Studio Desk
& Sink
Every
artist needs a space in which to create art. Some people choose to set
up a spot in an existing room, such as a kitchen table, part of a
bedroom, or corner of a room. It can be difficult if you must set up and
dismantle things each time you want to work. Resolve to find a place
that you can designate just for your art. It should have: good lighting,
a large enough surface on which to work, storage and a place to sit. It
should also be quiet, unless, unlike me, you work better with noise and
distractions. Perhaps there is a corner, or even a closet, that could be
remodeled to accommodate your materials. I once took over a winterized
porch that served me very well and had great natural lighting. I used a
spare bedroom at another house where my husband revamped a clothes
closet and built paper storage in it for me.
Now
I am really spoiled. I went from a cramped loft that was dark, with a
low ceiling, to a large, bright space built just for me. My husband
built my present studio addition in 1993. The space is 17 x 22’, with
a high ceiling, lots of windows and three skylights. We incorporated all
the great ideas I’d clipped from books and magazines about other
artists’ studios. It has many types of custom built storage that suit
my needs. I chose off white paint and carpeting to give me the light I
longed for. We also installed a lot of spotlights with daylight bulbs.
There is a sink and even a place to frame my work.
Once I began painting in
the new space, I realized that it was having an effect on my work. I was
painting larger, with brighter color and more contrast in my work. I
believe it was a direct result of the change in my surroundings. I had
been reading about the Chinese art of placement; Feng Shui, and how the
energy of colors, objects and their placement in our environment has an
effect on us. I tested some
of the suggestions for a successful work area on my studio:
I moved my desk so that I have a view of the entrance door,
placed various types of objects and photographs in recommended locations
and soon thereafter saw amazing results.
I received an invitation to write a book for North Light Books,
my sales increased and my paintings began winning awards in national
exhibitions. Amazing! The skeptics among you may believe it to be
coincidence, but I dare you to test this very ancient art for your self.
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Cutting table and storage
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View from Studio
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Sculpture Garden below Studio |
