How well I remember the afternoon light filtering through my honors advisor’s windows at UT Austin, not so/so long ago. The timbre of Dr. Sullivan’s voice when he peered at me over his glasses and said: My dear, Edna St. Vincent Millay was writing about you.
Worst/best compliment ever. My flame will not last the night; But “ah my foes, and oh my friends, it gives a lovely light!” Much as I try to pare down my [schedules, desires, hopes, projects] self, the same bad habits sustain me: inertia, miraculous interventions, and an unhealthy amount of caffeine. Here I am, fifteen freakin’ years later, and elbows deep in art show prep, full time teaching, and trying my darndest to raise my two kids to be good humans. Oh, and an impending studio move to Old East Dallas. I’m joining the new studios at Art on Main! Because enough is never enough, and this candle is lit, y’all.
Just a year ago, I changed high school campuses and reframed my teaching career. At the same time, I put together my first solo show, hosted by the fabulous Susan L Sistrunk in Waco, and on the heels of the opening, I began house hunting. My family moved into our first home at the end of the winter, collapsing weeks of packing and unpacking into a flurry of manic days. Last year was hard. I swore to myself I’d do less, but here I am: a mouthful of “oops!” and glorious evening espresso. This is fine.
I have a problem. BUT check out my first public photos of my new space! If you’re local to Dallas, you know real estate prices have escalated at an unholy rate since the pandemic. My new studio was a miraculous find (seriously!) nestled closely between our new home, Woodrow Wilson High School where I teach art, and Deep Ellum. I get my keys in about two weeks! I love the light, the location, the fact that I have more space, and the window the studio owners installed for me so that I can see the skyline from within my walls.
New beginnings mean endings, as well. It is with a sad heart that I bid farewell to the space that’s been my home by White Rock Lake for the last six years, and the dear art friends I have made there. I’m a better person and a much better artist for having worked among the fabulous ladies of ArtWorks Studio. Wednesday Studio Nights have been the highlight of my week for years. While I’m looking forward to forging new friendships and evolving in my practice, I will miss my home-away-from home so very much.
Art Mart is coming- catch me next weekend at the Bath House Cultural Center for my first official art festival since 2019! And help me celebrate my move by checking out my studio sale! Onward, aflame and aloft on caffeinated wings and daydreams.
“My candle burns at both ends;
It will not last the night;
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends—
It gives a lovely light!”
With gratitude <3
