Hi there! I am all caught up on life (which is why I was gone for a day or so), and about to get ready to have some fun this evening, but not before I take you to my humble little gallery, which is a free standing petite metal building that sits about 20 steps from my office door…
Again, yet another space that was used many years ago (30+) by the previous owners for supplies for canning and gardening. It is a fair size, and fits a handful of people who can browse around comfortably…
I have not done a show since 2007 (I have done so many in my lifetime, I am not sure I am up for them for a while), but I still use my gallery, especially for fun stuff like the Halloween party. You can see oodles of photos of the gallery turned into a Botanical Apothecary Shoppe, of the Witches Variety, right here…
In 2005 I was still deeply into my highly colorful art, and had been doing lots of enormous scale custom pieces for homes for a few years by then. So, that colorfulness (which I am being drawn to again) was a huge part of my first shows here in the gallery. I have been doing work as an artist for 15+ years (even while having real world stinky day jobs), although I only started my blog 3 years ago. Many tales to tell one day on that front…
Anywho, I opened my doors to the public via the gallery in 2005. And since then, the gallery has changed and evolved. Here are a few older shots…
My last show held some of the pieces that are more familiar to some of you. That was Spring of 2007 I believe. Or maybe it was Fall 2008. I can't remember, my mind fails me these days 😉
People ask why I have not been a part of the local art tour and other shows as of late. And the answer is, I found it very challenging to try to make art to sell in my on-line shoppe and have the entire gallery stocked for shows. I also found a certain amount of trauma to my soul letting people come over and wander through my property. Mostly you get lovely visitors, but sometimes you get a couple people snickering negative comments about your work or how they could do it themselves, right in front of you. It's okay if they don't like it and/or could do it themselves, but to snicker about it while being invited into your own property feels pretty yucka-yucky.
I found doing shows in my own home, much more emotionally draining than doing the oodles of trunk and craft shows I have done over the years, away from home. Has anyone ever experienced anything like that?
Nevertheless, it won't deter me from doing them in the future, I have learned so much about what to expect, and what not to let bother me. It's all about creating an invisible soul shield, you know what I mean?
Then everything else is smooth sailing. Of course, there were endless positive things about the shows. So many lovely wonderful faces who stopped in year after year. Love them!
People stop and munch on treats and drink coffee, and dance to the music, and tell you they are taking your work back home, some near and some far away, and you feel your heart fill with delightment. That's the good stuff I hold on to.
You learn things about yourself through shows and such, if you open your eyes and ears, and listen to yourself. You learn what your limitations are. You learn what you are willing to do and not do. And for me, I gained something I wish I had had my whole life. I took on this persona who just simply refuses to do anything she doesn't want to do.
I can't be coaxed into doing anything that the 5 year old girl in me doesn't want to do. And that is huge for me, because my whole life I was the "yes" girl. But for me, through shows I got to a point where I was so exhausted, that I learned much about myself, and learned how to say no. That truly is a huge step for me, and what I find to be a good thing.
I find that sometimes we are so afraid to say no and be honest about it, that instead we suffer ourselves. So, I think it is good to find a comfortable space inside of ourselves where we can say no, and tell the truth about why the answer is no. Many times my answer is,"No, I can't do this or that because my house and bed are too cozy, and I am in my pj's and I don't feel like leaving, sorry 😉 "
But wait, I see I have veered to a completely different place, as usual 😉 –
In the future, I am going to try to pull out some video of the art shows. I spent all evening and morning searching for those videos on discs, and couldn't find them, but I will one day, and I will share them with you..
You can see lots more Gallery photos by going to my right hand side bar, and looking under the "categories Section" for A Strange Little Gallery, or click here for now ;) . All the Gallery posts ever written live there.
This coming weekend will be the last post of the home tour week, and I have some new shots of the Gypsy Love spaces to share Saturday or Sunday.
