Yesterday and today was a combination of prep work on 6 gourds and design work as well. I am still working on photographing the entire process from start to finish. I realize that that is going to slow me down a lot. Thinking however, I will only have to do it once. Been gathering the items necessary to improve my photography. I now have a light box and tripods for both my Canon EOS and my cellphone. I learned that I can’t really tell much of a difference between photographs taken by both cameras. If anything, the cellphone ones are a bit crisper. This is what you are looking for. I also have been creating my backdrops – one of shaded from white to black and the other of gold. Both help with imaging and I’m looking forward to pulling it all together.
I was reminded yesterday of safety issues. Because of the pandemic I have been unable to get more N95 masks so I am re-using one that appears to be fully clogged. I was a bit hoarse and dry after working in the shop yesterday and despite safety glasses my eyes really acted up. I am considering using goggles for more protection. The art must go on! I’m working on getting a respirator to wear. My hubs has one for me to try, but I want one that is only for what I’m doing. I was hoping I wouldn’t have to go this far but I know so many gourd artists have been doing that from the beginning.
I have also realized after several days of intense painting that I am sensitive to Welburn dyes and developed a headache so severe I almost went to the hospital. But luckily a few pills and lying down with a wrap around my face fixed the deal. I must work very close to my pieces because I do highly detailed work. This is never a good idea without some breathing protection. Eyes could use it too.
UPDATE: Had a 2-day reaction to something or some combination of things in my workshop in the garage. It wasn’t pretty. WEAR PROTECTION ALL THE TIME!