throwback thursday: 5-0 in the 'stream

Officer in my '67 Airstream Trade Wind, San Francisco Open Studios

This was my first show at San Francisco Open Studios at Hunters Point Shipyard in 2002. I was bringing my Airstream and art to the public after finishing my MFA thesis show with the Airstream. This officer came to the door of my trailer- I stopped in my tracks and he asked sweetly, "Mind if I peek inside?". I don't remember his name, but it was a nice moment to show him my creations inside and see his lovely expression.

5 of My Favorite Things About Open Studios

There are so many things I love about participating in Open Studios with my Airstream studio, but here are five of them:

1. People

It’s such a treat to meet new friends and catch up with old friends, many of whom I’ve met at this event years ago. This is Christine and her sister. They have become like sisters to me and always make me smile to hear the sister banter in my Airstream. One of my new friends this year is Ed. He came to our Friday reception with the coolest flexible wine glass. I told him how great it would be for Airstream travel, and the next day he showed up with two of them and handmade cupcakes! Thank you, Ed, you made my weekend.

2. Tips and resources

There is so much great information swirling around. I often hear, “Have you heard about…?” Have you been to?” Sometimes I have, and many times I haven’t. Now I keep a list of tips going from people who share their insights.

 3. Major mojo boost

Wow. What can I say? I love to hear the oooohs and ahhhhs from people who come into my trailer.  Who doesn't love a compliment?! I get such validation to hear the positive comments on my display, jewelry, Airstream , photographs, cards, even my wig. I’m floating on cloud nine at the end of the weekend! It gives my the motivation to continue on my path and push myself further. It reminds me how important it is to pay a compliment.

4. Collaborative design

Another thing I hear is, “You know what I’d love? If you took this ring and made it into a necklace.” Or, “this style bracelet you made, as a necklace would be really cool. Can you make cufflinks in this  same style? It gets me to thing outside of my design box, yet in my same aesthetic.

5. Fuzzy friends

A lot of times I leave Osa Pony girl at home with a sitter  because she’ll be happier there & I’ll be able to focus on being here. That’s why I’m dog friendly in the Airstream and like to photograph all of the visiting fuzzy friends. This is a photo of Bear, a customer’s dog. What  a good girl.

Thank you everyone who came out to the Shipyard to see all of the artists. We all appreciate your support more than you know. 

painting with wax

San Francisco Open Studios is happening again! Each fall Art Span organizes a fantastic gallery show where participating artists submit one piece to entice the public to their studios. (The above photo is the gallery pre-opening). This year I decided, hey, why not mix things up and try and PAINT something?! Lo and behold, my encaustic painting sold at the preview show. All I know is, I love painting with beeswax, the smell the unpredictability, the flow. You should try it sometime...
San Francisco Open Studios
Wax art supplies