Thanks for a super fun week! You guys are a blast, I giggled and swooned so much reading comments. I especially giggled madly with the handful of concerns about the dust (and act of dusting) my houses and outdoor living spaces might hold ;) I never thought about dust until now, I mean I love to use windex and bleach sinks and toilets (tma), so I probably dust without thinking about it. But more truthfully, I guess the answer is, I don't care about dust ;) Or combing my hair, or wearing mismatched socks. I know, aren't I rotten? I guess the Pipilara in me is alive and well. Dust, what dust? Tee heee… 😉 😉
You are so much fun!! What on earth did I do with myself before blogging existed and I didn't have my fanciful friends???
🖤 ,V
Now, wrap your silk scarves around your head and put on your layers of billowing skirts and blouses, and if time permits, meet me here later this weekend for some Gypsylandia fun! 🖤
You said: Sometimes you get people snickering about how they don’t like your work, right in front of you.
What???? Are they crazy? They just don’t have good taste! LOLOLOL
If you want to see dust, come to Lubbock! I have also disposed of the thought of worrying about dusting my house and I truly believe the dust is part of my decor. 🙂 I enjoyed the posts from this week and for allowing us to view your amazing spaces.
This weekend I will enjoy finding interesting items to place inside the jars with my potion ingredient labels!!! I spent last weekend creating clothespin elves and I still need to send you pictures of those! Too cute and my daughter LOVED them!
It is interesting to read about your studio and your experiences when exhibiting. People can be so rude! You are right to not let it bother you. Your visitors in the photos are veru stylish and your studio looks good. I would love to have a browse.
I have my scarf ready-but it is woolly as it is freezing here!
Oh this tour has been so fun! Your spaces deserve to be in a book of their own like Magnolia Pearl did with her eclectic spaces. I’m still very curious about what your Mr. Luvee does with his man spaces. Maybe he’ll show us some time. On one of your last posts you mentioned how much you like drawing–ooooooh show us your sketchbooks!!!
Awesome again, Miss V !!!
Yahoo! had an article on stress and how it affects us. So I came here to relax and unwind…I know I always can do that here.
Look up ‘Lani Puppet maker’s Blog Spot’ for some more positive thoughts, and scroll down for an inspiring bit of prose…
‘Creative Juicy Life’…it sure put things in perspective for me. It starts out ‘Dreaming in Full Color.’ Also, ‘Dirty Footprints Studio’ with Connie Hozvicka. Enjoy!
I like my privacy too and need my own space to just breathe. I used to be a ‘yes’ girl too but found my ‘inner voice’ and people have truly seen a difference in me and I don’t get ‘stepped on’ anymore.I am more creative than ever because of it and I get lots of support from my family…and that is what really counts.
Have a very happy day! You deserve it.
Teresa =^..^= ^..^
I thought about that a few of your blog posts back – DUST! I figured your area would be dusty like ours. With three dogs running in and out of the house with natural desert landscape, we get thick coats of dust every two or three days. I also thought how amazing it would be to have such a wonderfully decorated home, but for me right now it is out of the question. I am in baby-proofing mode with the little one on the way in 45 or so days and my twin nieces having just moved to town. I am having to elevate my knick-knacks and such. Thanks for sharing your home with us. I love your eclectic style!
Thanks for the gallery tour, I wish I lived closer so I could come and just camp out in there and soak it all in! lol
I can see your point about shows and what not being emotionally draining and people being jerks right in front of you (or any artist for that matter) is ridiculous and they obviously missed the whole point.
You’re fab girl!
Thanks for sharing your gallery, I just love when you decorate the space for events, your decorating style is marvelous!!!!!!
I hear you about shows, I did them for years, all the schlupping and comments, the online shop has been the easiest happiest selling I’ve ever done. I also like to put my work in a local shop during season, as for dusting, what is that LOL I love having a studio full of dust bunnies
Karey
Dust! I could tell you stories about dust, but looking at your homes I never once thought about dust, just dreamy sweet things. Oh and I never commented on your city dwelling although I’ve been there many many times over the past few days. I think I could spend a week in each room feeling the textures and exploring the furnishings. I was particularly smitten with your beautiful white bud vases and what looked like Eden Climber roses…ah be still my heart!!! I love how the city house has a city house feel full of life, energy, and color and the country house a little more subdued with a carefree feel. Loverly loverly loverly…all of them!
