Above is a photograph of my art studio in town, all cleaned up and ready for work! The accumulation of wooden stretcher frames, at the far side of the big table on the right is waiting for me to stretch canvas over them. My next solo show is in New York, April, 2016.
This past year has been rough for me. My mother died four days before Christmas. The darkest time of the year. Our sweet daughter left for college in the fall.
I aptly named this section of my blog, “Piece Of My Heart.” And have written things such as “Vince Vaughn Bought My Daughter’s Prom Dress”, “The Shredding Skirt” and “Pie O Logy.” I did get carried away, and may continue to do so.
Even though it has only been a few months, I think, “Did I really tell the world about the mining accident?” (Now, now. I did not say it was I who had the relative who took one step back too far!) I could use some relatives now. Some relatives who will stretch my canvases and tell me what a good a painter I am!
I have thought about giving up the blog. But I enjoy it so much.
Although you might think i should post my painting in progress, ( and I may do so from time to time ), I would rather keep each post an artwork unto itself. Painting is totally separate from the keyboard.
I need to get back to work.
Copyright Hollis Hildebrand-Mills 2014 All rights reserved
Hollis Hildebrand-Mills 
This looks such an inviting space to work. Those big windows are gorgeous.
I am sorry about your brother. I just can’t believe that this would happen so close to your mother’s death.
I am glad you are keeping this space going. I hope it helps you in the decisions that you have to make.
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Denise, thanks. Yes, this studio is the one place in my life I don’t feel an obligation to clean and tend. It is a peaceful place. And, I think I can get back into painting pretty easily. Might be rough, at first, but as Sherri says, I’ll keep my head down into the wind. (something like that!) You British people have sea worthy expressions! 🙂 Thanks for being so supportive. And thanks for your comment!
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It looks pretty clean compared with how my house gets sometimes 🙂 I think that is the problem with the artistic temperament – creating takes such a lot of time and any spare time, when you think cleaning or creating, sometimes snatching the time for creating is more urgent. Good luck with the painting, I am really rooting for you (another British expression I think).
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What a nice space to create in 🙂
I am glad you are going to stay here too. Hopefully you get what you need from both spaces, virtual and actual.
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I like your reply, Cee! Both of us being synaesthetes (Jenny here, is one too!), I like the way you put the two spaces together: virtual and actual. It is a lovely place and does indeed give me peace. But so do you blogger friends! Thanks for your comment!
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Oh stay, Hollis, stay! We’d miss you far too much!
Get back to work by all means, work out the sadness’s of the past year and your current worries but keep us in touch. Stretch those canvases and create. You’ll be able to lose yourself a little.
Hugs from afar …
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Thanks, Jenny! I know. I would find it hard to leave you blogger friends. The other day I rode in a parking lot elevator and I imagined it getting stuck. Anxiety much? Leaves and dirt and old carpet and all. Then I thought: to whom would I tell this story, if I was to be pulled out the top?
And the art space is wonderful too!
Thank you for your support. You have been with me here in blogland for a long time! And hopefully, so much longer!
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I would miss your sense of humor and your sharing all kinds of odds and ends with us! I love your art space, think it will be such an adventure for you to know an assignment is due in April, 2016. This seems like so far away but the time will fly by. I am incredibly hoping and crossing my fingers, that you will sporadically visit here and tell us another wonderful tale, along with your intuitive comments. You have that magical and naturalistic part of you that magnetizes me! (Well, mesmerizes will make more sense, but shall leave the magnet idea in place. You may know what I mean!) Sending you wishes for a fantastic December with lots of special times with daughter and pie master, hubby! Hugs!
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Thanks, Robin! For your comment about my sense of humor! How could I not blog about some block of cream cheese I see in the dairy section someday? You blogger friends are with me constantly. And my thoughts gravitate to writing blogs to you. Thanks for your support. And the regards to my daughter and “pie master” hubby! Oh and the “assignment” way of looking at this deadline is certainly a good way to look at it!
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At another time sometime in the past, Hollis I may have known some of these tragedies.
