Life as Art

By

Elissa Tracy

Title-Art Studios

Work Spaces We Create In

In the world of art, creativity knows no boundaries. Artists have a flair for transforming even the most unconventional spaces into their creative sanctuaries. Regardless of financial constraints, time limitations, or space availability, every artist, crafter, and hobbyist eventually yearns for a dedicated space of their own.

The artist’s workspace often begins with storing supplies in boxes, usually tucked away in a spare closet, and the constant process of hauling everything out onto the dining room table for days at a time. However, this arrangement of scattered art supplies and family dinners can be less than humorous when a paintbrush is mistakenly identified as a utensil. Eventually, the exhaustion of operating in a makeshift pop-up art studio prompts a transition to a spare room or a garage. While these spaces may serve as effective alternatives for many years, they present challenges, especially for artists who work across multiple mediums or create large-scale artworks. Invariably, space becomes a perpetual issue.

Enter the growing popularity of the Barndominium structure, which can be the ultimate art studio. In jest, I refer to these converted spaces as “Artominiums”! These sizable structures often start as pole barns with expansive sliding doors and high ceilings, providing abundant natural light and an ideal environment for multiple easels, large canvases, and diverse multimedia projects. They can easily accommodate a large table workspace where art meets practicality, becoming a hub of artistic magic. Allowing the artist freedom to organize their materials, mix paints, and allow their creativity to flow freely in this spacious retreat. Truly a stand alone building structure, away from any distractions and where the artist can leave projects in a limbo-working state, is the ultimate artist studio.

As an artist who has experienced a range of studio spaces, both large and small, I personally adore the freedom of a larger art studio. Nevertheless, it remains a perpetual challenge to maintain order, especially in the midst of multiple projects. Nestled piles of art supplies, accompanied by a collection of books and notes, seem to emerge in every corner, regardless of the medium I’m working with. I had always imagined that a larger studio space would be a meticulously curated haven, free from any semblance of chaos. However, I now understand that organizing ideas, both literally and figuratively, is an ongoing journey for an artist. It’s a process that begins with having a dedicated studio space to create in.

I envision artists who possess meticulously arranged studios or workspaces, where each item is carefully labeled in a consistent font, exuding a unified sepia-toned monochromatic aesthetic. Every object serves a distinct purpose, neatly stored in containers and folders, always returned to their original places. Stepping into such spaces feels like entering a museum, as if each project and stack of work is shielded by imaginary glass boxes, accompanied by signs politely cautioning against any interference. I firmly believe that such individuals can be found within the art world, and they could aptly be described as “Architects” of their own creative domains. Or perhaps, I just describe an Architect!