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To my faithful blog followers, I apologize. It’s been almost a month since I’ve had time to upload pictures and comments—time for the tales to grow long and for the studio to take shape. As I write, the studio awaits the arrival of the outside door so Chuck can complete the siding on the south side and woodworking around the door. As for the inside, the wiring and insulation are in place. Yesterday Jim the Building Inspector came by and gave the go-ahead for the drywall to begin. Greg the Builder has the studio cleared of debris and everything is in readiness for the next phase, which I anticipate will happen Monday or Tuesday.
In my private life, I’m thinking about paint colors and if I should move my ceramic/art books into a bookcase in the studio and wondering when Mike will finish my table and other issues that could be on HGTV. I have framed some posters of my work to hang in the studio. I am also becoming really impatient to have a clear work area—I need to complete two more sculptures for my Polish book, Trick a Witch, Wed a Hedgehog, Save your Soul: Encountering Poland
Some of the studio progress has been dramatic—like the windows being set and the door being cut through into the main part of the house; other steps have been quietly assertive—like the placement of the outlets and the mitering of corners. Fine craftsmanship in action by Chuck, who has honored the original construction of the house with his work. I’ve been learning so much at every increment, waking in the morning wondering if a construction person, an electrician, or an inspector will show up and mark a new advancement. This part of my tale is best told through the photos. Although it’s been a month filled with non-construction activities in my life that have not allowed time for uploading the pictures (a weekend trip to Madison to see Wicked and celebrate two birthdays, iconography, a visit to the Rep to see Cabaret, a funeral in Appleton, an art opening at THE Fine Art Gallery, clay work on new sculpture in too-crowded kitchen, a writing class, word-processing the final chapter of George's mystery, a bout of crypto-like flu, transporting George to PT, etc…), I have faithfully taken pictures of each new advancement in construction. At this time I will share the pictures.
We're happy to see the first window is in place.
These windows will be next! They will be on the west wall.
And here is Craig with the west windows installed!
Now we have direct access to the studio from the house. Yesterday this was a pantry! I'm happy to let it go, but somehow will have to deal with the loss of a place to store food and small kitchen appliances.
The craftsman who wishes to remain unidentified has given a tribute to the original carpenter who built this house for his family over 118 years ago. This original built-in has been rescued from the west side of the pantry and is in the process of being installed on the north side of the walk-through.
This picture shows the recessed ceiling lighting, as well as the interior door.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
The insulation phase...
The siding goes on, board by board. Note the fine work at the base that matches the existing structure.
Our friend Mark Lutzenberger built this little porch originally, with two safe railings for George to brace himself on. I called it my "Coffee Porch" and often abandoned the kitchen in the mornings for a bit of communion with caffeine, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and nature. Now it is being expanded and also will be the exterior entrance for the studio.
When we came home from our weekend in Madison, at first I thought nothing had been done during my absence. Then I discovered that the roof had been shingled! Happy Monday!
Here is the latest. Greg the Builder came over on Thursday and applied the interior insulation. He also cleaned out the rubble and got everything ready for the next step--the drywall and the electrical components. On Friday, Jim the Building Inspector came by and admired the progress and the good work being done. He had some questions about the exterior steps conforming to code, but he assumes that is only a temporary situation. He will check with the contractor on that.
As for me, I've spent more time than I intended on this because it took so long to upload the pictures. (In between uploads, I cleaned a closet! Borrrrring!) I will now see if the butternut squash and potatoes that have been baking for the past hour are ready. I also want to say that I am pleased with the progress of the construction, in spite of some delays, and I am beginning to think I should start planning the Open Studio Party.