Now for the studio…I think when you allow people into your home you’re giving them a glimpse into your heart and soul. Of course we all want people to be delicate with our feelings and when they aren’t, well, that really does cut to the quick!! I remember reading one of your posts where a not nice person made a comment about your darling and ever so whimsical art and I thought to myself, “If I had been there and heard that comment I may have accidentally caused my elbow to come in contact with her nose!!!” But of course I would have waited until she was headed out the door so as not to damage any of your creations…oops! That’s the naughty 5 year old in me…tee hee!! It must be so much fun having spaces to play and dream in. Not to mention, move around. Whatever happened to that lovely white Victorian settee with the cartuche on the? Ok, now I’m just rambling so I better be on my way. I’ve been nursing the most horrendous headache all day long. I think my little head may explode ;-O.
xoxo Cori
Thanks for the tour of your gallery, I so have been enjoying the peeks into your Oh so fab spaces!
I know what you mean about people and their comments, although I have never done a full show I did a few juried shows when 18 to my early 20’s and people could be sooo rude, and me with my fragile 18 year olds ego. It was a good learning experience, and don’t regret it at all, but am really happy for all the new ways to sell my wares. Some day I will have to do a trunk show.
As far as dusting goes…bah and Achoo 😉
Sigh……..somehow I feel like you are my spirit that has somehow been detached from me. I want it back, please.
What a wonderful, crazy-cool life you have.
I am ready for some weekend fun! Wish I could visit your beautiful place. I’ve had fun just catching up on your posts and seeing all of the fabulous photos! Your weather looks great! I love blogging, too..and all the wonderful friends I’ve made! It’s opened up my life….now I can wrap silk scarves around my head! heeheehee!
Vanessa:
It’s so hard to finally learn to say “no”. It took me years. So often, someone would want me to do something with them or for them that I just really didn’t feel right about doing. But, I could never say no. Now, if I truly prefer to not participate in something, I can say no. Sometimes, I would rather stay home and plop around, or work in my studio and wear my leopard slippers and banana yellow trench coat. I am ever happy to be here in my own home and studio, reading wonderful blogs and cutting, pasting, watercoloring, decorating, and yes, plopping around in my leopard slippers and banana yellow trench coat.
Your strength in spirit and the ownership of your own life is so very inspiring to others. You are a true and brave woman to invest the oodles of time in this curious and colorful confetti of a blog. I look forward to stopping by here to see what’s new everyday!
Kim
Gerushia’s New World
Hi Vanessa! Thank you for sharing all the pictures this week, your homes are so beautiful!! That is a bummer that people have said negative things about your art at your home. For what its worth, you are my favorite artist and are such an inspiration to me! You inspired me to recently start my own blog and etsy shop. I live in Tucson and would love to come see your gallery someday and buy one of your major pieces, they are so amazingly beautiful! And good for you for learning to say no when you need to, that is a lesson that I could learn too!
I too have had shows in my home/studio and it did take it’s toll on me. I finally quit doing them. Now I do doll/craft shows two to three times a year. And that is hard too! But easier than having them in my personal space. I don’t feel like I have been invaded!
Your gallery is delightful! Full of light and color. It is a theme for sure. “Light and color”! I love it! I am drawn to your spaces because of the light! Like a moth to the flame.
Hugging you
SueAnn
I was a studio art major in college (only over year ago now) and instead of encouraging me, it made me want to take a break from art for a while. I just wanted to say that reading your blog and looking at all your lovely pictures and extraordinary work has inspired me once again! So thank you.
Oh, Vanessa, I am 43 and it has taken me that long to learn how to say no! And isn’t it liberating? “My house and bed are too cozy and I am in my pjs” – I loved this! I can relate…I played all day today, decorating my home with Christmassy goodness, and it was wonderful…as for dust and negative people, not even worth thinking about!
