Building a Studio

I knew it would take a lot of hard work to get my studio up and running in Bangkok, but with my never-ending optimism and can-do attitude, I severely underestimated this undertaking.
Luckily, this is 2013. With the internet and an APO address, I can order almost anything. (I would like to emphasize that again. Almost anything.) Nick's co-workers have started to take notice that we are experiencing a perpetual Christmas season here at Current Location Studio, and even so kindly bring packages home from the office when Nick is off traveling for work for several days.

This is one particularly delightful day's bounty ...

Also please note the personal correspondence from two delightful friends of mine (who are also artists, and you should check out their websites here: Anathea Alberta & Sami Foust).

If you, too, would like to be honest-to-goodness snail-mail pen pals with me, please send me an email and I will be happy to include my address.

(And thank you to the many other friends & artist friends who are participating in snail-mail pen pal exchanges with me currently, but are not shown here. Shameless plug for their work: Linda Dobosenski & Jane Backes Gleissner).

Unpacking Day!

Yesterday, Nick's freight shipment arrived, and this morning mine was unloaded. While my wooden flat file was the major casualty of the voyage, my beloved Poco no. 0 proof press made it safe and sound.
I saved the best for last and carefully opened the massive wooden crate Nick's father, Bob, built for the press. Seeing that the press has made it half way around the world with no problems is the greatest gift!

Layouts

Before I closed on my house in Minneapolis in 2009, I drew endless layouts to fill the time between the inspection and my closing date (which kept getting pushed back). In true form, I have been measuring and drawing up plans for how my studio here in Bangkok might look once our long-awaited shipments finally arrive.
Here's what I have so far ...

Inks Have Arrived

After much delay, my supply of printmaking inks have arrived safely from Minneapolis. These could not go in the shipment that was sent due to their flammable nature.
Now all I need is my printing press, studio supplies, and mineral spirits!

Two Moves

I am preparing for the four flights Owl-Kitten and I have today (and into tomorrow) to move from my beloved home in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Bangkok, Thailand. This will be a great new adventure, but also comes with a tinge of sadness as I sell my house, leave a place, jobs, and people I adore.

It is fitting that while I am packed and headed to O'Hare airport, my friends at Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum are packed and moving to their new location at 1816 10th Street in Two Rivers, Wisconsin on this very same day. While their move might not be far geographically, it is a huge step out of the original factory; where Hamilton started in 1880 and the museum has called home for the past thirteen years.

I was fortunate enough to fit in a short weekend trip to Two Rivers one last time to say farewell to Jim Moran (Museum Director), Stephanie Carpenter (Assistant Director), as well as a delightful crew of volunteers. This is a monumental move, and it is still in need of your help. If you can spare a few bucks, please consider donating it to fund the cost of moving to and purchasing the new building.