Welcome to the "Center of Creation"
As artists we need our private space, a space to call our own. If it is separate from the main dwelling, so much the better. However, most of us have our personal spaces within our homes. That's ok as long as it is ours to be kept as we see fit and "intruders" do not just show up uninvited. We do not want any reasons to have to keep our center of creation in order. I like to follow the "big bang" theory and let serendipity reign. This does not nurture any neatness or order when I am in progress on a piece.
Creativity thrives best in uninhibited atmospheres. Size of the center of creation is unimportant. It is elbow room for the psyche that we need.
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My studio is approximately 400 square feet of space on the lower level of my home. Windows along the length of the lower level provide more than enough daylight combined with my overhead daylight bulbs. Entering through an archway we are beckoned by the design wall, especially if it displays a finished piece. On this day, Unbridled Passion waits to be photographed. |
Shelves along the north wall provide quick access to my fabrics, which are organized by hue and value. At every stage of production I can view my color "palette". This is a great advantage! Also my sewing and drawing tables, drawers and design wall are on wheels that glide effortlessly across a vinyl floor giving me the option to reorganize my workspace as needed. |
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What was once a small closet has been redesigned to extend into a large storage area in the rear. This new enlarged space is home to all my supplies, now at my fingertips. The shelves on the back wall tilt upward allowing me to stack quilts nicely without them tumbling out. Further extension to the right includes a sink and all my painting and dyeing supplies. What a closet! |
The design wall in my studio is unique and one of a kind. Designed and fabricated by my husband, it is 6 feet wide by 7 1/2 feet high and on wheels. It moves with great ease. I made a felt "pillow case" covering that is black on one side and grey on the other. Both sides can be easily pinned to. I use it to complete large drawings, pin fabric to, and as a backdrop for photography. The best feature is...stepping back through the archway; I can get up to 40 feet away from a large work. I love it! |
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Currently there are 2 sewing machines in my studio that I work on. Each machine serves a specific need with regard to the construction of my work. In this photo you can see the new edition to my studio. Yes it is "GEORGE", the in-table, long arm quilting system by the American Professional Quilting Systems. A 20" throat extension! Great for quilting those large competition pieces. What a machine! |
My home and studio are situated on a 160 acre lake that provides a constant respite throughout my day. The local bird reserve and heron rookery provide much activity on and around the lake. Six pairs of swans nest and produce young that we can watch throughout the summer months. And in the fall there can be as many as 30 to 50 swans visiting before heading to warmer climates. |
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A Final Thought.......Make your studio your place of creativity, tranquility and happiness. Fill it with the things that are meaningful and inspiring to you and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.
