It’s been 312 days since I have been able to utilize my studio in any meaningful way. March 5, 2020 was the last day I taught an in-person class—the space has since been relegated to the ranks of a *really* expensive storage locker.
I was thinking about some of the rituals that I miss, and it’s going to sound strange but I wholeheartedly miss standing at the tiny little sink with the always insufficient amount of hot water and washing paintbrushes after class was over. Some days, there would be 50, 75, 100+ brushes waiting to be cleaned and I would roll up my sleeves, put on some music, and lovingly and patiently clean each one. During that time, however long it took, I would replay class in my head and ask myself questions about what went well, what I could do better, and how I thought the lessons and techniques were received by the participants. It was an active meditation and contemplation, that act of washing. A way to reflect. A way to improve. A way to preserve. A way to literally wash the slate clean and start again the next day.
A lot of people have been asking me when I will be back in person. I have no good answer for that, unfortunately. But, as has been the case since covid shut me down 312 days ago, there are online classes to choose from and the next after-school classes start in a couple weeks. Registration for those will close on January 20, or when the classes sell out—whatever comes first.
I miss you and I am stockpiling my hugs!
Jenn