The Studio Plot Twist: Beauty, Chaos, and the Subfloor
The Best Laid Plans...well the best laid floors actually.
A few weeks ago, I shared the happy news that the studio leak was fixed and I was busy sprucing up the stairs. It felt like clear sailing toward the Salisbury Art Trail Open Studios on 23rd May.
However, as any artist knows, sometimes you have to strip everything back to the foundation before you can truly build something beautiful.
The Plot Twist
While the "top" of the studio looked dry and lovely, it just didn’t seem to be drying out as expected.
With a bit of fear and dred Phil lifted a floorboard.
It turns out the underlay was wet too.
So was the subfloor!
I’ reheard of floating floors but this is ridiculous.
To ensure the safety of the studio and my work and indeed my own health; I’ve had to make a tough call: we have removed the entire laminate floor and underlay.
There were a few tears. Not just the amount of work, but my lovely Dad laid that floor for me 12 years ago, when I left teaching to become a full time artist. Dad passed away a few years ago and taking up the floor felt like I was betraying him, like all his work was for nothing. Which of course is not true at all, it served me well for 12 years until a leaky pipe ruined my fun.
Phil inspecting the floor to reveal wet underlay
Currently, my workspace is a bit of a "living modern art installation." All of the lower level of my studio is down to the raw subfloor with two dehumidifiers working their magic 24/7.
So I have some furniture out in the garden right now, luckily the sun is shining and lots of other times piled high in the upper dry levels of the studio.Oh my goodness the chaos is overwhelming!
My paintings are perfectly safe—tucked away in the "high and dry" quarter of the studio—watching the drama unfold from a distance.
What This Means for You
I am determined to have the studio "pretty" and filled with art for the Salisbury Trail starting 23rd May. Because I am currently navigating a maze of drying equipment and floor-less rooms, I am making a few adjustments:
Shipping Update: My online shop remains open for select, accessible works! However, please note that shipping is temporarily delayed until May 23rd. If you fall in love with a piece, you can still secure it now, and I will personally ensure it is dispatched the moment the studio floor is back in action.
The Big Reveal: I’m using this "enforced pause" to prep for the Open Studios event. When you visit me on the 23rd, you won't see the dehumidifiers—you'll see a freshly restored space filled with new work.
A Creative Silence
Over the next fortnight, I’ll be stepping back into "creative silence" while the machines do their heavy lifting. If I’m a little quiet, just know I’m busy behind the scenes getting everything ready for our grand reopening.
Thank you for being part of this journey—chaos and all. I can't wait to welcome you into the "new" space very soon.