The cabin is an important feature of the exhibition and it's taken from January to May to complete its transformation. We first repaired the roof and then cleared everything we had stored in it. Next, we insulated and lined the walls and installed lighting, before painting inside and out.
Kellie painting
I thought the clearing and painting would never end. I've embarked on many painting and decorating projects, including painting nearly every aspect of Bluebell Cottage. I forget every time that painting and decorating is not an easy undertaking. Even with help from family and artists (thank you Alexia Weill), painting the cabin seemed a never-ending task. I would wake up in the middle of the night with stiff hands, fixed in the position of holding a paintbrush. And of course, I couldn’t just paint it one colour, it had to be two. I love starting a decorating project, but I quickly get bored when it takes too long to complete.
Alexia Weill lends a helping hand
When I have an idea it is really hard for me not to try to realise it. I had a vision of a black cabin with red windows. Because of the small sections, each window took one hour to paint, and all had to be done twice; topcoat and undercoat. Each door took two hours per coat, which meant fours hours for both coats. So two doors took eight hours to complete. And that was just the red paint, not the black nor the inside. The experience made me realise that I am never going to be a painter and decorator, nor would I ever make any money from It.
It’s finished!
So after days of painting, the pain of the activity has subsided, the cabin is now finished and I think it has been worth the effort. But I am now watching the pigeons closely to make sure they don’t poo on it.
I hope you will be able to come to visit and let me know your thoughts on it, and, of course, the artworks on display.