this week at the studio

Much happening at the studio these days, mainly in the form of Napa Valley Open Studio preparation. Scheduled for the last two weekends of September, artists at G studio are hard at work applying themselves, getting inspired, rethinking and just plain making art.

This years challenge for myself is that I am now gallery represented and so will be respecting that relationship by taking on a slightly different identity. Not an outrageous statement wherein I will be using my name with which I came into this world: Paulson.

Specifically, Kate Paulson. The name of my father and my father's father and his father before him.

I've always kept my last name, married or not as it is who I am and helps me identify myself. I appreciate my family and who I am, thank you very much and don't feel the need to put aside my original last name for another.

The other challenge that this dual identity poses is to make two sets of art: My paintings that are specifically painted for the gallery and paintings that are specifically intended for sale at open studios.

Ahhhh, a challenge. Problem solving is a sport that I enjoy immensely.







kate working in studio

Of note: see that fabulous leather tote, right between the two green lockers, resting on the filing cabinet?? Coach Bag + Goodwill score = happiness. (double click on image to see larger)

How does she know?

She seems to know exactly how I am feeling...Not a chicken with her head cut off, as the common expression goes, but rather
a woman with a chicken on her head, albeit confused. "How is it that I have a chicken on my head?" , she seems to be saying.

I've oft felt these exact feelings, especially of late. My one true calm amidst the head chicken is making art. In the studio I find that it not only calms me (and the chicken?) but also takes my mind off of the constant round and round of worries and concerns, running lists and issues.

"How is it that I have a chicken on my head?" I say to myself over and over through out the day, but cannot find the answer to this question.

Some sage might suggest that instead of asking why said chicken is on head, suggest to oneself to remove the chicken.

Sometimes it's the simple answer that is so obvious.