Hoorah! Pipi friend! I am there sister! Glorious gallery dear. Just so lovely. I think where you are when you create picks up the love of what you are doing and it lays, lovely on the surfaces and the same faery dust comes into the gallery and becomes a bit a sanctity, a sacred sucre in my world, at least. So, venomous words clash harshly, even the just insensitive ones, try to tarnish that speckled love. Do you think that is silly? Maybe it is but I do feel like when I am at my desk it sparkles and feels warm and sacred, inviting like a party at V’s, hee hee. No really, the fun is there the happy, the silence, the thought and when I had a show with my dear friend Rena who I have been in Somerset with at my house, it was a delight but, well I was off kilter after for days. Ahh… well. I just wrote a book here in the comment box, sorry lol. Take care to listen to those cues and you will shine no matter who steps in, right? Blessings friend and talented artist you!
Hi Vanessa,
Thanks for the peek into your studio! What a lovely space. So bright and colorful and, well, fanciful! The peacock painted on the door is astounding!!! You and your art truly are an inspiration to everyone. 🙂
Theresa
I always love your inspiring words and positive attitude Vanessa! It’s snowing like mad here…I am peering out my studio window debating what art adventure to get into next. I am sooooo far behind on making some Christmas gifts but have so many ideas for the shop…hmmm, what to do, what to do? Love all your gallery shots…one day maybe I will be able to visit it in person 😉
Jamie 🙂
Wow, your gallery space is AMAZING! it looks so gorgeous, how wonderful to have a whole space that is your world…top to bottom.
I’ve never invited people to my home for a show (my home is teensy tiny!)but I imagine its very hurtful to have someone essentially come into your home to judge you and snickers. We artists are so sensitive…
The last few months I’ve started getting the comment “I saw art JUST LIKE YOURS at such-and-such…” I’m always taken aback and not sure what to say. Its just so rude. I dont know what people expect me to say to that. And usually the art they saw was another whimsical girl or angel, a similar subject matter but not “just like mine.” it gets me all worked up for nothing and I hate it. Sometimes people are so clueless 😉
it all looks awesome vanessa!! congrats to you!~
You have a beautiful home,and thank you for showing us pictures,
I wanted to make a comment about the comment”I could do that at home,or make it myself better” I would say go ahead be creative,go paint then dont knock my work. lol I have to admit sometime I look at others work and think yes I can do something like that but its not in a bad way,it sparks my muse so yes I can go home and have fun and create stuff. No were as good as yours I know ,but its fun trying to find my own style. Thank you for giving me more eye candy.
Yes yes, you are right. I think it happens to all of us, we see
something we like, and we think we can do it and are inspired. That is a
wonderful thing, in fact. It is saying out loud in front of the artist,
“I can do that myself…” That is odd, and probably very few people would ever do that. But I am totally with you on
being inspired by others, for sure!! 😉
You are just full of fun! Yet another wonderful space that belongs to you and your whimsical nature.
Brenda
What!!! What dust!!! I just don’t notice dust either. I am like you on the bathrooms and kitchen being spic and span…but rest..hohum!!! And yes learning to say no was a biggie for me too. Learned it in my 30’s. I’m trying to teaching it to my 30 something DIL this is really a daughter!!!
NO is just a 2 letter word and it doesn’t hurt to say it!!! Hugs bunches!!!
I love to get my morning coffee or my evening glass of red wine and relish over your posts… I always leave with a bit of magic and a smile.
Thank you for opening your home, and all for us to see… What a generous thing to do.
If I could I’d love to be a fuzzy fur animal and live at your house Lol!
Pattee
I LOVE that you say ‘screw you’ to dust, me too! And life sometimes hands you a duster, sometimes it hands you an old record to dance to, take your pick. (I know what I would choose) ;D
As for the people who ask about dust, it is merely out of curiosity you see, because we all just want to feel in our core selves that NOT dusting is A-OK. 🙂
Now, you said something really important in here.
