We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.
~ Winston Churchill
I recently found myself searching through information about setting up studios. I’m not moving, redesigning my studio, or anything else that makes me think it would be useful at the moment, but there you go. Just one of the recent rabbit holes I dove into. It does make me think about how my work spaces are arranged, and whether they are helping or hindering my work.
- This week’s artist is – Tatsuya Tanaka – whose work I’ve stumbled across in the past but just recently looked at in more depth. He’s been creating miniature dioramas every day for 10 years – and it just goes to highlight how consistent effort can produce amazing results. Be sure to check out his website and instagram for even more!
- If you like stop motion, you’ll love these visual effects with matches!
- This podcast episode about organizing an art studio using the 5S’s could be really handy!
- Since I’ve been following his work, Andrew Tischler has worked in a number of studios. Here’s a video showing how he set up one of them, explaining his top 5 considerations.
- Here’s another video of Tischler’s current studio/gallery space.
- How one artists recommends setting up an oil painting studio.
- This work from home office setup video isn’t about creating art, but Noah does a great job of having functional zones and prepping for the following day to make tasks frictionless.
- It’s easy to go down the rabbit hole and virtually tour a lot of studios – here is Aaron Blaise’s studio tour.
- Want to learn more about early Durango through the eyes of a photographer? The Animas Museum will be offering a free webinar on Saturday from 1:30-2:30 to share Frank Gonner and his views of Durango (presented by his granddaughter, Kathy Gibson). The webinar is free and there will be a recording available as long as you sign up here.
- This weekend is the Unison Festival at Tico Time River Resort. There’s a lot going on (too much to list, check it out here) so there’s probably something you’ll be interested in.
- There is also a lot of live music scattered around town. See who’s playing where here.
- Don’t want to come in to town? Head out to Fox Fire Farms from 6-9 on Friday for live music. Pack your own picnic meal – purchase wine at the winery.
- If you know any students who might be looking for after-school classes/workshops for any students, here’s an overview of what the Durango Arts Center is offering.
- In case Ignacio is more conveniently located, the Dancing Spirit Gallery also has classes and workshops for students.
- Just in case that’s not enough, Artsy Crafty Studio on 3rd Avenue also has classes and workshops.
- The Durango Arts Center is looking for volunteers for the Fall Arts Festival. You can sign up here if you’re interested.
- Kristen recently brought in the Solar Fast line of sunlight developed dye for paper and fabrics. If you’ve been looking to try something new, this might be a great option to explore!
My workspace gets cluttered pretty quickly, and the piles overflow from workspace to other areas I frequent (dining room table, next to the couch, etc) much to my wife’s frustration. I’m definitely a piler and not a filer. I do find it interesting to see how others organize their spaces. Sometimes it’s even helpful! Ultimately, I suspect that my goal aligns closely with yours – we want a workspace that is inviting and gets out of our way. It should encourage and inspire us to create, rather than getting in the way. It doesn’t matter if that’s a rolling cabinet tucked into a corner, part of a room, or a stand-alone building. The space is a tool that helps us to create (perhaps unless you’re an installation artist). The important part is the creating. We need to create. The world needs us to create. The world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew