Dressing for Work

I received and email from Pam Bowman a while back about an art project she is working on. She is preparing an exhibit which contrasts daily routines in China with routines in the Unites States. Pam asked for a few written sentences or a paragraph about routines or rituals and it got me to thinking about two things, lotion and dressing to paint. The lotion part I'll save for another time. Regarding Dressing or Work, this was my response to her.

I love my job and I feel very lucky to be allowed to spend my days pursuing what I enjoy so much. I have battled guilt because I hear of and see other people who spend their days doing work that doesn't have the potential to inspire and maybe isn't as fulfilling and enjoyable. Because of that gratitude I feel, I don't take my job for granted and I use my time well in the studio. One of the ways I set this time/activity apart and outwardly acknowledge my feelings and state of mind is in how I dress, just like putting on a uniform to play a sport or even the uniform I wore when I worked at Basking Robbins when I was sixteen. So, even though I'm anxious to get right into the studio after I get my little ones out the door for school, I take the time to dress for work. I wear good shoes. I like the sound of my heals on the tile floor and I get my paintings supplies out. This winter it was my turquoise Fluevog boots and a skirt that I felt the best in. I put on my rings and a necklace, usually one that Dan made for me. I keep lipstick on my painting taberet. The funny thing is that it's just me in there. No one is going to see what I'm wearing, but when I'm wearing heels, I walk differently. When I'm wearing jewelry I stand up straighter. I also think I paint with more focus. I think that to me, when appearance is in order, I'm going to paint in order (meaning less distraction and not sloppily or as an after thought.)

I think I've written about this subject before but it's good to remember. Look up Pam's work. She is extraordinary. She's this nice little woman, living in Utah whose installations could rival any artist in any museum right this very minute. I'm serious, her work leaves me in awe every time.

I'm excited about this painting that I'm working on. It's a little strange but sweet.

Raquel's home, garden and tree house were delightful but most exciting experience of the day was CHICKENS!

No they did not peck at my eyes or pierce my flesh with their razor sharp talons as I had imagined.

I held this pretty little hen named Honey in my arms like a baby. She was so sweet. It was much more gentle and calm than I had imagined. I think I even made cooing noises at her.
Thanks for sharing Raquel!

Teen Kitten and I got a special treat today. We got to climb into Raquel and Oliver's dreamy tree house. It's for sure the highest multi-leveled tree house I've ever had the chance to see. It's like an ancient dream tower or someplace magical.

Teen Kitten is working on a short film for a school project. She interviewed Raquel who blew her away with her passionate ideas about sustainability and gardening. She inspired me as well. I thought about where and what we were using as we ate and traveled today. She is amazing. Raquel, among her other endeavours is currently running the Provo Farmer's Market.

Oooooh Janis!

I ran into Janis the other night when we were accepting our awards. I said something to her like..."I'm proud of you Janis for getting out there and Rock'n the art world." She said something like, "same to you, Cass," and then we high-fived.
It made me all warm inside, like we were on the same team or had done something good. We did our undergraduate work at the same time. She has that fire inside and does amazing work. Janis Mars Wunderlich inspired a lot of students who came into the program after her. That's about the best compliment I think a girl could get.

Janis was one of a few female artists who were chosen to be in a film called, WHO DOES SHE THINK SHE IS? It's a "Terrific, engaging and moving documentary about the ongoing conundrum of women in the arts today."