Meet Leonidas.
Last weekend I took a huge leap when I purchased this 1955 Spartan trailer to renovate and use as my art studio. I had just started looking around for a new space – toying with ideas like RVs, refurbished school buses, tiny houses and pre-fab buildings, when I stumbled upon this beauty locally. I love the lines, the shine, and the near certainty that I will yell, “For Sparta!” every time I cross the threshold.
I mean, get a load of these details.
And these windows.
And this beautiful birch wood interior.
It’s 33 feet of mid-century marvelous.
It will take a few months and some elbow grease to get Leonidas spiffed up and road-worthy because I will be doing the work piecemeal, as I can afford it. He has good bones, but the 60-year old plumbing and electrical will be checked out, along with some finish carpentry.
Since I signed the papers on Friday I’ve been scouring Craigslist for formica, Eames and an atomic-era television (I want to make a bar out of one) and of course, Pinteresting my brains out.
My new portrait series will go a long way toward funding the studio renovation, as well as positioning my business financially to make full-time art a reality. It’s my biggest and most audacious Kickstarter project yet – timed, appropriately – to celebrate my 40th birthday. I hope you’ll check it out, and I hope even more that you’ll let me paint you. And 399 of your friends.
This studio is the first major step I’ve taken toward making art my full-time gig someday.
Having a room of my own seems a good place to start.
August 7th, 2012 at 7:36 pm
Congrats, I think this is really cool!!!
August 7th, 2012 at 8:30 pm
It’s just gorgeous! I am envious to the bone. I could live in that thing! I can’t wait to see what you do with it as you fix it up.
August 8th, 2012 at 8:50 pm
It’s so gorgeous, and really looks in pretty good condition for its age!
Can I just also say (having been a fan for a few years now) that I am so stoked you’re taking the steps towards making your art your full-time job. It’s wonderful, and I hope you get bajillions of Kickstarter dollars
August 8th, 2012 at 8:50 pm
I have such a love for this retro style. Do you suppose it stems from that little white house on Jackson Highway?
September 10th, 2012 at 8:47 pm
What kind of cookies would be served in the Royal Manor? Bar cookies? Oatmeal? I must know so I can have the appropriate baked goods in hand for the grand opening.
September 11th, 2012 at 3:12 pm
I don’t know! It should be something grand, right? And tea. There should be tea.
March 16th, 2013 at 6:08 am
Pfft…The Royal Manor calls for Biscoff cookies and Biscoff Cookie Butter of course! By the way, congratulations. I’m so excited for you.