We had a bad storm at the beginning of November on Whidbey Island, with wind gusts up to 70 mph. The neighbor's tree snapped off and thankfully skewered my studio instead of the house. I find it's helpful to compare a small catastrophe to the idea of a worse catastrophe just to put things in perspective. 

In Washington State the neighbor is not liable for damage caused by his tree. So there it is. Our insurance will cover the tree removal at least but not the studio rebuild. 

My friend Ellen to the rescue. She started a Go Fund Me campaign called "Rebuild Steph's Studio" to help with the repairs. Such a good friend. It was hard for me to ask for help but I realize it's good to make room for others to be generous and good for me to learn to graciously accept help. I am so moved by all the kindness and support.
​

In a couple weeks Henry Tree Service were able to squeeze us in. It took them six hours to remove the tree, it was really jammed in there. With the limbs off you can see how far it was imbedded in the building.  Those guys were amazing to watch, they really know what they're doing.

​Now that the tree has been removed and the building tarped, it should be nice and dry while we wait for the builders to fix the damage. The tree broke through seven roof trusses and a wall. 

Here's a pic of the last big chunk of tree leaving the property! The studio is still really cold but dry. I'm working on hauling off piles of damaged materials and work but it could have been so much worse.

​Funny how not being able to get in and work in the studio really, really makes me want to get in and work in the studio. There are probably easier ways to get motivated.

So, that's the sad story. It is giving me time to think about what's really important to me. Maybe something new and wonderful will come of this, you never know. 

Steph

I just wrapped up another open studio, as part of the Whidbey Working Artists Studio Tour.

It's more like a two-day party, really. My studio was jammed with new friends and old. I am grateful to have such curious visitors, it makes the experience much more fun. Visitors even jumped in and tried pulling stringers in the torch. Very brave (pyromaniacs).

I made eight small landscapes just for the tour. They looked so nice once they were in their maple frames.

As always, the lead-up to the tour was a marathon cleaning spree, outside and in. I never did manage to sweep the floor but I put shiny things at waist level so nobody would notice. Sometimes you need to think outside the box.

Thanks to everyone who visited - and for those who couldn't make it, I hope to see you next year -

Steph

I'm delighted to report that I have a solo show at the Rob Schouten Gallery running the month of July. Rob hangs a beautiful show and I am so pleased. The opening was lots of fun - crowded and festive as always. I miss talking with folks about glass, so the opening was a real treat. I feel like the new work represents a change for me, a little more moody and atmospheric than before.

Thanks so much to everyone who showed up to support me. And thanks to my new patrons - I hope we will keep in touch. I'm happy to see the pieces go to new homes.

Steph

Well, brrrrrr! We're having a little "snow event" here in Washington State. I'm scrunch-scrunching back and forth to the studio this week. The upside is that I can't go anywhere for a few days and have time to  plan workshops for this spring.

The other benefit is that snow makes everything look lovely, even the piles of workshop overflow in the yard. Buckets, wire, barrels and miscellaneous piles of art junk all look beautiful. It's the one time of the year I can imagine I'm a tidy person.

In the spring I'll have to order a dump truck load of talcum powder, I guess.

Think warm thoughts - 2019 Workshops are coming together
 
I'm in the mood to teach something new this year. I've been experimenting in the studio, putting new workshops together and feeling inspired! I'm writing descriptions and making samples to photograph so final details should be ready later this month.

Here's what's in the works for spring.

   Advanced Landscape Workshop - Independent projects for former students, five days.
   Tentative dates March 22-24 and 30-31
   You'll complete your own design with lots of instructor support before & during the workshop.

   Sand Casting in the Kiln - April 27-28
   You don't need a hot shop; we'll make sand impressions and cast them right in the kiln.

   Glass Garden Art - May 18-19 and 25
   Make a variety of outdoor glass garden art, just in time for spring!

   Botanical Casting - June 22, 23, 29
   Cast perfect replicas of flowers, stems and branches in glass.

I think that's a good start. I can't wait to see the studio filled with creative frenzy, It's one of my favorite things.

Well, this will get you in a festive mood.  There's a Holiday Exhibition at the Schack Art Center in Everett, Washington. Can I just say? Handmade Heaven.

Those are my bowls on the right-hand pedestals. This gallery does it right. The Northwest Pastel Society has a lovely show on the wall, and the rest of the space is filled with glass, ceramics and jewelry. Ahhhhhh. Sparkly.

Remember, if you buy handmade for the artsy ones on your list, your name moves over into the NICE column. Just sayin'.

So, build up your strength with turkey, and venture out to see this show!

Wishing you and yours the happiest holiday season.
Steph

This is the piece that was under construction during the August studio tour. It was helpful to have a piece in progress so visitors could see how the landscapes are put together. Studio visitors from Whidbey purchased it after it was done. Turns out they are just down the street, how great!

I have some other new landscapes done, too. I just have to complete the panels and bases and they are off to the galleries. More soon!

I just finished teaching the first lost wax casting workshop since.. well, more years ago than I would like to disclose. Four kind people helped me dust off the old casting skills and turn them into a fun (and ambitious) workshop.

Look at these hard-working guinea pigs! A big thanks to Dale, Pat, Robin and Sharvari for their patience and enthusiasm. Look at the great work they did!