If you're an artist (at least an idealistic one like me) every piece of furniture and equipment has to contribute to the general aesthetic of the studio space, or at least stored away from sight. I needed a bigger surface for my teaching and work space, and found this beautiful old turned leg table at our local Green Shed, where second hand everything is resold at next to nothing. I did indeed pay only $50 for it, but it was easy to see that underneath the rather sad varnish, was a quality table waiting to be rescued. And so I did! 
​It was during a busy part of the school term. I used it as it was for a while (covering it up as much as is possible, but the art kids didn't even seem to notice that the table didn't really fit the otherwise light and airy studio) and waited for summer holidays to tackle the project. Not very inviting, the thought of a big sanding job, being outside in wind and weather, getting sawdust in nostrils and hair...but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do, so we carried it outside and I collected my tools.
The caption on each photo will run you through the process, but all in all it took about two full days to complete the preparation and paint finish. Now this old boy is again a piece to be proud of, and a reliable, attractive essential in my studio and teaching space

I have been thinking of making these arches for years, after being inspired by an artwork I saw back in South Africa. The work was built up to create depth, with lights cleverly hidden somewhere in the background that gave the work an atmospheric presence.
This is a short documentation of my own attempt with a slightly different approach. I used pics I took in the beautiful cloisters of the Palais des Papes in Avignon because of their awe-inspiring size and the way light streamed through the meticulously carved arches. The three layers of my work will create depth of perspective and right at the back, a strip of minute lights will hopefully bring a sense of celestial mystery. Enjoy!