The Blue Room

I don’t know that we’ll really call this space “The Blue Room” but it does have one blue wall.

The space is a little “shop” that my brother built on his property many years ago. It’s small, about 250 sq. ft. altogether, and cleverly built from old truck boxes (but you wouldn’t know that just by looking). He has had several dreams for this space, none of which really came together. A few days ago he suggested we turn it into a space for me; he knows I need a “nest” in the worst way.

Over the years the space had filled with assorted detritus. There were the supplies and artworks of an artist named Muzak, and cool things our sister no longer wanted in her home. And there was a pallet of clear fir tongue and groove flooring.

We cleared the space of everything but the pallet of T&G and then got to work at laying a floor. This isn’t any McMansion type of precision floor installation. Sweep up the debris and roll out some paper. Which works swell for me, seeings as I’ve never laid a floor before.

I did a lot of studious observing while my brother measured, cut, and nailed. And then I practiced with the nailer on some scraps and then when he got distracted with a phone call, I slid in and installed some flooring myself.

I’m not new to construction, but there’s a lot that I don’t know. I’m much more familiar and comfortable with sewing or making art. But a big part of this whole adventure in “the wilderness” is to learn how to construct something larger than a pair of pants. Maybe today he’ll let me add the biscuit jointer to my skill set.

It’s all kind of cute though, because my intention for this Blue Room space is to make art and use my sewing machine. And now, if it’s warmed up enough outside I’ll go put some caulk on the window trim.

Tagged as: art, C&P Pilot, change, family, Hipstamatic, learning, letterpress