“I found doing shows in my own home, much more emotionally draining than doing the oodles of trunk and craft shows I have done over the years, away from home. Has anyone ever experienced anything like that?”
YES. I only moved out of my business in June. What a violation of my personal space. Rude people, people who ask too many personal questions, people who snicker, who can do better themselves, yada yada yada. Well I tell those people what I tell my dust ‘screw you!!!!’
How rude to be in someone’s home or estate, and snicker or make blythe comments. Up yours, in a most politically correct way I SAY!!!! If you WERE able to do it, then why aren’t you???
Jealous. They are jealous and weird. Lots o humans are wonderful glorious and kind (Like Lisa Oceandreamer!!!!!!!!) but some are sad, jealous, resentful and nasty.
I, for the record, really appreciate what you do. You have inspired me in many MANY ways. I just think you are wonderful. Thank you for showing us around your amazing, unique home.
xoxoxo Love Gillian!!!!!!!!!!!
This peek into your world has been so fun, I can’t wait for the Gypsy part of the ‘tour’ so-to-speak! Also, those people who said mean things…how rude! People can be hurtful sometimes. Don’t worry though, we won’t let you down V.! 🙂
Your work is beautiful and stunning and anyone who says they can do something ‘better’ is just jealous. Have a super lovely day, you deserve it!
xox
What a lovely gallery…it is so hard sometimes to put yourself out there as an artist…especially when there are pooh-poohers…and your own property? I get types like that in the shop, and it still gets a bit under my skin…luckily, like you said, there are a lot of wonderful other positive love coming from other people…thank you so much for sharing all the love!
I can understand having people in your home for your showing takes a lot of energy to set up and deal with all the energy from the people there. On top of hearing about people with snarky comments, makes it worst.
On the flip side, it is wonderful to have a studio in your home for people to come see you work.
I do look forward to the next post. Hugs to you.
Why anyone would want to come to your gallery on your property and say negative things is beyond me. People like that must be negative about everything in life and they should just stay in their own little pessimistic world. I used to be a yes person, but somehow turning 40 changed all that. I don’t involve myself with anyone who does not uplift or bring me joy. Who needs naysayers in their life on a full time basis? NO is a beautiful word when used properly. I used it for myself and I use it with my children. Folks who can’t say no to their children are doing them a big disservice! My favorite place to be is home, in my pajamas with a crochet hook in my hand crafting the afternoon and night away. I’ve learned to live with the dust. When you live in the desert, that’s all you really can do. Sunday blessings to you and yours! 🙂 Tammy
I know…people can be so rude. I was one time told right to my face that I must have a very weird mind to create such strange creatures…they were referring to my anthropomorphic creations. I just thought to myself…’How strange are you that you don’t get it’ 🙂
I love the peak into your beautiful and colorful world. Question?????do you use your wonderful shiny copper pots 😕
Can I come over for a visit? I know your taste and will bring a wonderful present.
I also have a laundry line photo on my blog post right now…I can’t get enough of them.
Yours is wonderful I love your shadow on the white sheet.
I know what you mean about opening your soul to people and then getting just plain tired of it all. I ran my own gallery for 6 years..just closed it…best time of my life but sooooo exhausting. I learnt a lot from listening…….I followed all of the clues……It brought me to this wonderful place…online blogging and selling. Bliss…in my p.j.’s I enjoy your blog..best wishes
you truly are an inspiring artist – a creative mind and soul~ thanks for sharing a peak into your gallery and life. don’t let anyone unappreciative get to you – you’re much too talented for that!
xox cara of City Girl Chicago
http://www.citygirlchicago.blogspot.com
Vanessa, your gallery is every bit as enchanting as your other spaces! Just delightful, all of it…
I’ve never had a show at my home (too small and cluttered, hehe!) but even if I could, I’m not sure I would…I’m fairly protective of my personal space. Home is not only my living space and studio, but it’s also my sanctuary. Every once in a while I get an email from a collector or blog reader, saying they’ll be in the area, and could they “please come see my studio?”