So sorry for your current situation of seeing a sibling dying: a painful time indeed.
I am (possibly I may have mentioned this before on another post?) very saddened about the loss of your dear mother. I cannot even imagine, Hollis. I dread the day this happens to my own Mom. I am hoping my posts about Mom don’t ‘rub it in’ and bring you pain…
Empty nest is very hard on me, at times. My youngest came back after college, has only left 1 year ago, but this is not to be sad about, just a little lonely at times. Your sweet one comes back and fills you and your husband’s heart with lots more hugs and love…
You will put the sadness into your artwork, along with give your brother love. It is what we do, the best we can. . .
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Thanks, Robin! You are right. I have always felt that strife is what makes us not only richer and wiser people, but better artists. Thanks for your support through all my crazy blogs! You always comment and I am so grateful!
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I just am reaching out again with a hug. That is all today… smiles and a hug.
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Thanks, Robin. I always like hearing from you!
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I’m so sorry to hear about your sibling’s illness. It’s so hard to see someone you love suffer. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Hollis. I hope you’ll continue to your blog, but I would certainly understand needing a break. Thank you for sharing your studio with us. I always love to see people’s work space…must be the ‘Peeping Tom’ side of me. Take care of yourself…please. xo
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Jill, I know you wanted a picture of me in my studio for your Spotlight! But my daughter took some, and they didn’t quite work. I guess because of my long break from working there! You blogger friends must have wondered how a painting of mine could have been exhibited, chosen by Anne Umland at MoMA, NY!!!!!! (Because I wasn’t showing any new artwork) Well, I am about to begin again! Thanks for your loving support, Jill, and all your comments on my blogs. I am going to continue both: the blog and the descent into the art world!
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Oh, I’ve never doubted your artistic abilities, Hollis! Yay! So happy to hear you plan to continue…I had a feeling you would. 🙂
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Hollis, I’m so sorry to hear of your siblings illness. Spill it all out in your blog and we will all try to help you with prayer and encouragement.
I love your work space, and am green with envy. Maybe green from something I ate, but I have always wanted some space like that. Lovely, and a good place to drown some sorrows.
I’ve had 3 children leave the nest to build their own nests and build their own families, and it becomes beautiful eventually. Sad at first, but they do come home to visit, and you no longer have to clean up after them. Bittersweet. I also have an angel in heaven who helps me when I need her to get thru some hard times. My baby, your sibling. Your mom, my dad. They are still here for us, even if only in the spirit, and they never stop caring for us. You only have to believe and trust, and they will be with you.
My prayers are with you, whatever your decision.
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Thanks so much, Kentucky Angel, your comment is so heartfelt and special! Yes, I have similar beliefs. That those who have passed on are with us.
I hope it wasn’t something you ate!!!!! My studio is enviable, because it is in a place where the rent is affordable. I feel grateful. I also painted the floor white, to make color not conflict with my artwork. Consequently, my paintings have extremely bright colors in them!
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You have a beautiful studio.
I’m sorry to hear about the sickness of your sibling. You have had a hard year. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Thanks you, L. Marie. I love the studio too. I feel very lucky. We, as artists, soldier on, as they say and ultimately it transforms our work. I will be interested to see what I do and how the “troubles” play into my work.
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What a gorgeous studio. I’m glad to hear that your blog has helped you deal with this past year. You are a special addition to my blogger buddies, and I’m so glad I met you!
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Oh, Luanne, me too. So good to have “met” you through Jill! You have been so great at commenting and always, for me, bringing a new perspective into my blogs. Thanks, once again, for commenting! And I’ll still be with your blogger buddies!
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This looks great – I need a studio! And sorry about your difficult times. We are caring for an elderly, sick family member over here and it really tough. Good luck to you moving forward.
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Thanks, mareymercy. I have to catch up on what you are doing! Somehow The Reader doesn’t bring forth everyone’s blogs to me. And I miss things. Yes, it’s rough. But this little place of peace in the world will help me.
