Christmas in two days.
I decided, just a few days before Christmas, that this was the year my studio would be clean before the 25th. After all, we just moved into our new home in June and my studio is the first room as you enter the house. Visitors like to peek into the room very discreetly as they walk in.
Cold cup of coffee in hand, I wanted to add finished paintings to the wall, declutter the closet, hang colourful streamers and fairy lights. In other words, the studio was to look festive, organized, serene. Pinterest-worthy even!
With resolute intentions, I sat at my desk, facing the front street… and immediately uncovered three unfinished canvases, a mystery pile of collage papers, and a box filled with dead end art I’d been looking for since our move.
You see, some of my art supplies are still packed on shelves in the basement, as I wait for contractors to finish the basement where I will have more organized storage. By that I simply mean more space to hide art supplies and unfinished work behind closet doors.
Many creative detours...
Every attempt at cleaning became a creative detour.
While sorting papers, I found a sketch that could be used to create an interesting floral collage (20 minutes later). While wiping the counter, I had to test some colours (on several different papers, because why not?).
By the time I tried to clear the floor in order to wash it, the mess had migrated and multiplied like it was alive.
Hours later, the studio looked worse. I was covered in paint, glue, and paper scraps, and the only thing actually organized was my Nonna’s hutch where I display finished art work.
Still, I had to stand back proudly.
Good enough for Christmas.
The studio isn't clean - so far from it, but it is festive chaos of a kind, I suppose.
And honestly? That’s the most artistic kind. (And I think I will keep the door closed for another week!)
How many days until we make our new resolutions for 2026?
Dear Creative Friends:
May the festive season be filled with light and inspiration, and renewed energy and good health for 2026.
Louise
December 23, 2025.
Hi Louise, what a rush leading up to Christmas and to decide to clean up your art space, whoah… I can see that your decision ended up the same as mine, no progress whatsoever and it is only today, Boxing Day, that I have succeeded minimally, getting sidetracked by one who is totally blind to technology. I’m sure that you in the New Year, as I will, have the house in order. I hope you and Neil had a wonderful time with your family on Christmas Day
I have been sick with the flu since Christmas Eve. I spent most of the day sleeping yesterday. I am feeling slightly better but will continue to rest today. All my plans were dashed by the way I feel – no energy, tiredness, constant coughing. I am sure your Christmas was better. Will send photos via messenger.
Merry Christmas Louise.
Merry Christmas to you as well. It will be a white one here (that’s not always been the case) as we had a fresh dump of snow yesterday. All the best for you and yours in the coming year.
Great effort all round Louise. You’ll get your studio how you want it eventually, just take your time. PS. I like the new collages.
…right now there is a plastic cover on the floors from the front door all the way to the stairs to the basement where contractors have been working for the last month. And we are in the middle of a snowstorm so snow is being tracked in but thankfully, the plastic cover will protect the floors and stairs. The collages are for a gallery wall that I have wanted to create in the front hall. Photos to come in new year I hope. Thanks Vivienne.
In response to your post. Louise, I’m sharing a poem that I wrote a few years ago.
Clearing a Space
by Christine O’Brien
When I begin to clear a space,
it becomes messier than it was
things are dislodged, displaced.
There is chaos, disruption,
handling and stacking
especially if you are a writer
with papers and journals, stacks of them,
bins even, stacked also
in the bedroom closet
or on the shelves on the back porch
mingling with the linens.
Then, if you take up painting,
you begin to collect canvases
and mixed media pages
the supplies that encroach
on those same over-stuffed shelves.
I tell myself “put them in order!”
Make things accessible.
How many times do I go out and buy
the same supply because
I can’t find it. And when I return home,
the mischievous one giggles
“ha ha, I was here all the time.”
Today, it’s raining
a good day to confront
the disarray.
Always the question
“where to begin?”
Thank you Christine for sharing your wonderful poem with my readers. Your poem expresses so much better what I was trying to convey. Glad to know I am not the only one whose shelves are over-stuffed. All the best!
LOL OMG!! That sounds just like me too!!! Love your collage pieces!! Happy Holidays Louise and keep sharing your studio adventures! Love reading you!
Hi Lynda,
Many people must feel the same way about getting swamped under so much art! You aren’t the only one to send me a comment. Via email, I just received a poem from an artist friend and I hope she will consent to publish her poem because she expresses so well how we feel when we have so many projects on the go! I know you are always busy too at this time of the year.
Wishing you moments of peaceful enjoyment with the people you love during this wonderful time of the year. Thanks for leaving a comment Lynda. I never know exactly who might be reading what I write but I continue anyway because I love writing. Louise ❤️