I’ve been working hard in preparation for my open home/gallery idea. I’ve spent the last couple of weeks packing away all craft supplies I won’t need/want to work with till winter time, all decorative items that aren’t of my own creation, and everything else I generally don’t need handy.

Most of that I’ve packed into heavy duty plastic boxes and moved down the basement. I’ve donated a ton of stuff I don’t want and been ruthless about throwing away items as well.

I watched The Minimalists one night on Netflix and they were going on about how when you get rid of everything you don’t need and only keep stuff which ‘has value’, you free yourself and live better and have more free time…

To be honest, I don’t know how having less stuff in your life can actually give you more time, other than maybe not having to clean or dust as much (if that is something you do!). But I do agree whole heartedly that having less is always better for your mind and soul.

I am a collector, I admit. I love having collections of things which appeal to me, but when I moved to Greece almost 4.5 years ago, I got rid of almost all my collections. Even my extensive poodle figurine collection. I only kept a couple of figurines which meant more to me, ditto with all the other collections. I brough very little with me to Greece, including some things people won’t understand at all. However, they have value to me and that’s all that counts.

Over the years, as I said, I’ve always collected stuff. Partly cause I like to do things with the stuff I collect (remake, use them on things I create etc) but also cause I don’t think I would like living in a minimalist space. I like interesting things and love creating little vignettes with them. I like just looking at them. I love going to people’s houses and seeing that kind of ‘clutter’ as well. Going totally minimal was never going to be me, what with my collection gene and my art and craftiness.

However, in my ‘regular’ life, I am trying to simplify things. What I don’t use and don’t need is going or gone. I’ve been doing this periodically all my life. Once you begin to get rid of things it feels so good, you want to get rid of more. Its addictive.

Here are some pics of the first steps towards making my home a display for my work.

This corner near the couch has been started, with a few paintings on the wall. The more I sort out stuff, the more will be framed and hung, or put on the table to display. I also have some unfinished work I need to work on.

Behind my easel (with the STILL unfinished painting), I’ve created a little gallery wall with smaller artwork. Soon enough, all my walls will be covered with art (and nails)…

There is still a ton to be framed and space found to hang them.

The bookcase is roughly half display and half my office with the computer, printer, materials and other supplies. They may all be moved into the bedroom eventually… I have to see how I go space-wise. It really sucks having a tiny house.

Meanwhile, I do need to keep producing art over summer cause as things sell, there will be empty spaces which will need filling.

I HOPE things sell! I mean, that’s the whole point of having them on display.

Being that I’m not in the town with a door to passersby, I will be holding open days and art lessons to bring people to my home.

Fingers crossed on that!

Speaking of fingers, I got bitten on the thumb by a ratbag of a shih tzu yesterday. Three good punctures. He got me good, the little bastard. An elderly dog with a full set of teeth and very quick reflexes. Damn.

z