My Studio Saga: Pups, New grinder, and Breaking Original Glass

Bringing my dogs, Soleil (4) and Hala (3), into my studio initially seemed like a great idea. After all, who wouldn't want their furry friend by their side while working on creative projects? But let me tell you – it turned into a nerve-wracking experience.

My studio is a haven for creativity, filled with various materials, including delicate stained glass pieces. Soleil is a bundle of energy and curiosity, especially when exploring new places. So, anxiety crept in when I decided to introduce her to my creative sanctuary. The thought of her possibly injuring herself on a stray piece of glass had my heart in my throat.

My main concern was the fragile stained glass that adorned my studio. I had spent countless hours meticulously crafting these beautiful pieces, and the thought of my dog accidentally causing chaos among them was enough to send shivers down my spine. Glass shards and paws do not match.

I decided to keep both my dogs out of my studio quickly. I realized the potential risk to Soleil’s safety and my precious creations wasn't worth it. So, while my studio remained off-limits for my babies, my creative journey took an unexpected turn.

Recently, I unboxed a brand-new stained glass grinder called "The Grinder." this has been on my list for a long time. It quickly became a game-changer in my studio. What struck me immediately was its surprisingly quiet operation. No ear-piercing noises to disrupt my creative flow – just a gentle hum, and it effortlessly ground down glass pieces with its remarkable motor strength.

I felt renewed enthusiasm and a newfound freedom to explore my creative ideas. But one piece of stained glass had haunted my thoughts since its untimely demise – a calabash-inspired creation I had worked on earlier.

during my recent trip to my country, Guinea Conakry, in May, my friends and I went to a village, Dubreka, to see the waterfall; on our way back in the car, I was quickly captivated by a little girl sipping from a calabash. The sight left an indelible mark on me, and I was determined to recreate that moment in stained glass. I couldn't wait to unveil it at my studio's First Friday event on Sep 23.

However, the original piece shattered into pieces. It felt like a personal loss, and I was almost depressed. However, I decided to repair the original piece, a painful process that allowed me to revisit the initial inspiration and pour even more passion into my work.

As I completed the piece, the feeling of satisfaction was overwhelming. Not only had I repaired the original, but I also recreated it. This time, the new piece has more meaning and beauty.

So, while I've decided not to bring my dogs into my studio for their safety, my studio remains where inspiration and artistry thrive.

Stay tuned for my studio's December First Friday event, where I'll proudly unveil my Calabash-inspired creation.

Update

The Calabash Girl found a New Home!