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As a multidisciplinary artist and homeschooler, no two days are ever quite the same.

Between creating sculptures, running my studio, homeschooling my 8-year-old, and managing a small urban farm (hello, chickens!), life is always full. This past weekend was especially intense—let me take you through a day in my creative world.

The Heat Wave Battle

Last weekend, the heat in my studio was unbearable. It hit over 100°F (38°C) inside, making it almost impossible to work. Normally, I use a crock pot to heat my Monster Clay to a workable consistency, but it was so hot that it stayed soft without any external heat. Working with Rebound 25 for casting molds was a race against time, as the usual 20-minute pot life turned into a 5-minute frenzy. At one point, the heat got to me so badly that I ended up with heat exhaustion. My amazing husband came to the rescue and installed a window air conditioner—fingers crossed it makes things more bearable for future projects!

Morning Reset

After a few days of rough, sleepless nights, today was a refreshing change. I finally slept well, and the weather had cooled down enough to give me a much-needed energy boost. I started the day with my usual routine: feeding and watering the chickens, kittens, and cat, tending to the plants, and making breakfast for my family.

Art Community Time

I then headed out to attend a member luncheon and elections for the Camarillo Art Center, the artist community I’m proud to be part of. We discussed everything from the upcoming member’s art show to plans for the year ahead. It’s always so inspiring to connect with fellow artists and talk about the future of our creative community.

Back to the Studio

When I got home, my husband had made lunch for everyone (he’s the best!). After that, it was back to the studio, where I’m catching up on the casting projects that didn’t go quite as planned last weekend. I’m determined to tackle the Rebound 25 molds that failed in the heat, and today feels like the perfect day to make things right.

Prepping for the Week Ahead

By evening, it’s time to shift gears. During the week, I focus on homeschooling my 8-year-old. He’s in third grade, and we take a child-led approach to his education, which means I often create custom worksheets based on his interests. I love fostering his curiosity and helping him explore the world in a way that’s uniquely him.

Final Thoughts: The Art of Balance

Days like this remind me of the incredible balance that comes with being both an artist and a parent. It’s not always easy, especially when things like heat waves, casting mishaps, and homeschooling demands collide. But it’s a life I wouldn’t trade for anything. I'm tired, but also grateful for the reasons I am so tired.