“The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play”
Arnold Toynbee
A few of you have asked for a glimpse into my work life- and I have been thinking about how to share something so wonderful with you. How can I explain the magic that happens? It is organic and changing, crazy and messy- a sort of a three ring circus that I know most people would not enjoy. Even hate.
About 9 years ago I started Art studio for children at my dining room table as a way to give my own children and a few of their friends some art time. There were 10 children that first year.
At that time I was home with my young children and married. Years later when I separated and needed to get to work fast- the studio was poised for growth. That first year of separation my business grew exponentially as it needed to and I started teaching 100 students a week. I cannot begin to explain to you what the support from my neighbourhood and other families of me and my work meant for me at that time. It literally and figuratively floated me above the difficulty. The cheques never bounced, people appreciated what I was doing, the children gave me their love and affection. I am now teaching 130 beautiful little people a week.
A series of yesses meant I was also running summer camps, birthday parties, TDSB enrichment, family art projects and art events. Sometimes I would walk downstairs to my basement studio – which was cute, tired and tight- and get a shiver. This tiny room supports me and my children.
Last November we completed a renovation of a new space. A brand new home studio. I have told you before that my initial reaction to building it was – I don’t deserve this. That is, of course, messed up.
Here is the new space-
it has a snuggly corner for tired artists
the artists are independent (“I cut my own hair”)
*** this did not happen in my art room!
unlike adults, they make “happy” declarations of weight gain
“Nancy, I now weigh 40 lbs. No more car seat!”
They frequently leave me love notes and bring me presents
and more presents
they have even named a colour after me – “nancy-pink”
there are nicknames-“fancy nancy” “miss nancy” and “nance romance”
my business suit is very serious
There is no security. No old age pension. No predictability. No assistant. No staff. No per diem. No marketing department. No international travel. No mentorship. No board.
No bored.
I love it.
Fab. What a blessing to do what you love for work.
I, too, wish I could bring my rugrats.
thank you Christine- next time you are in Toronto your people can come over and play!
I wish we something like this – and someone like YOU – in our little town. Most especially for Cuyler.
Be proud lady – you deserve every blessing!
but will I be doing this a 75 , deb?
that is half the battle for sure and I am not sure how you figure that one out!
Congratulations it looks amazing and the kids look so happy. Thank you for the inspiration to follow my dreams.
http://www.artstudioforchildren.com -check out Spring 2011 and let me know what suits by contacting us
you would not believe how many women ask that same question.
we should do a family one anyway, hey auntie?
Hi Nance – just love your pix of your summer camp. It looks like such fun…..how old is tooooo old to sign up????
xoxo
How do I sign my boys up? I am serious…I live in Toronto!
You know what “they” say….do what you love and the money will follow! Your success is a perfect example of this maxim. I think half the battle must be in figuring out what you love.
you deserve all of it! never think otherwise. beautiful space!!!
can you imagine your little one in her tutu and me in mine. Blissful.
I would help facilitate a large canvas orchid from Ethan and have done similar one on one’s if you would like
what a thrill to get the babies of friends from other times like you Robyn!xn
thanks so much sara. This was a fun one to put together – it actually made me a little teary thinking how great it really is and I don’t want to forget that or take it for granted
Nancy, how I WISH I lived closer!! I’d send my kids every day… what a LOVELY space you have there!! So wonderful (and the chandeliers are just so tinkly and special!) I understand the notion of feeling like you don’t deserve it – I felt the same when we renovated the basement for my business… you DO deserve it, and look how you’re running with it all!! This whole thing… I just love, Love, LOVE it!! Good for you, lady! Rock the hard jam EVERY day, doll. xoxoxoxox
I wish I could have your munchkins, amreen
Ethan loves it too and is insipred everytime he comes! A friend of mine who is an interior designer could not believe the orchid painting he did and asked if she could commision a large one for our living room! Nanc Ehtan will be back in the spring! 🙂
and you- especially after a glimpse into your photos -xn
Lovely is as lovely does.
Can’t wait to enrol Clare in September.
*i
God I love this post – and I love how much you love what you do! Something to strive for! Incredible!
OMG – this is so fabulous! How I wish you lived in my neighbourhood, my girls would live there! Congrats on all your success. I can only imagine how much those children adore you. You need to post a pic of yourself in that white jumpsuit – pleease!