And, you do need a studio! Thanks for commenting! And I am sorry for the person in your life needing care and for those who care for him (you!)
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The studio looks fabulous!
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Oh, Marjie, you know it well. It never looks this clean, does it? Thanks for always commenting. The next blog has one of my top ten favorite people in it!!! Your son!!! I just need a visual and I am not sure he wants his picture in it! 🙂
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What a beautiful art studio Hollis…it must be your haven, for that is what it looks like 🙂 But Hollis, what a tough time you have had and are having, I am so, so sorry about the loss of your mother last year and your sibling’s illness, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I certainly understand your feelings about your daughter leaving the nest too. I still miss my boys and they are 32 and 26 😮 I also understand your past thoughts about giving up blogging, but I have found the same as you, it becomes an oasis of calm and reflection and interaction with so many wonderful friends. We are all here, to support and help you. Just what you need…take one day at a time and seek some reprieve and healing amongst us all. And some smiles too, along the way, I hope 🙂 Big hugs to you dear Hollis… ❤ xo
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Sherri, what nice things you have said! Yes, this studio is like what I imagine your Summerhouse to be! Calm and apart from the world.
I also feel a connection with these wonderful people in blogland,, such as you and many others, quite a few I met through Jill!
Thank you for commenting and what was the expression you used: “Keep your head down into the wind?” I have to do that too.
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Ahh…bless you Hollis. Yes, did I say that? Well, if I did, then I’m glad…seems we both are doing that right now…and yes, I’m so grateful to dear Jill for bringing us and others together. A lovely early Christmas present 🙂 Another big hug to you…xo
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Cool work space. I hope it provides you with a place to block out all the stresses of life and focus on your art. Look forward to seeing your show in April 2016!
And keep blogging.
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Thank you, Eric. It is a wonderful place and although it is not 50 miles away as I think I lead you to believe once, it is enough of a distance for me to separate myself from my life at home, including these stresses. And yes, I will be blogging. 🙂
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I am very sorry about your family sorrows. I hope art will help you find a bit of healing and peace. I know it has done so for me this past year. I will think of you.
What a lovely studio.
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Claudia. You are one of the most talented multi-faceted artists I know. And I only have to look at your zine to know how much healing can be done. I hope things get better for both of us. An artist with threatened loss of vision is a nightmare. I hope that nightmare goes away soon. Thanks for your kind words. Thanks for the condolences too!
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Time takes care of a lot of things. Patience is not always in a large supply, is it, though?
My eye is doing great. It will never be back as it was. But, it is so much better. I am grateful. Now I can think of it as my quirky right eye.
My eye surgeon said that loss of vision is an enormous fear for everyone, and he has operated on people who were terminally ill and could deal with that, but not with the loss of their vision. It’s not just us artists!
So everyone, say thank you to your eyes today! I know I will…
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Good perspective! So glad you are doing better!
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Wonderful studio Hollis! all that wonderful light! (I think I may envy you just a little bit although I am no painter) 😀
I am very sorry to hear about your mother and sibling. I hope you will stay inspired to create and that you keep on blogging.
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Thanks so much, Yolanda. There was a time when I used to work whether I was inspired or not. Just go in and do it. I think that applies to all disciplines in the arts, don’t you? You have to just do it!!!!
Fortunate I am to have such a fine place to do that, I know!
Thanks for the nice things you said about me losing my mom and my coping with my brother’s sickness.
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Hollis, I’ve missed you over on social media. I’m so really sorry to hear about your loss and your brother’s illness. To be near the holidays makes it just that much harder to bear. Sending “virtual hugs” to you. I also want to add that your studio looks magnificent. It will become your solace I’m sure over the next few months as you prepare for your upcoming show. I’m really happy that you plan to stay blogging – I’d miss your blog terribly!!
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Thanks so much, Patricia! I would miss you too! Thanks for the “virtual hugs!” You are so special to me. You were my very first “like” on my blog! And of course, being from Philly….
