Artists in their Studio
Last week (seems like an age ago), I mentioned that I was going to visit a working Artist’s Studio with a view to joining them in their space. A vacancy had arisen within their building, and the invitation to work amongst them seemed serendipitious. Four well known established and emerging artists that share a great industrial building in the heart of town. They are there each day, some starting at 5.30 am, some not finishing their work till the sun rises. They all treat it not only as a “job”, but as a passion.
Some are screen printers, on paper, fabric and plastics.
Some work with sculptural forms and installations.
Some are painters, and a studio floor is meant to have paint all over it.
The Studio was large, airy and well set up, with drying racks, an air conditioned storage room, even a lounge area where they stop for lunch each day and discuss their works progress. I spoke at length with each of them and couldn’t help but be inspired and motivated. They all agree that they urge and “feed” off each other’s enthusiasm, which has other benefits as well. When gallery curators come to see a particular artist, the others are seen as well. As a result, some are hung in galleries all over the country, including the National.
Unfortunately I could not justify joining them at this time. I explained that I would LOVE to work amongst them, but being at Uni full time doesn’t allow much devotion to a studio. However, I did mention the vacancy to an emerging artist I know, and he seems really keen to take it on.
**Sigh**, maybe next year…
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a belated happy new year to you, my friend! e.
Hey, that would have been so cool. As you say, maybe next year.
Are you short of space in your home studio? Or would it be for the inspiration and motivation that you would like to share a studio?
Hi Doda,
Oh DEFINATELY for the inspiration, motivation, enforced perspiration etc! I do have enough room at home for my watercolour setup, but if I ventured out with oils (against my better judgement I am really liking them!) with BIG canvases it will be a problem with storage, smell and drying space.
It’s the work ethic these artists have that is so inspirational - especially with regards to entering competitions, exhibitions etc.
At home, on your own, it’s so easy to put a load of washing out to dry, do the dishes, watch a bit of telly….. the list of distractions and procrastination tactics are endless.
I’ll have to be my own task master!
Cheers
Cindy
It sounds like the oportunity was just too soon. never mind I’m sure you will get another chance in the furure for something similar. It looks like it would be hot in the studio. Does the humidity play havoc with oils drying?
Diane, ANYWHERE in Cairns is hot!
I think the humidity is more a pest with pastels - one friend of mine had to have hers taken out of their frames and fumigated in an industrial oven to kill the mould spores.
Not looking forward to Wet season….
Ewww humidity…..dirty word!!!
I had a friend living in Darwin….she would wipe her kitchen bench before leaving for work and by the time she got home the mould was there…..
Maybe a hot, dry summer isnt that bad after all….
what a temptation to share a studio - i experienced the same a few years back, but in retrospect i am very happy that i decided (after weeks of considering the pros and cons) against it: i hate being watched when i draw/paint especially (with airbrush it depends what’s up - surely spraying tattoos during our local lions club wine festival is “public viewing” anyway and pure fun) and i prefer peace and quiet most of the time. sharing a studio for me would mean endless disctractions and discussions (not fruitless, mind you), too much coffee and booze probably and last not least it would also mean that i have to leave my place again after coming home from a stressy job. the home studio *g* here is a space on my desk hastily shoved free in the evening or during the week-end, where i can listen to music until i go deaf or work in dead silence - just as required. in the basement i have a “dirt area” for acrylics, airbrush or bigger watercolours with a sink nearby, a tiled floor etc. sharing a studio (i mean one big space) with others can be inspiring, but also the contrary
i rather visit friends in their studios: same effect, but they remain friends …
if i were doing oils full force, i would prefer to share studio - i would hate the “stink” to float through the house for weeks … that’s why i use acrylics
it’s always nice coming back to your blog
e.