It has been a huge challenge to get my art studio back into working order since my mother died in July.

I brought home so many things holding so many memories, stacking boxes everywhere, piles of books, blankets, linens, beautiful rocks, woven baskets, delicate ornaments, clothing, framed photos, and paintings by my grandfather.

Only two weeks ago I could barely walk across the room, but slowly, slowly things are getting distributed to family members, friends, thrift stores, or to places for use in my own house. Some things will just be stored out of the way for future consideration.

And some newly acquired furniture is now in place for use:  a real desk (with drawers!) has allowed me to surplus a wide filing cabinet, and time & work has reduced the estate paperwork to a manageable quantity that can be merged into my normal storage systems. What a relief it is to have my new desk organized, and to put away that extra table & all that was on top of it.

My “new” Mutoh drafing table

A fabulous find has been added to my studio:  a old Mutoh drafting table! While this is missing all the accessories & required an hour or two of scrubbing, it none the less takes a place of pride with my large format scanner and wide format printer as a choice art tool. This drafting table not only tilts easily with one hand, but is raised & lowered without effort using a foot pedal! Such luxury, as my current very large drafting table requires two people for any adjustment. Now that will be put flat as a worktable, I think.

Here it is arranged to look as if I am actually doing a little art, but not so. I am still struggling to get started! The transition has been exhausting. I do have room to work now, but I am still surrounded by so many reminders of Mother that it is hard to focus on my work. I need to somehow use all of this to make art…