Summer at the Studio
Posted by Sigrid Olsen on July 21, 2011 7 Comments
It has been a few years now since I have had to show up at the office for a 9 to 5 gig. The truth is, it was never 9 to 5 , more like 8 to 6 on a good day, longer during crunch time or if meetings were involved. Full disclosure: meetings are #2 on my list of the top ten wastes of time in the universe (just after watching reality TV). So during these 25 years eventually my priorities shifted to allow more time for work and I passed up my morning walk, rarely got to the gym and hardly ever entered my studio except when my fashion collection was involved.
Everything is different these days. For those of you who are (not so) secretly hoping I will get back to designing clothes like I did before, please consider this: I spent a quarter century doing just that and loved it so much I neglected every other part of my life. Work like that requires passion that sometimes causes one to put aside everything else. When priorities shift family, friends, health and happiness sometimes have to take a back seat. When the business was closed three years ago my world instantly felt upside down, but today I realize it just felt that way as dramatic change often does. I embraced this change and today my world is right side up.
I arrange my work schedule (which is no less passionate than before) around yoga classes and beach time. Sometimes this means I am in my studio painting at 6 am or answering e mails in the middle of the night (...waking at 3 am is sometimes both a blessing and a curse). I have an enormous capacity for productivity and only feel really alive when I am engaged in some creative project or breaking new ground. I get impatient. I always look for the next challenge. I am restless and often dissatisfied. This is my nature. It is balanced by the fact that this searching often leads me to wellness. I have made a summer commitment to practicing yoga every day and being outdoors as much as possible. Breathing deeply, standing straighter, feeling open to new people and conversations gets me living life more fully and that makes me happy. Come visit and see the difference...
Comments (7 Comments)
This summer in Gloucester I came by your upstairs studio for the first time and picked up some lovely cards (beets, fish, figs!) and 2 beautiful tall green mugs with elongated leaves and blue blossoms. I was thrilled to meet you at that time and the mugs have become my favorite tea vessels. I looked for them on this site and saw only candleholders in the same motif. Are there any more?
(If not, they become that much more special.)
Thanks for the inspiring way you have evolved as an artist and craftswoman.
Posted by Suzy Logan on September 01, 2011
Sigrid Olsen pants are the only pants that have ever fit me well. I still have a few pairs but now I am a size smaller and to belt them does not work. Any suggestions on a similar clothing line? I cannot find pants to fit or for that matter clothes I like since your stores closed! I still get compliments on your things that I have been wearing for years now.
Posted by Jodi on August 24, 2011
I’m so glad you’ve found balance in your life, but I do selfishly miss Segrets. I’m lucky to continue to be in touch and sometimes work with people I met there years ago….and it’s easy to wax nostalgic about those days. It was a great company, great product, a great workplace—it is very much missed, even though we’ve all moved on. Thanks for that amazing experience in our lives (and the closets full of clothes that none of us can quite part with!)
-Tracy
Posted by Tracy Grondin on August 21, 2011
Sigrid, your art is very beautiful, I bought a blouse 7 years ago and still wear it, ..
I understand you perfect, I’m an artist too, but first is my family then my work!!
congrats!!
Wish you the best!
Tita
Posted by Tita Millan on August 18, 2011
I bought your clothing. I wish you well. You have a beautiful spirit.
Posted by Maureen McGill on August 15, 2011
To think, I was confused a mnutie ago.
Posted by Etta on August 03, 2011
I agree, your priorities are spot-on, Sigrid! While I love, love, LOVED your designs, clothing, stores, etc. I met you at your studio once and really liked you, personally. I hope you keep your new priorities. I totally agree, and am trying really hard to do the whole “Breathing deeply, standing straighter, feeling open…” thing, too. I paint and find joy there… I wish you joy, too!
Posted by Kelley MacDonald on July 28, 2011
Post Comment