Studio Notes - Black Paint and 1,000 Truths

My first full week in my new home and studio.

Everything feels brand new and familiar at the same time. I take it as a sign that I’m exactly where I need to be.

I’ve been sleeping well and allowing myself to rest. Even if that looks like closing my eyes and pulling the duvet over my chin for another twenty minutes. Allowing rest is part of the work, too.

I was reunited with my paintings this week. Currently I’m working on a piece titled 1,000 Truths. The name came long before paint met the canvas, serving as an anchor and grounding its purpose.

As I moved all my supplies into my studio, prepping it to be painting ready, my unfinished 1,000 Truths was staring at me. For a split second it felt like she was giving me a dirty look.

I taped off sections of this piece with blue masking tape. Suddenly, I had the impulse to paint it all black and start over. I didn’t like the way the brush strokes were laying or the direction it was heading. And by direction, I mean it seemed to have no direction at all.

An older version of Sierra would have dumped the black paint straight in the center of the canvas, leaving no room to change my mind.

Instead, I opted to compromise. I bargained with myself: take off the tape first, then decide.

Thank God I did.

I loved it.

I exhaled with relief, whispering to myself, “I knew that would look good”. When I started this piece, I felt the space between the boxes would matter, that it would be important.

I sat with her in the twilight hours last night and our relationship shifted. I’ve accepted her unknown and wild nature. She holds 1,000 Truths at once.

This week in the studio I learned more about intuition. Listening to it, remembering it, and practicing the pause.

Just when you think you’re ready to paint it all black; stop, listen, change position.

Sometimes intuition doesn’t ask for a grand act of courage.

Sometimes it simply asks for one more look before you paint it all black.

Holding more than one truth,

Sierra Koch

6-7-26