charmed feeling that enhance her house plan and creative use of materials. After showing me the house we walked her property and I saw the unused barn beams in her storage area where the wood appeared dull, weathered and uninteresting. I can see what a big job it was to clean, prepare and place the reclaimed wood. Carla says she hired professionals to do the plumbing, heating and dry wall. She also had the second floor deck and the roofing hired-out. But on her own and on occasion with the help of friends she did the electrical, framing, window and doors. She is obviously great at carpentry, painting and tiling, skills she proudly tells me she learned from her father. She had just completed the hardwood floor in the dining/main room before I arrived. I was impressed with the look and her energy to take on such a task alone. Carla graduated from the Brainerd High School the same year as I did in 1973. In those days girls could not take “boys’” classes such as carpentry, welding or auto mechanics. We each had changed our last name since then and didn’t make a connection of our past until we were face to face. Carla went on to graduate from the U of MN with a bachelor of science degree in agriculture journalism/studio arts and design. Over the years she has held many positions from writer to massage therapist. The top floor of her cottage is dedicated as her studio. She describes for me the miniature foam core “houses” she creates
using rice paper, paint and pigmented wax to make a dream-like scene when you open a door. These miniatures are what she refers to as a “baux.” She says, “Box is spelled ‘baux.’ I had to make up a word to try to describe the art I create.” When the door of the baux is opened, there are scenes with a season or theme such as pond baux, oak baux or summer moon. When I asked how she marketed these, she said, “I have invested so much time and energy that I cannot part with them.” Unfortunately they are presently in storage so I did not get to see them. As we enjoy the tea she has prepared, we look out the dining room window and see the Pillager Lake rice bed in the distance. While we talk, as if on cue, a wild turkey struts in the open field. It is the perfect location to build a dream cottage. And there is no question in my mind that her usage of the term cottage is perfect, as it captures the charm and love she has incorporated into her northwoods dream home.
Cynthia Bachman
Cynthia Bachman grew up and lives in the Brainerd lakes area with her husband, Brian. Cynthia has a master’s degree in art education and commutes to work as an RN at the University of MN Hospital/Fairview in Minneapolis, where she is a wound care specialist.
Winter 2013 | her voice
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