While considering what I want and need in a studio, I have come across a number of inspiring work spaces. Here are a few.
Follow The Fiber Nest’s board Studio Envy on Pinterest.
Studio Envy
Silence The Noise
In this age, contemplative silence is rare and fleeting. We are bombarded daily with the audible, and visual noise that surrounds us. Some days it is impossible to hear a still, soft voice whispering within our hearts, so God uses ART to speak to our souls.
A Place to Create
As we come into the the New Year, I’ve been evaluating my needs as a working artist in regards to my studio. I have been living and working out of our house for the past 11 years. Over this time, I have had my studio in 5 different spaces in our home trying to figure out what works best. Now I am considering investing studio space outside our home. I have the opportunity to share a great space that I believe will fit my needs. However, after being a stay-at-home-mom for the last 10 years, I feel torn about working outside the home. Even if it is working for myself.
As I have been weighing the pros and cons of both options, I came across some quotes from other artists sharing their thoughts about their studios.
What I try to use the studio for is what I call ‘thinking with material’. To do that you need an arena. You need a page to write on. You need a space to work in. That is what a studio is.” – Tony Cragg, Wuppertal, Germany
I like his choice of the word “arena”. A large space is needed to get everything out, make mess, and experiment. It’s important to be able to walk away from the project, leaving everything out for you to return to with a fresh mind.
“I tend to work on the floor, sometimes on the wall and then on the floor. It’s constant movement between the vertical and the horizontal. Part of the reason I work on the floor is that I need the physical contact. You get the consistency of gravity and you can move the paint around … I try to get in to my studio as often as possible. At times I set myself a certain goal to reach. Some days are very long.” – Tony Bevan Deptford, south-east London
I never thought about there being a “consistency of gravity”, but he is absolutely right. I also like that the floor gives canvas stability. I can work directly on the canvas without having to stretch it first. I MUST work more on the floor, but to do so, I’ll need more floor space.
“The studio is the place where it’s my world. When I leave I do take work home in my mind, you always carry it in your mind, but hopefully you can separate it or you will go insane. You have to turn your head off sometimes.” – Marc Quinn Clerkenwell, London
Working from home makes it incredibly difficult to separate, and turn your head off. It’s also hard to be present with my family when there is a constant pull on my heart to go paint.
photo credit 1, 2
Take Me Deeper
One of my goals for 2015 is to me more intentional with my time. I want to be present in the moments that take place throughout the day, but even more so, I want to see God’s presence in these moments. I want to KNOW God’s heart, and I want to be His hands and feet all day long, everyday.
I have always had a relationship with my maker, I have also always really struggled with spending time daily at His feet. To be brutally honest, it’s always been boring to me.
After attending christian schools my entire childhood, reading the bible feels like reading a textbook. It’s not alive to me, and I HATE that. How can the words of my God feel so dead in my heart as I read them? How can I possibly know God’s heart when his very word bores me?
I passionately LOVE my God with all my heart. I hunger for more of Him every day, and it grieves me that I do not find life in reading God’s word. This is why I’ve decided to join Take Me Deeper.
Every week, for a year there will be a new bible verse to read as well as a devotional to accompany it. Then throughout the week we are to create a piece of art inspired by the verse. I know this is going to be a challenge for me. I have yet to stick with something like this for the entire year, but I really hope that I do. I hope that it helps me find a renewed hunger for reading the bible. I also hope it helps me learn to hear God’s voice in creating art.
Week 1 : Romans 12:1-2
Trust
If I am to choose one word for the New Year, it is “Trust”.
Although this will be the second year that I have worked as a self employed artist, it is the first year that we are supporting our family with the income. As we move into 2015, I feel like I am stepping out of the boat to walk on water. This year, I am fixing my eyes on Jesus, and placing my trust in Him.
Being in this place is an exciting dream come true, but it is also scary.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. ~ Proverbs 3:5
A Winter Manifesto
1. Make mini gingerbread houses 2. Make Fire Cider 3. Make a snowflake curtain 4. Hand write letters 5. Read by the fire 6. Go sledding 7. See the ice flows on Lake Michigan 8. Roast chestnuts Photo credits: snowflake, “Winter”
Treasure Hunting
Yesterday I stopped by my favorite antique store to look for a few things I am wanting for Christmas gifts. I found this charming Munsell watercolor set. Each of the color pots is porcelain and are held in place with a metal holder.
After unpacking the tins contents, I found these sweet little drawings created by a child long ago. The young artist must have been quite proud of these when hiding them under the page describing the colors found in the set.
I am particularly smitten with the blimp. I believe this watercolor tin to be circa 1918 or earlier. Albert H. Munsell gave the world our color language we use today. His contributions are rich and worth taking the time to reading about. He died in 1918. It was then that his son renamed the company to Munsell Color Foundation. This is also a time when the British army was using blimps in WWI, and the U.S. was just starting to build airships.
The titanic sunk in 1912. Could the ship drawing be the Titanic?
My Gift To You
Enjoy these printable gift tags as my gift to you!
Thank You!
Yeah – We did it!
Here, as promised, is a gift to you all.
Save this artwork to your computer and use it as your desktop.
Thank you for your support.
Happy Holidays!
Shameless Self Promotion and A Bribe
If you have not already, would please take a moment to look at the Facebook page I made for my artwork?
Follow my page to stay up to date with blog posts, projects, and inspirations. I sometimes offer deals and freebies to my Facebook friends that I don’t offer anywhere else. You don’t want to miss out. So hit that “like” button (either on the left sidebar or on Facebook) & share.
Your friends will thank you & I will thank you!
If I can reach my goal of over 500 likes by this evening, I’ll have lovely gift to offer all of you. I think you will like it!
artbycarriejoy.com 