I’m going to be completely honest here. Last week, I nearly went completely stir crazy working on new t-shirt designs on the boat. It most certainly is possible to work there, but it is also most certainly not a productive environment. Brian continues to point out to me that, if I want to make art, then I will make art no matter where I am. True. And I did get some work done despite it all, but just ask him, I clearly came down with cabin fever in the process.
What can I say? I live on a sailboat. My office/studio space is the saloon of a ’37 boat that is filled to the brim with live-aboard stuff, and my face is about three feet away from the kitchen (dirty dishes and all); believe me I am trying, but I am not always as productive as I’d like. Sometimes it gets downright lonely and claustrophobic during the week. Brian is at work all day (also working overtime), and I am trying not to spend a dime (since I have little-to-no income at the moment), so I don’t go out much. It’s not that I don’t like the boat life anymore, because I do, but is quite different living on the boat while it’s stationary than when we are traveling on it. Sure, I did it in Charleston, but back then I had a bit of studio space where I could work on my art and get away from the boat for a little while.
So yesterday I decided to reclaim my sanity by taking a bus-metro-train-car trip to Yorktown to visit my parents and work on new t-shirt designs at the house. My goal is to get my Etsy shop up and running in the next few weeks, so I need access to my screen-printing equipment and some room to think and create. I’ve only been putting this off for a year (almost to the day); I registered my Etsy shop last year, but sadly never listed anything. So here I am in Yorktown for the week, increasing my productivity and happily working on my art again. 
I took a few pictures last week of my work setup on Illusion. There were several rainy days, which actually did wonders for my creativity/mood….who knew?
It’s interesting to hear about your unique challenges related to boat life, and I don’t get the vibe that it means you dislike that lifestyle. Every situation has its pros and cons. Plus, we ALL could benefit from a change of scenery from time to time!
Ben and I recently went through a schedule change too, with my increase in work hours and commute time (and exhaustion!) and Ben going to school three nights a week after work. We miss each other. What keeps me positive is knowing that it’s temporary and that I will be all the more grateful for our time together in the future.
I agree, Sarah. Well said. It is temporary and it is a huge benefit for me to work on my prints. I’m just focusing on the now, because November will be here soon enough!
I’ve seen your blog a few times before, and came here today to be surprised because you are in my town right now! I’m so glad you’ve received a warm welcome here in Annapolis. I did too when I moved a year ago. It was the first place I’ve had the “sliding into home” feeling. Just clicked for me.
If you ever want to get some air away from the tight quarters of the cabin & have a chat with a fellow liveaboard gal, come have a coffee or Back Creek Club with me at Leeward Market. Or come hang out on my boat–it’s a huge, shall we say “vintage” powerboat with big ol’ windows, & really good for watching the sunset. I can also give you tips on the town. Lots of fun nooks to check out.
I’m going to have to check out your teeshirts at Vivo. Haven’t been there yet.
Hi Merry,
How nice of you to offer. You just perfectly illustrated my point: that Annapolis really is the friendliest city.
Brian and I have spent much time in Leeward Market. I think I was in there once a day for the first three weeks that we were in Annapolis; they sure do make a great cappuccino! I will be in touch. Thanks!