The spring issue of Studios magazine is out today. Happily, my studio submission was included in the 30 studios they are featuring this month. I, like many of you, love seeing the wide variety spaces people have created to work in. Some are enjoying the long-awaited studio of their dreams. Others (like me) thrive in what we have, and make note of what works and doesn't work so when the time for the dream studio comes-we will be ready!
I am fascinated with the importance of space in our ability to create. Setting aside a space that is dedicated to you and what you do is important. It honors your work, and nourishes it by building up a practice of creating in that space that creates continuity. There is a lot to be said for a space you can enter and immediately sit down and begin your work.
Creative Space can be a tray on which you keep your supplies so you can grab it and sit at the table or in a comfy chair. You may make a satchel with journal, pens, paints, and glue that you can take with you so you can make art whenever the opportunity arises, or go to your nearby cafe and draw for 10 minutes on your official break from another job. I believe even a little bit here and there really nourishes our souls and tells us that we are important. What we like to make, the colors we reach for, the textures, the images are all important and that we do well to honor that.
For several years I did not have a place in the houses and apartments that I lived in. I was spending a lot of creativity at my graphic design job and by the time I got home my eyes wanted to rest and I didn't feel creative. Although I did take art classes, I still didn't set up a place at home. But now I have the luxury of having my first room ever, dedicated to my creativity, and it makes a huge difference. It is small-only 10' x 10'. I have a tables along each wall for the different tasks of painting and drawing, computer work, making jewelry, and sewing. I redid my studio to maximize the functionability of a small space and I did it all with low cost trips to the hardware and thrift store. If you want to you can read about how I did it here.
I hope that if you don't already have a tray, satchel, table, or room dedicated to your creativity that you give serious thought to doing so. It matters not whether you consider yourself a beginner or pro. Just say, "I matter" and honor yourself with creative space.
These photos did not appear in the Studios article. You can see a larger version by clicking on the images.
I was getting a bit rummy at this point in the photo shoot and was having a hard time keeping a straight face! I hope I've helped to inspire you to create or enhance your creative space. And if you've already got one-go play and create! : ) Have a great day!
