New Year, New Studio.
Stepping out of my small apartment studio and into my dream studio.
Bringing the fantasy to life.
Like most artists or makers - I fantasize about having the optimal studio or workshop, with all the tools, supplies and space a girl can ask for. Most of 2023 I spent on loopnet, looking at commercial spaces and seeing if I could imagine myself in them, making the best work of my life. Now don’t get me wrong, up until now I made the best work I’ve ever made in my humble home studio, but I’ve outgrown it to a certain extent and I was READY. Ready to get out of “WFH,” ready to create more ambitious projects, and, most importantly, ready to connect with people in person. In the fall of 2023, the opportunity presented itself to lease a beautiful art studio space in Hoboken, NJ. When I walked into the space for the first time, I felt this powerful sense that's where I needed to be for the next phase of my creative journey. So, I jumped in headfirst.
Don’t get me wrong, jumping into the deep end has not been without risks, stress, or fear. It is not like I had a super-duper thriving art career already, modest to say the least. However, I couldn’t get the feeling of “If you build it, they will come” out of my mind. I am investing a lot into this dream and am counting only on myself to make this work. Fortunately, being backed up against a wall has always been where I have thrived and been able to break through to the next level. Fear of failure and imposter syndrome make their weekly visits to my psyche, and it takes a lot of effort to look past those intrusive thoughts and focus on the work, the present and the future.
My partner Brian, helping me realize how big the walls are and how small my paintings suddenly feel.
Creating a New Creative Hub in Hoboken, NJ
After signing the lease starting in December, I dedicated myself to transforming this big empty room into a studio & gallery space, a productive workspace but also a peaceful, intimate and inviting haven for those who wish to buy art or make it themselves. So far the few event’s I’ve hosted, though small, have been a success in my eyes. My inaugural Vino and Van Gogh event was super fun and it succeeded in that my guests enjoyed themselves, embraced their creativity and, most importantly, made new friends. I also had my very first private lessons with a student who never painted before, and wanted to try his hand at recreating his favorite Van Gogh piece (pictures below), which he did super well! I look forward to taking on new students, seeing someone discover their own talent and the joy of painting before my very eyes has been supremely rewarding. If that is something you are interested in, reach out for a quote!
Getting to walk in here every morning is a dream come true.
The Puerto Rico wall in the gallery.
Friends & family opening night
Opening night selfie! (Me on the right 🤓)
The guests at the first Vino & Van Gogh event
My student, Jim C. and his FIRST ever painting! A study of Van Gogh’s Farmhouse in Provence.
Looking to the future!
As I write this blog post almost 4 months into this crazy experiment, I see the small wins accumulating and it gives me a confidence boost that this can actually work. In addition to paint & sips and private art lessons, I aim to expand the gallery's offerings to include creative workshops, private events, art exhibit space to other artists, and to provide a serene workspace for those needing a change of scenery.
In addition to teaching and hosting events, I have begun a new body of work! Stay tuned for the unveiling of my latest paintings at a Spring show at my Hoboken, NJ studio / gallery.
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