As an artist, my studio is my sanctuary - a place where creativity flows and my imagination runs wild. It's filled with all the materials I need to create my artwork, but more importantly, it's also filled with a lot of cool stuff that adds character to the space. Amongst all the art supplies, you'll find autographed baseballs, footballs, and jerseys of Michael Jordan, Troy Aikman, Brett Favre, Roger Staubach, and several other world-class athletes. Additionally, there's a 10-foot shark hanging over my head, that my husband caught off Grand Cayman, a 12-foot long blue marlin he caught off Mexico, and over 25 mounted fishing from around the world fishing trips over the years. And let's not forget the bar stocked with cognac from around the world. It's all part of the unique studio space that I have come to love.
It's no secret that my husband and I love collecting things. Before the art studio was mine, it was his man cave. Collecting is a passion that we share, and we always find ways to incorporate our collections into our daily lives. But the art studio is where I truly embrace all the things that I love the most. I draw inspiration from these unique pieces and harness that energy to create beautiful pieces of artwork that showcase my passion for life, adventure, and everything in between.
The autographed footballs, baseballs, and jerseys are his pride and joy. As a sports enthusiast, having these mementos in my art studio is a constant reminder of the values that sports teach - discipline, hard work, and perseverance. These athletes have set an example for me both in their athletic achievements and off the field, and it's a privilege to have their autographs adorning my walls.
The fishing trips and catches are also an essential component of my studio space. They are a testament to my love for adventure, travel, and the outdoors. They are not just trophies or decorations but an embodiment of the memories and stories that we have to share, telling a unique perspective of our lives and the journey we took to arrive here. Each fish tells a story, and that's what I love about them - they add character to my studio and inspire me to create pieces that evoke emotion and memories for those that view my art. This fish above decide to try an escape from the studio and hangs on the wall with bandage hanging off his bill.
The bar stocked with cognac from around the world is the ultimate indulgence. It's a visual showpiece that tells my story. We have traveled the world and tasted some of the most incredible cognacs from France, the Americas, and Europe. It's a reminder of the beautiful experiences we've had on our travels, and whenever I need inspiration, I look to this collection to help me find something new or just get drunk and make a big mess.
As an artist, I am constantly spilling paint all over the place during the creative process yet none of it ever lands on our collectibles, which borders on miracle. This co-existence of art and my husband's collectibles that we both treasure is something special that can be overlooked by others, but for me, it is pure magic. Knowing that those items are in the same room as my art collection and recognizing how beautifully they coexist is something I have grown to appreciate over the years.
Ultimately, the coolest thing in my art studio isn't any of the collectibles I've amassed over the years. Instead, it's the inspiration that they bring me and the memories they evoke. It's in the creative energy that fills the space, the sounds, the smells, and the colors that make this studio uniquely mine. My art studio is a reflection of who I am, where I have been, where I am going, and all the things that make life truly beautiful.
