When I got my hands on my first arts and crafts materials at age six, I designated a small patch on the living, dining or bedroom floor as my studio space. All I ever needed to complete the ambiance was to add a little music for inspiration and I was set to go! Having this kind of shifting, temporary space was fun; a little hard on the knees though. In a family of five kids, however, it wasn’t always the most conducive to producing art. I had my share of dealing with younger siblings continually demanding my attention, wreaking havoc with my art supplies as well as their begging me to help them with their school art projects! Even then, my childhood and teenage studio space was a lively place of learning and excitement … best of all, my younger brother and sister turned out to be very creative souls.
In my mid 20’s, my husband presented me with my first drawing table when I began taking nightly art classes. I got great use out of it especially in my late 20’s when I enrolled in a fine arts program at university. In my final year of studies, I got squeezed out of my school studio space which I shared with several other students and I resorted back to making art work on the bedroom and dining room floors of our apartment! I produced some of my best work on them. Funny how a small humble space like a floor can still help you achieve so much!
Flash forward to my early 40’s when my hubby and I were finally able to buy our first house. When viewing the plans for new homes, we excitedly chose one with a nice open concept and finished basement. We wanted the latter to be our shared office and studio spaces, respectively. It didn’t take long, for my studio space to begin encroaching on my husband’s office… especially several years ago when I began reading Claudine Hellmuth’s mixed media books and began amassing art supplies, storage boxes and shelving units! As you can imagine, the IKEA furniture store became my best friend. At the moment I have over 60 storage boxes and shelves filled with collage goodies and reading resources. As I look about my generous studio space filled with many beautiful treasures, I’m grateful for what I have and realize how far I’ve come as an artist.
So enough wandering down memory lane… here’s my latest studio remix wish/to do list… after several discussions with Kev, much note taking, planning, budgeting and producing a list of items to buy or recycle, over the next six months, I’m hoping to:
1. Move my studio office to a spare room in the house (office work distracts my studio mind set!).
2. Devise a cool workshop demo space for my materials and computer screens.
3. Design/dedicate a wall space for collage pieces I’ve made or collected over the years.
4. Add a couple of comfier work chairs for students.
5. Remove as much clutter from my work tables as possible.
6. Improve studio lighting.
7. Change the carpeted floor to something that’s easier to clean up (if possible).
8. Add a fresh coat of colour paint to the studio.
Item number one is already in progress! Will keep you posted from time to time. Here are some pics to give you an idea of my “before” space. And, no, I didn’t bother to make it look good for your “visit” – I know, it’s hard to believe, I’m usually such a neat freak especially when visitors are coming over! Instead, I’ve made the photos real teeny so it’s harder for you to see the mess!
Welcome! Come downstairs for a short studio visit (left). A glimpse of my backyard from the studio door is always inspiring (right).
My busy side of the studio (left). Kevin’s area is much more minimal and serene (right).
I love to have objects all over the studio that inspire me… my doll collection (including Catwoman!) and a porcelain hand (right) I bought for a steal!, family photos and notes/mementoes from friends.
My vision board is here to continually inspire my art practice (left). At the moment, my cluttered studio space is definitely in need of a makeover (right).
So, what’s your concept of an art studio? Does size or space matter to you? What was your first studio space like? Do you like your current one? Are you in the midst of renos, yourself? I’d love to learn more about your creative spaces, as well. If you have any suggestions for my studio renovations, I welcome your advice.
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