The Studio Is Finished (Mostly)
My last blog optimistically estimated that the studio renovation would be done in six weeks. It ended up taking 14 more weeks. They say renovations take longer than expected and cost 20% more, so we were right on target. We're really happy with the quality of the build and the end result. Pretty crazy transformation, right?
The original idea was an artist studio with climate control and good lighting. It turned into a luxurious studio apartment. Part of the reason the build changed is that we wanted the space to double as guest quarters, a potential mother-in-law suite, or a turnkey rental investment, without having to renovate again down the road. We also ran into a design flaw the architect didn't catch: the shower door was less than a foot from the toilet. The fix shrank our pantry and expanded the bathroom, which meant we could turn the shower into a steam shower. That was a real bonus, since our ranch house could never have accommodated that kind of luxury.
During construction, I thought I could get some work done, but it just wasn't happening. Between daily interactions with the crew, researching finishes, and road-tripping all over LA to look at them, there was no time left to get into a zone.
But I did discover an opportunity to be part of a group show at a Portland gallery I'd been eyeballing, so I took it. The concept is a postcard show, so the substrate is a set 4" x 6" piece of cardboard. My usual techniques weren't possible, but I figured something out. I still used mashed-up, out-of-context Golden Age comic book elements, which replicated my look while delivering a 3D effect. It's a holiday show, so I had to add some nice to the naughty.
Kiss and Make Up (6”x4”) Created from 3 separate elements.
The Awakening (6”x4”) Created from 7 separate elements.
Behind The Door (6”x4”) Created from 7 separate elements.
After seven months of living with my finished work, art supplies, and other displaced items packed into our living space, we finally reclaimed our home. The first thing we moved in was my tool bench, and the space instantly became my studio. These kitchen countertops are now dedicated cutting stations, something I never had before. And a sink! When guests come to stay, I just clean off the counters.
Mind you, I haven’t forgotten this is a working studio. My old 1960s garage was raw, dirty, and unfinished, but I never stained its concrete floor with paint. This new floor is commercial-grade luxury vinyl plank (LVP), and I’ll still use a drop cloth when I paint. The exterior walls now have outlets, with generous space alongside to open a heavy-duty folding table where I can cut wood and make a mess. Inside, the countertops are protected by cutting mats and large foam mats, and the sink is heavy-gauge stainless steel. Let the games begin!
From the studio's kitchen window, I look out over our front yard and our Covid-planted fruit trees. I also get a view of the sunset I never knew our property had, and the light here is unlike anywhere else in the house. After more than three decades in this home, it's strange and wonderful to see it from a new perspective. Most people just rearrange their furniture!
Speaking of light, we had a Philips Hue lighting system installed so I can finally see the true color of my paint. In the garage, I was working under hand-me-down hanging fluorescent shop lights, with natural light only when the garage door was open. It was hard to judge what I was doing, and I often had to carry pieces outside to check them. Obviously not ideal. This is going to be a real game changer.
During this summer's heat waves, I noticed the studio never got uncomfortably warm. The new insulation was keeping the space cool, and now the mini split and ceiling fan make the room comfortable within minutes.
I'm waiting on the hanging rails to arrive so I can hang my work. Next time, I'll show the finished studio and hopefully share some new works in progress. I’m curious to see if this new environment will impact my work.
August’s Show
The Laluzapalooza show at La Luz de Jesus had so much rad art! And the crowd that turns out is always a whole 'nother show in people watching. I learned a few days before opening night that Climax had sold during the previews, so it was fun to show up and see that red dot.
Upcoming Shows
Three more shows are on the calendar, running from November into January.
Gabba Gallery, Wishlist 14: The Affordable Art Show
November 7 – December 19
Downtown Los Angeles' Gabba Gallery invited me to show two pieces from my comic book series in their annual affordable art show. Prices run from $50 to $1,000, and you can take the work home that night.
Lucky Cat Gallery, The Invite
November 17 – December 5
Cannibal Flower's next show is at Lucky Cat in DTLA. L Croskey and Irene Hernandez-Feiks curated this group show. Each curator invited 20 artists, and those 40 artists invited 40 more, for 80 artists in all. L. Croskey asked me to show Doomtown, the piece that just came back from a three-year loan to the Atomic Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate in Las Vegas. The artist I invited was fun collage artist Jeannine Chanin-Penn. Come see Doomtown and the other invites!
Brassworks Gallery, 4th Annual Postcard Show
December 12 – January 16, 2027
Brassworks Gallery in Portland, Oregon, is putting on its 4th annual postcard show. Artists from around the world submit original works on gallery-supplied 4" x 6" cardboard postcards. Thousands of postcards, all priced at $100, will be available in previews a few days before the December 12 opening.
This will be my first time showing at Brassworks in Portland, my second home. I expect to attend all three shows, and it would be great to see you there.
-Julie