Studio

Creative Space

Saturday, 21 September 2013

With the help of a friend I have a “new” creative space. 

The configuration of my studio had been unchanged for a few years, and in that time I had accumulated two extra H-frame easels, numerous large canvases, more paints and sundry art materials. All this, along with my son’s sculpture and pottery supplies, and all the family’s sporting gear. All this in a 6 x 3.5m space was impacting on my creative energy.

Some recent reading had reminded me of the influence our space can have on our creativity, and had me thinking about what I need in a creative space. I work best in an uncluttered, ordered space, with ready access to my tools, lots of light, and an area on the floor large enough to work a 1.5m painting on a flat surface.

How to achieve that was beyond me. The lack of space was pushing in, and I couldn't see any other way to arrange it. In stepped my friend and fellow artist – she loves to arrange spaces for better work flow. After measuring the floor, walls, doorways, shelves and window, discussing the storage needs and the way I work, she thought about the possibilities and drew up a scale plan.

For two days I shifted everything out, rearranged every piece of furniture, removed the old carpet rug, and put it all back. What a transformation. It took me a couple of days to get used to it but I love to be in the “new” studio. 

We created a separate alcove for the sporting gear, a storage area for completed paintings and stretched canvases, and opened up the space by running a work table along one wall.

One shelf which was crammed with painting paraphernalia, odds and sods, still has a lot on it but the items have been chosen for their aesthetic qualities, colour relationships and meaning, and carefully arranged. 

I have space, light, order, and room to move. More than that, I have a creative space that is functional and is a joy to be in. Ideas have been flowing, and I have a renewed enthusiasm. A place to read, to pray, to create.