An Art Tour, My Blogging Break and Shaking Things Up

I’m back from my blogging break and although I only skipped one post, it seems as if I’ve been gone a long time. Thank you for your kind words of encouragement when I announced I’d be taking some time off.

Now I’m trying to create some semblance of a schedule in my studio and garden, but I’m taking cues from the season and allowing my gardening and art making to flow without pressure.

This time of year is energizing for me, but I’m not rushing anything. I’m taking my time and savoring.

It feels good.

Last weekend was the Winding Roads Art Tour. This is the third year I’ve participated. For the first two years, I was a guest artist at Kathy Aaker’s Riverweave Studio along with painter Deb Conlon (I also blogged about my thoughts after the tour if you want to hear more about it).

This year I was a guest at Charna Pottery.

An improvised white board sign welcomed visitors to Charna’s studio

Charna Schwartz is a fellow member of the Viva Gallery Artist Cooperative. Her studio is located on Keewaydin Farms. The building was originally meant to be used as the packing area for the farm’s CSA, but when that moved to the barn, Charna was able to create her pottery studio here.

looking in through the door of Charna’s studio

I’m grateful she offered to share her space with me.

I’d planned to keep my pieces in a display together, but as we tried to figure out the best layout, ended up spreading them throughout the room.

I think it worked better than my original idea.

I’m very much a homebody and not a very social person, but each year I’m almost surprised by how much I enjoy the tour.

It was wonderful to chat with all of the visitors. It’s a boost to my creative spirit to hear about how my art resonates with people and to see them connect with my depictions of plants and flowers. I enjoyed hearing about their gardens, art practices and simple love of flowers, too.

I can’t fully articulate the experience.

I’m so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone.

Charna’s kiln was even used to display some pieces

I had a great time with Charna. It was fascinating to learn about her process and the techniques she uses to create her pottery. Her knowledge and experience is impressive.

my journals, notecards and postcards on a shelf in front of Charna’s in-process pieces

There’s something special about being in another artist’s studio, too.

I almost forgot to take photos (which is what happened last year!), but I’m glad I remembered and quickly snapped some on Sunday morning before any visitors arrived.

Keewaydin Farms is run by Charna’s stepson Rufus Haucke and his wife Joy Miller who also run Driftless Curiosity.

a greenhouse next to Charna’s studio

It’s a beautiful place, clearly tended with love.

the rainbow chicken house at Keewaydin Farms

(You can see more of the farm in this episode of Wisconsin Foodie).

The state of the world can feel heavy. It’s good to be reminded of the beautiful ways people are making a difference.

looking from Charna’s studio you can see the barn

Never doubt the importance of your showing up in the world, shining your light.

Making art. Growing food. Teaching what you know. Spreading encouragement. Sharing joy. It’s all crucial.

I’m grateful for the reminder and for the chance to recommit to my mission, however small it may sometimes seem.

This has been a year of reflection for me. And although I don’t have all the answers for what changes I want to make in my business, I’m excited to make a small shift with my blog.

For a while, I’ve stuck to a schedule of sending my Joy Letter on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month and blogging here on the 2nd and 4th. I’ve wanted to try something new, but couldn’t figure out how to do it. I enjoy connecting and sharing with you in these ways and haven’t wanted to cut back in order to try something different.

And then I had an idea. Instead of writing my second blog post of the month here on my website, I’m going to experiment with publishing it on Substack. I enjoy the writing of so many people on Substack and I’m intrigued by the greater opportunities for community interaction there.

If you are already subscribed to my blog, you won’t have to do a thing to continue receiving my blog emails. If you’re not, you can subscribe to my Substack here. And don’t worry, these twice-monthly posts will continue to be free.

I’m glad to be shaking things up. We’ll see how it goes. I can always change my mind if it doesn’t work.

What new things have you been trying? What have you been wanting to try? What’s holding you back?