I’m sharing my 3 keys to thriving in chaos in the studio during major home renovation and construction.
We discovered more damage
An earlier floor inspection revealed the need to replace all of the borer ridden rimu flooring in the original back area of our home, including the laundry room, the toilet, the laundry, the back bathroom, my art storage room and the hall.
The washing machine is now on our newly renovated and covered verandah and the drier is now in my shower room during renovations.
Bill’s 1970’s style bathroom was definitely due for a remodel. We did not anticipate would mean we’d replace the supporting floor. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
Back in our 2003 home remodel we installed a second-hand kitchen. The hot-water cylinder was shifted to Bill’s bathroom, and a small enclosure built.
Our dream of changing our water system from low pressure to a mains-pressure back then was simply outside our budget.
Unplanned benefits
In 2022, it was too awkward to suspend the water heater whilst we replaced the floor beneath it.
Although unplanned and certainly not cheap, this was the perfect time to upgrade and shift the water heater system to a better location.
Before the switch, no-one enjoyed using my stylish shower room because of the miserly water flow. Now, its powerful flow is life-changing. In fact, we have to dial back the heat and the pressure! Great win!
The joy of designing a new bathroom and kitchen
With more space for Bill’s bathroom, I had a grand time rejigging the bath design with the online Placemaker bathroom design program. This was followed by designing the kitchen of my budget dreams.
In all of this carry-on, I did find ways to make art.
Three keys to thriving in chaos to make art
1. Plan a space to create
The sanity-saving sanctuary of my art studio that I made the effort last summer February 2022 was a good plan.
2. No studio? Seize a space to create
During my 2003 remodel, I seized one of the earliest available new rooms even though it wasn’t finished. It was great to have that tiny bit of space even though it was partially filled with construction fallout.
3. Adjust expectations-Go with the flow
I had a plan of action for making art for videos. However, video logistics were too difficult, (the noise factor), and I was feeling overwhelmed.
So, I gave myself permission to “go with the flow” in the studio. I chose to use large paper. Read more about my playtime by clicking this link.
All of my new art works will debut after I can mat and frame them, after we finish construction. I’m aiming for a debut around Christmas.
Your turn
What overwhelming situations have arisen that you’ve had to work around to create art?
What things did you learn from that time that help you going forward?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
