A Room of One’s (My) Own

Years ago, I read Virginia Wolff’s book, A Room of One’s Own. In it, she posits that in order for a woman to do creative work she needs space of her own and her own money.

I’ve been lucky to have had a studio space, even if it was sometimes part of the living room, for all but a few months since the 1980s. My most recent studio has been in our two-car garage and I’ve posted before about its conversion and updates.

I like having my studio at home. I can pop into it at any time I want to work on things. However, working at home has its issues. One of which is that people think you don’t work because you are always at home. (And sometimes you don’t work because you are at home). Another is that I like being at home and tend not to go out much, even when I should. A third is that there are many, many distractions.

Despite having space, this past year I’ve created less artwork than normal. My husband retired at the end of last year and evidently so did I. Not intentionally of course, but he was home every day and I wanted to spend time with him. Every day felt like the weekend.  I’d walk out of the studio and he’d be watching Wimbledon. Well, I had to sit down and watch Serena and Federer and Djokovic and…

You get the idea.

So, beginning in November, I’ll be “going” to work. I’m still creating artwork and teaching painting. That much hasn’t’ changed.

But I’ve rented a new studio space, so I’ll be “going” to work just like everyone else does.

It will help me keep my regular studio hours with fewer distractions.

You are invited to help me inaugurate my new studio space with an open house at the November First Friday Ramble. The studio is at 221 N. Main street in downtown Las Cruces, in the hallway just behind M. Phillips Gallery. If you’re in Cruces at the time, please pop round on Friday, 2 November to help me celebrate from 5-8pm.

Come by and distract me. It might be your best chance.

I hope to see you there.