lifetime, you’re the one giving it TLC. Just like taking a streetperson (aka “homeless”) and cleaning them up and bringing back health/hope in their eyes, you’re turning your house back into a home.
Inspiring post; thank you!
Tina Mammoser said,
October 7, 2008 @ 4:16 am
You stand fast! A fellow artist friend and I were talking about this just moments ago in our weekly “what are you up to?” chat. She has savings put away and wants to re-do her bathroom but wondered if it seemed silly to do. Of course not, she’s been wanting to do it for years. For my part, the longer I wait for the decision from the shop I applied for the more I’m doubting the idea. I just need the decision because I know I’ve worked out the reasons it’s a good idea. Self-doubt creeps up on us all.
And thanks SO much for the link to Christine’s blog. Glad to read thoughts from another kindred soul.
Patty said,
October 7, 2008 @ 4:43 am
I am so glad you are moving ahead with your remodeling project. I had a huge remodeling project schedule where I lived before I moved. New roof (so no more bats in the house), gut the kitchen and redo, \gut and remodel the walk up attic into a new master suite w/a sinkand toilet. A week before the project was to happen I was downsized from my job. I was suppose to go on vacation too. I did cancel the vacation, but I went ahead with the remodeling project and I am so glad I did. My contractor turned out to be a jerk (and I had spent a lot of time trying to find a good one), so a least I was at the house all day almost every day unless I had a job interview to watch what the crew was doing. I loved my new kitchen and when I ended up moving I believe it increased the value of the house by what I had in the project. Some of the basic things that you are doing with the insulation and windows will really pay off if nothing else for physical comfort. You will probably wonder how anyone lived in the house the way it was!
Nikki said,
October 7, 2008 @ 7:50 am
We’re also making a big financial jump right now. We’re moving up to a house almost twice the size. We really need it because we have four small children and 1300 just isn’t working. I figure right now is a great time to buy because prices are down so much. I would think remodelling would be good also since everybody is anxious for the work. Good job keeping the economey going is what I think.
Susan (Miss Snips) said,
October 7, 2008 @ 9:06 am
Up North here in Canada, we keep hearing about the dire economics in the US. It has not come our way yet, so we are doing some kitchen and bath reno’s too. Our home is where we live and we have to live somewhere, no matter what the countries economics are. Whether we own or rent, about the same amount of money is paid to shelter so we figure we may as well be comfortable! Landlords rarely fix things so we love our place and just keep investing in it. Besides, by doing reno’s we are keeping a couple guys working and they in turn pay their bills and feed their families… If everyone stops spending money, pretty soon nobody has anything…
Jandi Small said,
October 7, 2008 @ 10:32 am
Love your blog, Lisa! Beautiful artwork and lots of wisdom here. I’m a new subscriber but I’m working (enjoyably!) my way through your previous posts and I have found many good thoughts to ponder. Great good luck with all your remodeling projects.
paula said,
October 7, 2008 @ 12:03 pm
It does take courage to see our plans through despite what is going on around us. I applaud you, courage is different than stupidity and you sound smart in this. Hopefully you might end up paying a little less than you would have if everything was being greeded and gobbled up as before?
As for art and recession….I just go to San’s blog (on my sidebar Art and Life)
that woman sells sells sells and never talks about the sky falling!!!!! I prefer to look at her blog when I feel like who is buying art rather than look at the doomsday places.
Deborah Paris said,
October 7, 2008 @ 1:27 pm
Hi Lisa. Found your blog a few weeks ago when I was trying to figure out what Twitter was and whether I should do it (enjoyed your post on that BTW). I do think we tend to contract in times like these and let our fears rule. Your renovation sounds like a wonderful plan- something that will not only enrich your life but add value to your home (which is after all an investment). Staying out of the studio just lets fear win- I keep thinking about a Chinese proverb I remember from somewhere- crisis is opportunity riding a dangerous wind. Let’s ride!
Lisa Call said,
October 7, 2008 @ 3:27 pm
Tracy - yes - I agree - the house was a rental for 10 years. It will be happy to be a home once again. I think about the first time home buyers that must have been thrilled to have this house - in it’s day I’m sure it was the best. I’ll make it that again!
Tina - your recent posts were excellent - time to expand! Christine is wonderful.
Patty & Nikki - excellent to have the confirmation with your stories - thanks.
Lisa Call said,
October 7, 2008 @ 3:29 pm
Susan - yes - spending money wisely is a good way to keep the economy going. Thanks.
Jandi - thank you - and welcome to my blog.
Paula - I enjoy San’s blog also - her work does seem to sell sell sell!
Deborah - I like that proverb -thanks! And also welcome.
Schnoobie said,
October 7, 2008 @ 3:47 pm
Smart and basic stuff is what it all sounds like.I’m actually envious of the wall insulation and the new windows!!!Both are needed badly here also. Thanks again for much some needed perspective from the Artist’s point of view.I think if we feed our souls the rest of our life’s tasks and everyday challenges become less trying.
Lisa Call said,
October 10, 2008 @ 2:44 pm
Schnoobie - It’s cold in Denver today - those new windows can’t come soon enough. I hope you find some soon.
Stacey Peterson said,
October 16, 2008 @ 9:42 am
Lisa - I love your new Home pieces - can’t wait to see where you go with these.
And I’m glad you’re continuing with the remodel. It is easy to contract at times like these, but when you’re smart, these times can be so full of opportunity. I love hearing from people who view it that way, and your attitude is an inspiration as always!