As the festive season comes upon us, I think of all that have collected those little village houses, and every year they light them up and display them in their homes. They remind me of how important community is, how we can light each other up.
18 years ago, I opened up my small little back studio, inviting like-minded, creative souls to share a safe space. It was not perfect in that it didn’t have a bathroom or running water. It was just a simple detached garage that I decided one day to convert into a studio. I pinned up “local art class” signs on the mail boxes and the rest is history.
What makes it extraordinary are all of the smiling faces that gather weekly to create. Together we learn, struggle, share and grow in a creative safe space. Lighting up each others creative spirits and in doing so cast a brighter light on our own creative paths.
To me, creating art is in general a solitary experience. Enjoyable, humbling and at times can feel lonely. It is a real treat for once a week to surround oneself with like-minded people. Together we experiment, push boundaries, play with paint, learn from each other and grow. I am grateful to my teacher, Betty MacDonald, who upon retirement, passed the torch to me. It’s truly an honour to observe my brillant, brave students that dedicate the time to their passion. Art is the gift that keeps giving.
If I had a Christmas Village, the first light I would turn on would be the studio. A small, but mighty powerful space, inviting you all in to take a deeper look.
In creative spirit,
Michelle
DEAR ONE...
The more lights you turn on the brighter your village will shine!
“I love those connections that make this big old world feel like a little village.”
~Gina Bellman
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