Welcome to my art making Space
what an artist needs is often what's available
The whole concept of artist studio conjures up a grand loft space with towering walls and paint cloths on the floor to soak up the ever present splashes of expressive paint.
I am blessed to have space to create . My studio is currently a room in my small house which formerly served as our living /movie viewing room. After looking back at former posts here I realized I wrote about my other home corner studio space in August 13/23 in my Ageless artist newsletter. There must be something about August that prompts me to consider my art making environment !
Since that former newsletter piece -I have moved into a complete room where I can have a little privacy , more room to stretch and spread out too. There is no door -but there is a feeling of dedicated separation from the rest of our little home with a large window that offers natural light and a view of the field outside.
Sadie in a reverie of sentry watch for birds and other potential invaders
There have been various incarnations of art making space for me over the years -from a work table in our damp basement of one home to a mini room which was truly an alcove /stairs to the attic.. Later I rented inexpensive space in our local historical courthouse building (an artist dream come true!) which was affordable and an incredible opportunity be in the company of other local artists and musicians ! It was only a small room but it had a window overlooking the old jail and a door that locked .
Below is a link to a short video I created when the artists were given notice to leave . The City has since sold the property but it still stands - sadly deteriorating since 2015 - with new owners apparently planning a wedding venue (construction and development not apparent for several years now since sale )
historical courthouse farewell video
After this premature exit I rented a storefront in Chesley, Ontario and offered children’s art classes from the space to help pay the bills . It was a bit of a journey but ultimately provided me with a space of low or no distractions -when I was there (and not teaching) I was focused .
In the Chesley locale I could spread out my art and work in series
As I was working full time at an other consuming job at the time I only could take advantage of the space on weekends . Financially and ethically I felt I need to let the space go and returned to my home where I tried to make it happen in one end of our open concept living room space. I reduced and rehomed many of the furniture and art supplies /decor accumulated over time in order to make it work.
My space entailed not more than a couple of tables and supply cart although (I did get a write up in a local publication last year ;-) I fretted prior to the interview about how one would consider this little corner of working area “a studio”
Rampt magazine article Artists in their studio
It really isn’t about the impression of others . It’s about having a dedicated space -a table..a corner of the room ..A place to lay out your work and have enough area to create. It’s a truly nice bonus to be able to leave your work out..so that you may return to it later or the next day. I tend to work small and therefore can work effectively with what I have . Another wonderful part of having a room of my own -is the option of decorating it as I wish to my taste ..which is simply surrounding myself with art of others and a few assorted old clocks (and my even older dolls tucked away in a glass case
I love being surrounded by favourite objects -and other artist’s work.
Here is a short video I made to give you an idea of where I live and work :
Please comment and let me know your thoughts here..or on my youtube site !
Are you able to make/create art in your home space? If so how do you make it work for yourself?
What would your ideal art making space look/feel like?
I know that it is not possible to leave a photo with your comment -but I will start a chat/thread if you wish to share your photos of your own working spaces!
I also invite you to subscribe to this newsletter and or my youtube channel if you would like to be in the know re future videos ..:-)
How peaceful Heather... and inspiring... I need to create my own space. I love how you talk about the changes you have made over the years. The space I created last year no longer suits me as is. And that's okay. As I change, my space will change. :)
Loved all the spaces you occupy! I think the key is to keep creating…🧡