Maragaret Ryall has posted some great photos of her studio and, judging by the comments, many of us were quite envious of the dedicated space she has for her creativity. It made me wonder about how we use space, how we move through it and how we allocate space for particular tasks.
The photo above is my "dream" studio -- a large open space with high ceilings and light cascading in through a big skylight, white walls to offer freshness and to give the colors an unsullied space to glow. One would be able to open the studio for open houses and celebrations. And definitely, music would be flowing throughout the room.
But I wonder if I would actually "work" in this kind of space? Especially if there was a beautiful view to look at or a set of french door opening out onto a slate terrace filled with pots and trellises of flowers where I could lounge with a glass of wine and a good book.
My actual workspace is more cave-like. Sounds horrible, doesn't it? And there are times when I despair of ever having anything remotely like the above. But, on the other hand, there are positive aspects to my cave:
>Not too many members of my family search for me when I'm "in the belly of the beast" and, as a mother, that's a good thing. Otherwise, it would be a constant barrage of questions, trips, tasks, etc.
>I lose track of time because the windows are small and don't admit too much natural light, which is good as I am not conscious of the change in light, of time passing. It's warm in the winter and cool in the summer, too.
>I feel no compunction to clean up my messes, leaving used rags and empty paint tubes scattered around, coffee cups, etc. (I do clean up, just not always).
I think you get the picture.
If I were surrounded by such a beautiful space, my mind would wander, my urge to splash things around would be curbed, and it would become more of a "decorative" space than a "work" space.
But that's me. And, believe me, if someone handed me the keys to the above studio, I would run like the wind to take possession!
Someday, somehow, I'll have a space that I would be proud to show the light of day. Just not right now . . .
9 comments:
That is a wonderful dream studio.
I would be a little afraid to work in it..I am too messy..I would just sit in it and relax..Like you and have a glass of wine..LOL
It's a beautiful space and I can see it for many uses...but I know me and I would create corners and spaces for my 'real' work...maybe screens could be installed? ha.
I have had many visions of beautiful studio spaces. After working larger I now think my ideal studio would be one where paint on the floors and walls would be okay. I also need a nice comfortable space to sit and read. And a chair for a friend to join me....
Yes, I agree -- screens to hide the uglies (!) and plenty of comfortable chairs for friends who stop by -- and I would add lots of plants to keep the air fresh -- :-)
I have always dreamed of having a studio like the one you are showing. Mine have always been in the basement with very little natural light.I'm such a pack rat that any space I have soon fills with books, supplies and unfinished artwork. However, it's my space to create freely in and I don't feel the need to defend it or to show it off.
Your dream studio sounds a lot like mine. Mine is a solarium - so less walls, more light, more plants, but still beautiful music flowing through.
I've come to the conclusion that I wouldn't work in a space like that. My pink walled dungeon studio has cement floors and exosed everything..
I didn't love it at first, but I do now. Its important to have a creative space that can be imperfect and messy - at least for me. Otherwise I would never experiment.
Interesting how we view our "private" spaces for creating! Dream vs. Reality? Practical vs. Ideal? This is great and thank you all for visiting and leaving your thoughts to share with others!
I have one of those type of studios you describe-- large room with french doors that open unto a deck on the second level overlooking my zen gardens-- koi pond and the cliff above the Puget Sound-- beautiful views-- but I always joke that I could do my art work in a windowless studio..
Donna -- Ooohhh. . . that would be so beautiful - I think I'd spend my whole time just drinking in the views!
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