(“Um, let me see…..NO. But thanks for asking.”) 🙂
Not to sound inhospitable, but I think a big part of living an artful life is remaining protective of one’s creative environment. For me, painting comes most easily when I’m in this zen-like happy place; candles burning, music on, tea brewing, etc…I think opening that environment to the public would just burst my pretty little bubble, hehe….
OK, enough rambling from me. Suffice to say, I can RELATE.
Looking forward to the gypsy fun!!
🖤 Carolee
you made this
Sunday especially
beautiful🖤
truly inspiring
world you create..
What a beautiful studio gallery space! 🙂 You are SO brave to invite folks into your private world to view your lovely art! (I’m sure I should faint dead away with worry over such a venture!) tee hee
I love what you wrote about finding your own way, and knowing when to say “no”. This is something I’ve struggled with my whole life, and now, in my 30’s, I’m just beginning to feel okay with saying no to whatever….for whatever reason I have. It makes life so much nicer when you can live on your own terms! 🙂
Happy painting and dreaming to you!! 🙂
Thank You for sharing a peek into your splendid world!
Hi Venessa!
Your work is beautiful and very inspiring, so don’t pay much attention to those little comments. You are one of my favorite mixed media artists 🙂
And a birthday you say?!! In December you say?! LOL
My birthday is in December as well, actually I’m just under a year younger than you. I turn 33 this year on the 8th 🙂
So it will be a mutual Happy Birthday greeting for both of us.
Warm Hugs,
Vania
Oh, so I get to be 3 this year?? What fun – I want my red tricycle back with the strawberry shortcake seat (I think it had?) and oh how I hate how they changed her so much and rereleased her. I’m not good with change, especially bad change. Ooooh, I lost my train of thought which is fine in a 3 year old
Happy Birthday ahead of time!! Woo hoo – go have FUN!! I have to tell YOU that? Nah, your gypsy life outdoors is like on another planet – it’s COLD and raining just on the edge of snow, but know St. Louis it’ll just be rain and no white Christmas for me. 🙁 But I’m pretending inside it’s snowing out there, keep the blinds down and enjoy my own little 58 Cherry Lane with glitter snow on their roofs. Have I invited you yet to see? Come look! And I’ve gotten around to more jewelry in my shop and soon there will be ornaments. If only the light were better – it’s so overcast I’m not gonna get good pics, oh well.
Party On! Wish I could party along with you! Most – nearly all – people I live around my town are dull as dishwater – you add color and sparkle to my life! Best wishes to this new year!!
Nicki – Head Elf at 58 Cherries
http://58cherries.blogspot.com/
Gosh…I just love reading your blog…it is like relaxing with a nice cup of tea!
Best Wishes on your up-and-coming Birthday! Have a beautiful day!
This will be the first time that I’ve ever made a comment on someone’s blog, but after all the rain we have had, and having to take up my Christmas lights outside because of the two feet of water, I was feeling blue, but I looked at your blog, and was transported to a magical place, and felt much better afterwards. Thank you, you’re a lovely person and you have a lovely blog.
Hello Vanessa,
When I read what you wrote about dusting I had to laugh !
THAT’ s something I didn’t even thought about when I saw all your collections… I guess we are the same…
I have a nice saying in my house :
” this house is clean enough to be healthy,
dusty enough to be happy in it ”
love from belgium
Inge
Is Pipilara related to Pipilongstocking? I’m finding my 5 year old voice too, at age 48. I have always been a yes, how can I please you person too and had to stop because I got sick. I think that if I had been stronger I wouldn’t have gotten sick. I love my family but they can be quite negative. I had my sister painting our house (we paid her) and she tried to talk me out of painting my room very soft pink. I even caught her making a face. Well I wanted that color and that is what I got. I have my “office” in my room and needed a sanctuary.
Now I’m trying to be in tune with my creative soul (that had died) and have more fun as I blog about my life and the dolls I sell. Mine aren’t anything as clever as your creations, they are mass produced Barbies. lol
I don’t know if you will see this comment since this is an old post. I hope you do though.
Katharine
I am inspired. Thank you.
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