My Studio Journal #7
Saturday, 22. November 2025
PICTURE BY DORIS RETTKE
Warm Greetings from My London Studio
This week had a slower rhythm for me, but in a really beautiful way. I spent the weekend in Oslo, Norway with some very special people, and I have to say, what a gorgeous city. The light, the air, the calm… it all felt almost unreal. Among many amazing things to do we got a chance to visited the Munch Museum, and the colours and the emotional punch of his work stayed with me long after we left. It reminded me how much I love expressionist painting and made me want to pick up a brush more often.
Then, in classic timing, I unfortunately got food poisoning the day I returned to London, which knocked me out for most of the week. So the studio was quiet, and everything moved a bit slower, but in a way that felt strangely grounding.
PICTURE BY BEKE ILLING
At the Studio Table
Even though I was not fully myself this week, I still checked on the garden mural whenever I felt able. The tiles are drying nicely. Some of the thicker pieces needed a bit of help, so I drilled a few extra air holes to make sure everything dries evenly. So far, no cracks, no drama, just slow, steady progress.
I also did a bit of drawing and painting when I had the energy. Nothing too ambitious, but enough to stay connected to the creative thread, especially after that Munch boost.
Work in Progress
Not much moved forward this week, which is fine. Travel and being unwell threw my schedule off, and instead of fighting it, I let things rest. The mural tiles need time anyway, and I am hoping that next week I will have more energy and a bit more momentum to work with.
Sometimes the slow weeks are part of the rhythm, even when they feel unproductive. I am trying to trust that.
From the Kiln
No firings this week. Everything is still drying and behaving, which honestly is all I can ask for right now. If all goes well, I should be able to fire the next batch soon. I am excited to see the next round of colours, especially after taking in so much Norwegian light and Munch intensity.
Until next week,
