The thing is, I have been saying for months that come September, when all three of my kids are in school full time, I will look for a studio space outside my house. Some place to get away to... go there, keep hours, come home. I don't like being in the dungeony basement. I hate hitting my head on the 'I' beam in the center of the room.
So, last week I started looking into rental properties. Commercial spaces are out of the question. They are triple the cost of residential places, plus you have to spend more on the utilities. I was really hoping I could find a "studio" apartment within a few miles of my house that I could call my own. Unfortunately, most are in the city and start around $500 a month. Which is doable, but I don't want to go into the city everyday. I want to be close to home.
Okay, I am about to do something very embarrassing. I am going to show you what I let happen in my studio this summer. Hopefully, this will shame me out of letting it happen again.
LOOK AT THAT MESS!! I have no excuses. I have been as bad as my kids, I start something... finish it... then don't clean it up... I just move on to the next thing in whatever tiny space I can find to work. Frankly, it is no wonder I don't want to go down there. I am sure "Carrie" (my ocd alter ego) subconsciously was keeping me away so as not to cause permanent trauma to my psyche.
I decided on Friday that I couldn't mope any longer. It was time to clean the mess up and find a way to be "okay" with not getting a new studio space. I decided to open up the area I had partitioned off. I went through all the crap I was hiding, I mean storing, back there. I pulled down the rest of the insulation still on the walls. I did some furniture rearranging too. And of course, hung more twinkle lights. I am going to need to seal the concrete at some point (like I did on the blue walls), but that can wait for now. I still need some place for all my books too. I have spent three days down there and still have a few more to go, I think.
Honestly, though, I am still being a brat and pouting, even with my bigger, tidier, studio. I can't get past feeling like I am locked in a dungeon. I think one reason for that may be the mountain of laundry that I have to climb over every time I try to get to my studio, lol. Sorry, I know, I really need to stop my complaining. Just thought I would fill you in.
At least now with the space clean, I have a fresh slate to start doodling new ideas on. I am really starting to wonder what direction the fall is going to take me. I wonder what new things I will be able to come up with. I guess we will see.
Posts
13 comments:
it looks great kerry....I have a space in my basement and I agree it is dark and not the most fun to head down to the darkness.
I think you should keep going with the space...add some more light, how about painting the floor a fun color, add some fabric (sheets perhaps) to the ceiling...just make it a more fun space.
It might just be the trick to making it more your own. Besides...being right down the stairs does have its advantages, plus you save money for supplies! Good luck!
what deehebard said---
Paint the floor!! oh that would definitely make a cool space!!! I know you would paint an awesome floor! What kind of kiln is it that you have (the red one)??
Kim (Texas)
It's not that bad, Kerry! My "studio" is literally a corner of my utility room. Sigh. At least you *have* a basement! :)
Does Rochester have any cooperative artist spaces? Here in Richmond, we have a huge number of old warehouse buildings that have been turned into galleries and dedicated artist's studios that you can rent. A place I dream about having a studio in has spaces available for under $250/month. Might be something to look for...
Thanks for the encouragement everyone. I *know* I should be more thankful. I am working on it.
Kim, I have the KenJen Chili Pepper Annealer from www.heritageglass.com
kerry, have you seen Jennifer (Jangles) studio space? it's really bright and colorful. I definitely think painting your floor would be a nice improvement to your space. how bout black and white checkers or something fun?
Hi Kerry
It was great to talk to you yesterday...and to *see* your studio again...the visuals are everything. And I know it's the basement, but you do have a great big space to create in!! I see a lot more potential for someone as creative as you. You never know what the Fall will bring...but for you there's always something exciting around the corner. When you least expect it.
kerry...you are doing a great job at cleaning up that mess...you should see my space...it's about 1/3 of yours and just as messy...you have inspired me to get in there and ORGANIZE (straighten)up...
thanks...
Oh Kerry! I have to laugh out loud at the laundry comment...my studio space is also the laundry room. It is a finished space, with counters and cabinets and such but is so completely a pit of despair some days that is all I can do to high jump the piles of laundry and sift through the clutter (although truth be told, I don't actually do the laundry and that is only on Sundays...but still!). Fixing up my studio to be an actual room with a ceiling and storage space and lights (gotta have lights) was such a big leap. Maybe that would be the way for you too!? I have the work of other talented designers on my wall o' sheet metal and on shelves dripping with books and baubles. That might be just the ticket. Maybe you just need fresh eyes? I think you create the most awesome things and to know that it all comes from your dungeon...I mean studio space is so enlightening! I will think of you working happily there while rocking out...love the swash of color that the banner brings...keep on creating! Enjoy the day! Erin
glad you made it through your pile... (so did I..)just in time for company....
mona & the gaffer girls
Hey Kerry, I know exactly how you feel.My studio is down in the basement and I too feel like I am working in the dungeon. I am lucky enough to have the space and fixed up, new floor, painted it etc though I have NO windows. Perhaps I would feel better if I had a window. I don't know, I wish I could talk my husband into converting the guest bedroom into my studio and giving him my space in the basement...hmmmm..I don't think he will go for it:(
Jeanette
The space looks great! But I know how you feel about the basement. My office at work has been in the basement for 10 years. It can get to you. And there are NO windows. I see you do get some sunlight.
I think you did a great job, Kerry! Smile! Be proud of yourself!
I just cleaned up my 'studio' this past week. It's really the dining room, which means when we have a dinner, or I host a home show, everything has to be taken out of the room.
Do you have a yard you could build a small studio in? In the long run it would be cheaper to build (pay once) than paying a monthly rent. And you would be REALLY close to home.
You did a great job of organizing your studio. I think your idea of more paint is a good one.
Post a Comment