The Mize Tribe

So, I have to start out by saying that we just happen to have the coolest friends imaginable.  Seriously.  The group of people we have the honor of knowing span the entire spectrum of creatives and artists from painters to authors to musicians and more.  We truly are blessed to know such unique individuals and even more blessed to call them true friends.  You will get to meet many of them through this blog as we have had the pleasure of taking their photographs.

One of those families I am speaking of pretty much fits into every category artistically.  The first and most important works of art Baily and Toby have created are their two adorable little boys!  Beyond that painting, photography & music are just the beginning of the list of their creative endeavors.  I seriously am amazed constantly at the creativity and artistry out of these two.  Besides that, they are the most laid back, genuine people you will ever find and they just look freaking cool, right?!?  The only thing wrong with them is that they live about 12 hours away from us which puts a damper on us getting to hang out as much as we would like ;)

Today happens to be Baily's birthday and I think it would be awesome for you to go to their Mize Tribe Arts facebook page and show them some love. You can tell them that I sent you and while you're there, tell Baily happy birthday!  You can also visit their website at mizetribe.com. 

Cuties!

Why yes, I am posting two blogs in one week. Thanks for noticing!

Bala and I had the privilege of getting to hang out with all of these sweet children one day last December.  I know, I know...that's a long time ago, but there are only 2 more posts and then I will actually be showing stuff from 2011...how about that?!?!  

These particular children happen to be all of the grandchildren in my very good friend's family.  He's actually one of my all time favorite people as well.  And he and his family have just recently moved back here, so you can just go ahead and color me thrilled!  On top of that, I absolutely love his whole family, so you get the picture...we enjoyed ourselves.  

Our Studio!

As many of you know, we recently signed a lease on a studio space in downtown Paris.  We are not completely finished with our renovation work, but since we had several people waiting on shoots, we decided to do a soft opening so that we could go ahead and use it and squeeze in the rest of the work as we can between shoots.

Now, before I go on, there is something very important that has to be pointed out.  My husband is amazing.  Every major change you see in the following photos was done by his two hands and now aching back.  I assisted where I could and have painted my share of the walls, but the real magic has happened because well, frankly, I married a man who can do anything!  I am not stretching the truth in that statement.  He really can do anything.   Just wait...I'll prove it.

As I said, there is still a great deal of work to be done...the floors need to be sanded and sealed again, there are photos to be ordered for the walls, more props to display, our sign isn't up yet and we still have to remedy the awful drop ceiling and florescent lighting.  But I have faith that you all will be able to look past those things and see the potential this little space of ours has!

I'll begin with the "before" photos taken the day we got our keys.

The Lounge Area

Studio I

Studio II

Here are some shots from the tearing out process...

The Lounge Area

Ok...here is exhibit A of my case to prove that Bala really can do anything.  We knew that we would have to replace the flooring and originally planned on painting the concrete, but we decided to go "green" and recycle some of the material already in our building.  In it's former life, our studio was a retail store.  On the second floor of the store was where they kept their inventory.  There were two rooms of shelving...

which allowed us to go from this...

to this, by using some of the material for strips to nail the other material to!  

A little distressing

 and staining, 

                       

and voilà!

Studio I

Bala sanded the existing floors so that we could stain them the same as the Lounge and then added some molding for visual interest.

Studio II

Tore down a wall and removed the carpet...

And now, for what it looks like today with vignettes set up for our shoots.  Remember, there is still much to do, but we're well on our way!

The Lounge Area

Studio I

Exhibit B...faux finishing done by you know who.

Studio II

Aaaand Exhibit C...floors painted and vignettes set up by the man who. can. do. anything.  I rest my case.

And here's what you see when you walk through the front door.  Quite a transformation!  Oh, and the next time you see my husband make sure you shake his hand, 'cause you're kinda in the presence of greatness ;)

The Taylor Family

I cannot say enough nice things about the Taylor family.  We met up with them on a miserably cold day in December to take some family photos.  Their hospitality was amazing and their spirits were high despite the crippling cold.  I don't know how the girls managed to pull off short sleeved t-shirts and make it look like they were enjoying a summer breeze instead of braving the bitter winter wind, but they did with total grace!  Bala and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit with them.  They taught us about the intricate details of how a duck blind drawing works and the best places to find good antiques in the area!  I love that we got to meet such a great family while we were "working".