white stripes

Last night a photography show opened at the art center and all the photographers crowded into this beautiful space to be together and share time. I saw some good friends and kept my studio open for visitors to visit as I quietly painted stripes on my shell. I took the original nautilus shell painting in to the studio, the one made into prints for Princess Cruise Line, and it was good to see that painting, painted last year in my home studio, in this place of light and color. The studio is filled to bursting with paintings now.

Conversation and laughter bubbled around me in neighboring studios and it was an evening of quiet joy and belonging. Finally at the end of the event I locked my door and said good night to all the other resident artists.... something we all do, checking in with one another and letting each know as we leave, down to the last person, so that the last person knows that they are the last person. Something very welcoming at the end of a long day so that you know when you are indeed the last person on the floor. I am often that person.

I count myself so lucky to be a part of this place, among all these people who are friends of mine... actively creating and actively creating a future.