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Patricia, I have been meaning to tell you this: I stopped putting my WP postings on FB. The response wasn’t so good. :). Okay, I also stopped going public w FB. So that’s where you may be missing me. So glad you caught this one. I love your postings on both. I wish I could see those tree earrings. (Wayne Art Center) They are just my style!!! Beautiful pieces of artwork too!
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Hollis I am sorry to read your story but keep strong my friend and stretch those canvases and paint. I am sure as hard as it is life goes on and that what everybody would expected you to do and we are all here supporting you, big hugs xxx
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Doran, that means a lot to me. Coming from a visual artist, such as you!!!!! (or is it yourself? 🙂 ) At any rate, I feel kinship with your being an artist and I feel you know what lies ahead. 😦 Thanks!
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What a gorgeous studio. I hope you find peace there xxx (ps don’t leave! I’d miss you)
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Thanks so much, Amanda. I would miss you too. I went on last week and your children look so much more mature!!!! They grow up fast and of course we never change, right????
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I know, it’s crazy that they’ll both be at school by next September – just down the road from where I went up until 20 years ago. I sometimes see teachers I know, it feels like yesterday!
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I love your workspace. I think when bad things happen, sometimes we need a place to let loose and to be a little zany. I am so glad to be able to stop by yours. 🙂
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Thank you, Kourtney! I am looking forward to plunging in…. Wish you could see it in “real life!”
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Me too! Workspaces are so cool. I’m kind of fascinated by them.
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I’m so sorry, Hollis. Having lost a sibling and two dear friends in 2014, I know about the dark days. I’m so glad you didn’t give up the blog and I’m a little envious of your studio. I’d love to have a place like that to work. It would sure beat heck out of my dining room. 😉 Take care of you and have a much happier New Year.
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Thank you, Elizabeth! So sorry about your sibling and friends! I think 2014 was one of the worst years for almost everyone! Happy New Year to you too! Let’s toast to this year being leagues above the last one and I will be keeping track of your writing and photographs! Hang in! (as will I)
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Hello Hollis….figured I should stop by and learn more about you after your recent visit to my little corner of the world…was so terribly sad to read about your mother and sibling, surely is a terrible thing for one person to deal with but judging by your artistic talents (and awesome work space) believe your energy will find a way to use your current emotions to create something very special! All the very best xxx
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Thanks Debbie for taking the time to read! And thanks for the good wishes!
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After your terrible year and threat to give up blogging I am worried you’ve left. Please come back. We miss you.
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Hey, Luanne! Just yesterday, I was thinking about all my friends on WP (and you in particular) and I had this longing to begin again!
I have arrived at an idea (finally) for my show and while that took some pressure off, these shows take over my entire life. So I am preparing myself by doing all the undone chores around my house, in order to devote my entire year + to this upcoming exhibition!
After I get into my studio routine, I will give y’all snippets of the work in progress and be more able to comment on life in general. And, of course, most importantly to me, check in on what my followers are doing!
Thank you Luanne for your interest in me. It touches my heart. Really does.
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I can’t wait for these posts!
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Hollis, I am so sorry for all the sadness in your life. I am relieved that you will continue your blog, and you can find comfort in its silly bits. I love your perspectives and look forward to reading more once you’re back into a routine.
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Thank you, Marie!
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Dear Hollis,
It have been long time I haven’t been around and just now read your post!
Ah, I’m so sorry for all sadness ,hard times that happened to you.
How is everything at this moment? Hope everything is going well and you came back to blogging again.
I ,myself had hard time during past 5 months and stopped blogging for 3 month. My mind,feeling and pen and brush were not helping each other. No concentration. But I decide to come back again and do some posts even not everyday. Draw ,post and reading dear freinds comment can make me feel so happy just forgetting troubles even for some minutes…..
Hope you start to painting in your beautiful place( that I really love to have one same as you😁😁😁)
Although here we don’t see,don’t know each other but we are all here for supporting too❤️
Looking forward to see you back❤️
Hugs
Violet
xxxx
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Thank you Violet!!!
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