Whether it is the cool rhythm of the sea we crave
and long to reach
or the crunch of fallen leaves
in the warm sun
being in the studio, with its basket of paints,
and waiting brushes,
takes a backseat for most of a luscious Canadian Thanksgiving on Mayne Island.
Well. almost. Today is the day that my new studio assistant will come by for his orientation. We will wander through the work place that I have cleaned and organized in his honour.
Then we will go through a typical work order to do the final work on a piece of work so that it is ready for purchase. You know, all those tasks like getting it into the online inventory, putting on the hanging hardware and if needed, painting the edges. By now I am sure you know how much I really do not enjoy painting the edges of my paintings, yes? I am so excited about finally getting this help in place as I am a wee bit behind as I keep painting new work without doing this final bit of administrative work.
I am most thankful for the sun, the sea, the autumn leaves, a clean studio, a studio assistant and the health and well-being of my large family. I am truly blessed on this fine and great annual day of thankfulness. All the best of a Canadian Thanksgiving and Monday blessings to you!
Can you tell us about a time when you stopped fighting yourself and hired work done that you could do but were not?
© 2013 Terrill Welch, All rights reserved.
Liberal usage granted with written permission. See “About” for details.
Creative Potager – Visit with painter and photographer Terrill Welch
From Mayne Island, British Columbia, Canada
For gallery and purchase information about Terrill’s photographs and paintings go to http://terrillwelchartist.com
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Creative Potager 
Thank you for this bounty of beautiful photos, Terrill. And congratulations on hiring an assistant. Ah, dreaming of the day I can…
And I’m back. : )
To answer, shortly after my mom passed away I struggled to do…everything. Housework was last on my list. After getting out of bed, getting dressed and… We hired a small team of housecleaners. They were in and out like a swat team. And were very much appreciated.
Ah that day will come Leanne. I have had an exceptionally good year with sales of my paintings and with enough consistency that I know I need to do this if I am going to grow my art career. There just comes a point when there are only so many hours in a day and they need, if possible, to be divided up differently. I appreciate your sharing about calling in assistance during your grieving process. Sometimes we think that we should not give the time necessary to recover from our losses – like it isn’t the “real work” of living but it is and what a wise decision.
I would love to stop fighting with my tasks these days…I would love to hire a painter for the outside of the house, a cleaning person to get caught up, gardener and a marketing person ….I just keep reading the next book and then the next book….my dictation program helps with the review writing and I think that was the last helper I hired – 5 years ago.
I miss coming to Canada for Thanksgiving, it was wonderful to visit family and it just seemed like better timing ( so many people have the day off because of the Gov. Shutdown here…there is more worry than gratitude these days) Blessing and delicious celebrations to you
US Thanksgiving actually falls on what would be my mum’s 100th birthday this year and it is also the start of Hanukkah – historically significant?
Best wishes for your celebrations and I am thankful for all the beauty you share. Good to have assistance and a wonderful family
Best wishes to you Patricia! I am guessing you are ready to add a wee bit more assistance to your life here and there. Your comment about settling in and writing another review reminds me so much of my recent painting pace. Other aspects of the work and life get left in the wake of the primary task at hand. It is not a bad thing – just requires some extra help to keep things sorted.
Oh my gosh, I opened my laptop and got splashed! — That’s how “in person” your photographs are, Terrill! I’m grateful that blessings abound for you and yours.
You asked, “Can you tell us about a time when you stopped fighting yourself and hired work done that you could do but were not?”
Painting – but not the kind you do. Painting interior walls and window trim. Len and I tried it together ONCE. That was enough to know that we needed to hire it out even though we’re both perfectly capable 🙂
I can imagine the conversation that led to this decision Laurie 🙂 So glad you were able to stop in for a splash!
So enjoyed admiring these photographs,Terrill. And congratulations on hiring some help. Sometimes that’s just what’s needed…
Good to hear and it seems to be Kathy as it is working out well and I seem to just feel better about everything knowing that I have a helping hand.
Wow this batch ravished me with the autumnal colors and temper. I’ve had work done to the house by others at times when I realized I could not do it myself. It happens. And glad to hear you have made a smart decision as well Terrill.
The studio assistant is working out extremely well Sam! He has taken easily to the work with ease and it makes such a positive difference to the rhythm in the studio.