The Saga of Successful Studio Practice
by Linda Geiger
Ever see pictures of those enviable studios? You know, the ones where they are large, well-lit spaces, perfectly appointed and tidy, with a place for everything and everything in its place, making you wonder if they ever work in there? Well, that’s definitely NOT my studio! (see the photo below, illustrating one of the reasons for my lack of creative time and tidiness…)
Actually, I am lucky to have grandchildren who live so close, AND a couple of spaces in my home in which to create. The studios are rather small: my “dry space” for designing and sewing is a 10’ x 10’ bedroom; my “wet space” for dyeing and painting is a long narrow Florida room with lots of light but not the best ventilation, so I do toxic stuff outside on a tiny patio where the small utility sink lives.
Both studios are in a constant state of clutter and rearrangement. I’m always reassessing my supplies and collections of (now vintage) ephemera, and moving things around for the best elbow-room. My focus is on textile art (goodbye to art dolls, jewelry and bookmaking), creating for my own pleasure, donations to SAQA and others, and occasionally entering calls for art. But I want to work larger and more often, so that’s the goal at this point, to have space to do so.
I do have somewhat of a “studio practice.” Once I’ve put on my “uniform” (comfy clothes and my ratty apron) and tap on my playlist, it’s game on! Ignoring the usual chatter in my head, I embrace the feeling of being completely immersed in a project, unaware of the time or the weather or the “monkey-mind” that tells me there are dishes are in the sink or what to plan for dinner.
Hours such as this are few and far between, but when they happen it’s pure bliss. Maybe someday I’ll have one of those glossy magazine-style studios, but for now I’ll make do with what I am lucky enough to have. And I really don’t mind the lack of time or space too much, not while my adorable grandchildren are primarily the reason for that!
“Walking on broken glass”