Welcome to the very first Studio + Field Notes. Looking into 2026, I wanted to accomplish 2 main work goals, the first, to document my journey as both a new gallery artist + an off grid builder, and second, to share a vibrant newsletter that feels more intimate and casual. Studio + Field Notes felt like the perfect solution. Each Friday I’ll share 10 images, 5 from the studio and 5 from our land with little behind the scenes notes.

Opening night of Storied Ground at the Kahilu Gallery was pure magic! After almost a decade of selling my art myself, I couldn’t have imagined a more meaningful and aligned entry into the gallery world. I wrote a little post about the two pieces that were chosen Bold and Elevate, you can read all about it here.

I can’t get over how much I love this vintage tufting tool from the 70s. She is practical, easy to maintain, challenging to use (in a super satisfying way - like patting my head while rubbing my belly), and so cute. As much as I feel like this little tool was made for me, Bubba gifted me a new (to me) vintage tufting tool, that I can’t wait to try, and share about in the months to come.

Lately I have been focusing a lot of my time and energy into upcycling textiles. Each piece uses more and more second hand fibers and that truly makes my heart sing! Completing a piece that uses 100% upcycled textiles seems like a not to distant possibility, which feels so surreal and fully aligned with my values.

This past week was a massive one. I finished Focus, my largest piece to date. Im also sorting and decluttering the studio. I love welcoming the new year with a fresh space, it feels like a gift to present and future me. As you can see the studio is almost finished but that clear tub under Here (the current piece im working on) is overflowing. Fingers crossed that bin will receive TLC by the next Studio + Field Notes report.

Elevate, the second piece featured in Storied Ground is one of my favorites. I love how fully it captures what I was feeling while I made it. A deep honoring of where I was, my foundation, and where I want to go, my aspirations. The juxtaposition of ascent and anchoring.

It’s been so rainy. Living off grid through a storm means hunkering down without tasks that pull too much solar power. For food I focused on warming lentils, delicious teas and decadent chocolates. Paired with candles, seed saving and crafts.

For crafts I crochet these chunky pot holders. I love projects that are a delight to make, are useful, and age beautifully. This project checked off all three!

I love the New Year energy, any excuse to refresh, recharge and ground. Unfortunately a family of boars snuck onto our property and tore up most of my garden. The silver lining is that my neglected green house is back in use!

I treated myself to time in the green house, giving her some much needed TLC. It felt so good to care for this space that has given me so much. I decided early on that my ‘word‘ for 2026 is TLC. The more Tender Love and Care I put into the world, the more I feel in return. Its pure magic!

Sweet pea is still deep into her Kpop demon hunter obsession and so are all of her friends. I love how empowered, brave and other worldly their games and imaginations have become. Our little ones sense of wonder and the twinkle in her eye is what fuels everything we do.

I appreciate your support, encouragement and company on this journey. Cheers to a fantastic 2026 filled with health, joy, art and connection.

Love,

Coco