In June 2017 I quit my lucrative and relatively fulfilling day job to become a full-time studio artist.

With the ever-loving support of my long-suffering husband, a bit of saved cash and gobs of determination I broke ground on a new studio (except not literally because it’s on wheels.)

Construction began August 21st, 2017.

I'll add more photos to the gallery below on rainy (snowy?) days, feel free to check on me from time to time, I have NO idea what I'm doing. Should be a hoot.  

(Wall framing in Sketchup)

Preparation

Beginning in April 2017 I started planning.

Much Research (note the capital R) ensued in the form of book-reading, you-tube watching, sketching and consuming copious amounts of caffeine.

(Working from home was turning out to be pretty great.  Also great: Sketchup)

Surprise Zeitgeist

I met some amazing people and volunteered to help with their projects which is 110% the best decision a person can make before embarking on this kind of thing. (Sara is another awesome Alaskan artist who also built a studio on wheels! Follow her on Instagram @saramakespots)

In fact, I met quite a few Alaskans that had built small structures on trailers without knowing there was a movement afoot. 

(Turns out some Alaskans really are the most industrious, independent and simple living people.) 

Anyway, here we go.

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FAQ

Q: Are you building a Tiny House?

A: If by "Tiny House" you mean a trendy little residence with running water and a composting toilet then no, I am not. If you mean a small-yet-functional structure atop a wheeled trailer, well then yes, yes I am. But it won't be replacing my already fairly tiny and efficient Alaskan home. I'm just borrowing a lot of wisdom from the Tiny House movement to build a mobile art studio with a manageable footprint.

Q: Do you have any construction experience?

A: I've put together a decent amount of ikea furniture so you know, I know the basics. 

Ok actually I have built a few things but never anything this big. You just take it in bite sized chunks, learn as you go and ask for help from someone who knows more than you when you need it.