enjoy your blog. I was a winner also at last nights CVA Midwest Seasons...really liked your piece - congrats! As far as the silence in the studio, it seems the winter is the hardest and because I, too, am dedicated to my art, it is my studio where I need to be most days. I have found that listening to NPR or listening to audio books while I paint/work provides 'voices' through my day and I really enjohy it!