my messy desk

Since I'm stuck at school on a Sunday morning (well, afternoon really) I thought I'd share a few of the things that I keep at my desk as inspiration. First of all, my desk is a disaster zone, but if it isn't it's because I either a) haven't been working or b) have just cleaned it up because it has finally gotten to a point where the mess is preventing me from working. So, as you can see from this gross picture, messy desk = I've been doing something. Not sure how useful those things I've been doing will prove to be, but I've been doing them nonetheless. Oh, I should also mention that this is my school desk, not the desk I make jewelry at. That would be my dining room table at home.

First, I have this awesome vintage bird cut out that my friend Rebecka gave to me. I think she might have given everyone in our class one while she was here on exchange. Studio just hasn't been the same without her, and neither was the legion last night! I'm really hoping to meet up with her again in Sweden some day soon.

Second, a spirograph drawing that Jeff made for me. Remember spirographs? Turns out that the occasional awesome dollar store (or, here in Vancouver, Yokoyaya123) still has these things kicking around. 

Now, this last thing is just ridiculous. My friend Mary sent me this porcelain cat face, obviously painted by an amateur, likely a child, that she found. With the help of my friend Lara I added gemstone eyes. What really makes this thing an inspiration for my design work is the note Mary included. You can read it for yourself above. So true.

Incidentally, those of us who are in studio today witnessed quite a dramatic break-up then reconciliation outside of our building this morning. Two pretty young people doing some screaming, crying, hugging, and making out. They walked away together but it looked like they might have rough times ahead. Good luck to them! Also glad that they moved their drama to somewhere other than right outside my window. Now back to work...

this is where I work

Over the next few days I'm hoping to share some photos with you of my new apartment. The reason for this? Well, for one thing, there's predicted to be sun in Vancouver, which will hopefully make for nicer photos. Also, we're finally starting to get things straightened out around here, so even though there are still some things that need to find homes and one special picture that needs to be framed, our new place is starting to feel like a home.

So, here's a couple of photos from my new office space. Above you see some of my favourite things, including the view from my window to our fire escape. The mug is not beautiful to look at, but it's for the Calgary Eyeopener, which I guess is the number one thing that I miss about waking up in Calgary every morning. The host, Jim Brown, is just so much better than the CBC Radio 1 Vancouver host. Incidentally, I heard that This American Life is joining the Radio 1 schedule, and I'm super excited. The lamp doesn't look like anything special, either, but it has a built-in magnifying glass and is super helpful when I'm making jewelry. Other things that I keep close at hand: pens and pencils, a sketchbook, some key books and magazines that are helping me right now and that little red tin of Vaseline. It's the best lip balm I've ever gotten my hands on, but it isn't sold in Canada. Whenever someone goes to Europe it's the only thing I ask them to bring back for me (thanks, Mom!).

The table practically deserves a post of its own. It's something we inherited from very good friends of ours when we moved into their old house. It's been painted but the paint is peeling off here and there, making it this amazing piece of art. I hope to someday put a sheet of glass on the top of it to preserve some of its character, even though I prefer the wood surface. It's been the best work table over the years.

And a little close up of a photograph that I got a million years ago at the Edmonton Antique Mall, my rock, sea glass, and chestnut collection, and my favourite houseplant: a rat tail cactus that I bought for $5 at a houseplant sale at UBC. This space looks pretty organized right now...but you should see my studio desk! As soon as I start working it starts looking like some sort of garbage dump. In other words, when things look clean, it's probably because I've been procrastinating! What do you need around you to work well?