Since losing the studio space I was renting, I’ve been thinking about what the best option is for painting. This has led to some interesting conversations with friends and a re-imaging of the studio’s work …
Shortly after the dust settled, I connected with my friend, David Goa, and our meandering conversation touched upon his love of the Russian Dachas. While their history is tied to the court life of the empire in the 17th century, in modern time these little cabins or shacks serve as a place of retreat and re-connection to the natural world. Immediately I could imagine painting icons in such a space, and it also fits the vision and methods of Conestoga Icons appropriate to iconography perfectly (which is something I’ve struggled with since our move out West.)
However, it wasn’t until I visited our local Restore West in Edmonton today that my imagination could become tangible. In their yard, they had received a donation of very green, expired fire retardant lumber. After talking with Al, one of the very helpful workers we’ve gotten to know, and finding out that the store was selling it at a very good price, I bought a bundle and my son and I loaded it into the truck.
With the very green lumber ready to go, we’re set to build the Conestoga Icons’ Tiny Studio.