The Studio
Much like my art, my studio is a work in progress. It’s ever changing with the ebb and flow of each process and project. Functioning as an office, retreat, shipping center, gallery, and overall heaping chaotic mixed media of artwork and study. It is my work space.
I’ve collected art materials since I can remember. There are parts of the first art set I ever received that Christmas morning long ago. The thoughtful brushes gifted from my High School Art teacher still cared for and used weekly, if not daily. Materials to work on people have so generously given and kept from going into the landfill. Furniture from friends and family that make up the space to help it function. College books, studies, essays, sketchbooks, and portfolios galore. I bring this up, one I did not grow up with an abundance of artistic materials but found that you need to use what you have around you. Two, I am beyond thankful for the people who did nurture the artistic growth from a young age, however that was (art kits, sketchbooks, art classes when Mom could afford them, library art shows, portfolio days…etc) I am still thankful.
You don’t always have a studio and that can be frustrating. Setting up and tearing down working space can defeat the good intentions of artistic work very quickly. My studio in the past has been the couch, kitchen table, a tiny hallway, even a dingy basement bedroom. It has come a long way and developed as my business and work has also developed. There is a great sigh of relief knowing a piece or project can be left in a space only to be revisited later. That I do not have to pack up everything in order to have company over or just have dinner.
I would like to say my studio is a pristine, airy, dreamy, industrial setting of inspirational energy and fanciful artistic conjuring…but it too requires patience and growth. It functions and I know it is a stepping stone to bigger dreams. With much reflection and appreciation I am more than grateful for the work and risks put in to be where I am today. The collectors, the friends, the family, the community, and endless support of encouragement they give.
Today, I plan to retreat into my studio. Make all attempts to delve into the projects that are waiting my attention, and relish in creating. It has been a little while since I’ve given myself time in the studio. My work often takes me to other cities, sometimes for weeks.
A studio space is like being invited into someone’s diary. It is raw and personal. A haven of thought, security, and retreat.
I’ve had visitors in my current space and read their reactions with delight. I say delight because I have no idea where people get their expectations from on what a space should look like. But they see an overwhelming stimulation of controlled chaos, materials, and working spaces. There are multiple pieces abandoned, in progress, and stored abut the space. Someone once told me they expected an artist to work on a single piece till completion and then move onto the next.
Owning and operating my own art business has been the hardest and most rewarding thing i’ve ever done. And I know it is only going to get better. I’ve learned a balance in my studio and continue to learn. It is truly a process. No one has it perfect, no one has it right, you just grow and go with it. You make it work for you.