I have seen some artists' studios that look just like any dream studio in a magazine, artists who are both organized AND productive and creative, and sometimes I long to be one of those artists. HOWEVER, I am not one of those. And for those of you who are a little more like me (not totally disorganized, but definitely not a neatnik) I am writing this post to suggest that you do not need your "Dream Studio" to make art. You can get some very useful ideas from CPS's fabulous publications on studios, and Inside the Creative Studio sounds like a great resource (see Sue Bleiweiss's book review). I have gotten great tips myself. But don't let gorgeous photos of beautiful studios discourage you from making art on your kitchen table, your corner of the bedroom, your studio with stuff all over the place (that's me), your dingy basement, or the living room floor. You are who you are. Organize to suit your own style of working, your own level of sustainable organization.
As good as it gets for me (photo-shoot ready):
What it usually looks like:
The other worktable:
My Own Dream Studio
Thanks for taking a look. Embrace who you are and what you have, and accept whatever workspace you have as your dream studio!
My Own Dream Studio
Thanks for taking a look. Embrace who you are and what you have, and accept whatever workspace you have as your dream studio!
Now that is the most encouraging and realistic piece about a studio that I've seen yet. (Not the one from CPS, but yours!) Add a few piles of paper, ink pads, and paper cutters and I'd feel right at home.
ReplyDeleteI'm a mess person. I like all my materials for the current project within my personal space... bench, floor or whatever. I clean up when 'creating' is finished.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post, and I love what Jo said... I too, am a mess person, and prefer to tidy up after all the creating is done. However, I moved in with my beau a few months back, and instead of having a whole dining area for my "studio," my materials currently occupy a closet under the stairs, with my Janome behind our couch, and a couple of shelves to hold spools of thread etc.. for now this is my "dream studio," LOL!!
ReplyDeleteLove your studio shots and their real feel. All those supplies get me inspired.
ReplyDeleteAMEN SISTER!
ReplyDeleteA few years ago I had a new visitor at my studio. Upon entering my rather chaotic space, she exclaimed with genuine pleasure "Wow! A real artist's studio! It's messy! You can tell someone actually works in here!" It was one of the nicest compliments I've ever had.
ReplyDeleteThe places featured in these magazines and books tend to look like lifestyle accessories, not real work spaces.