You’ll probably find yourself asking questions like these while you’re perusing Art Making & Studio Spaces (An Intimate Llook at 31 Creative Work Spaces) by Lynne Perrella because I know I certainly did.
Even though I loved looking at this incredible profusion of eye candy—many of the artists featured have huge collections of fascinating stuff—I found myself drawn to the more streamlined and utilitarian studios like Michael deMeng’s. I personally find that having all my stuff out is overwhelming and distracting. If I have too much choice, I can’t make any decisions. That said, I’d jump at the opportunity to visit any of the artists Perrella interviewed for this book!
Some of the studios featured are quite small, but most are on the large side and several are self-contained spaces like Bee Shay’s and Sas Colby’s. I remember seeing a photo of Edward Hopper’s Cape Cod studio years ago and it looked just like a boathouse. I’d love something like that.
But one of the featured artists, jeweler Nancy Anderson, says she’s learned from experience that you don’t need a perfect space. “Give up that thought now. The perfect space only exists in your dreams. I say: Just create. Let it happen in your basement …on your kitchen table. Just do it.”
13 comments:
Just ordered it! I want to send you photos of my new studio as soon as.... it is a bit more organized. It was interesting what you were doing with showing photos of your friends' workspaces.
Rode back to Seattle from Artfest with Lynn. She is so down to earth. A very classy lady.
that sounds like Nancy, I met her in Boulder and while she was giving us a tour in the small space, she was creating as she was talking to us, pairing different pieces of metals with the earrings she was creating, while carrrying on a conversation! she is amazing!
hope you are taking some time for yourself bella!!
My studio has inadvertently turned into a storage space. Ack! It needs a MAJOR overhaul. There is so much stuff in there that doesn't belong in that room at all, it was just convenient to shove it in and close the door to it all. I'm cheating myself out of a studio by doing that, I know, and I must make the time to tackle this! I am looking forward to seeing this book :-)
Interesting to hear that you become overwhelmed with all your "stuff" out. I always think that I need to see things to remind myself that I have them, but you're right, it is distracting and then I never "Just do it!" Guess I'll go tidy now, and make space to get creative. I can't wait to see this book. Thanks for the insight.
Thanks for sharing. Nice to see you blogging again. I missed your blog entries.
I agree with Nancy...last year I renovated my studio/office space and I love it, but I still sometimes find myself working at the kitchen table, or the couch, or outside at the picnic table on a beautiful day...it's not the space the counts, it's what you create, wherever you create it
Susan,
I'm enjoying it very much. Thanks! Next time, I'll have my studio cleaner so we won't have to work on the floor.
Mary
I also have her first book Artmaking, artist's collections and love them both. I too enjoy getting to visit other folks' studios.
I love seeing other artist's studio spaces whatever and wherever they may be. However I doubt that any of the studios featured in the book look like mine do right now..... it's a right mess!
Hope that you are doing okay.
Well, I had time to look through it. The main thing I felt was OVERWHELMED. So many sparks for creativity. A lot of envy and a lot of recognition of objects I have collected as well. I wish we could have seen more wide shots of the studios. Perella's collage-ist's style is apparent in the layout of the book. It zoomed in on a lot of objects, which is nice, but I wanted more of a sense of how things were laid out. Got a couple of ideas for my own studio as well. Still have not read the text. It's visually overwhelming indeed.
Oh my goodness I must buy this book! Thanks for the review! I hope you are doing well my friend!
Sandy xox
I have just discovered you through the lovely La Dolce Vita (Cat) and I am so pleased I did! I love your ATCs, particularly this idea of yours here and I was sad to read about the passing of your mother. Both my parent in laws died of cancer and for one it was a particularly slow and devastating process. So aroha and condolences to you.
Debs
Well this certainly motivates me to want to change around my space and make it more "sudio-esque". It becomes to much living themed. Thanks for the inspiration!!!
Ganga :)
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