Process

First Painting

Scratching

Scratching is finding inspiration from the things that surround you. One might find this inspiration in the sounds of a city, the colors of a garden or the movements of an animal. Twyla suggests we find inspiration from all aspects of our lives - there lies some potential in everything we do. I find my inspiration in images I find striking or subjects I find interesting - to "scratch" I collect these images to reference later. The larger collection, the more intricate ideas I create.

Brainstorming

Artists at work

How do artists develop spaces and methods for making their most authentic as a part of a daily artistic practice?

I believe that a major part of being an artist is figuring out what works for you. This concept relates not only to what type of art you create but how you create it. Knowing what types of techniques you use in your work, the way you accomplish those techniques the best and how you work more efficiently - organization wise will allow you to make the best work possible. Each artist has their own way of creating art - some being with inspiration boards, others with sketches and so on. The artist's studio reflects their work process and even gives insight to how the artist's brain functions. 

The Artist's Studio

What types of things do you see in more than one artist's space?

In several of the artists' spaces I noticed towels, glass palates, tables, coffee mugs, gloves, glass jars or containers of some sort, cluttered areas, reference books, music and white walls.

Why do you think these things appear in so many different artists' studios?

Most of the items that appeared in the different studios are related to the process of creating the art - glass palates, tables, jars to keep brushes or paint, and towels to clean up. The items I found interesting in the studios were music, reference books and white walls. The music is probably there to keep the artist motivated and maybe even inspired as they work in their studio. The reference books provide inspiration as well. I find when I am working on a piece it is important to have the ideas that inspired my work to be around me and keep me going in the right direction. It is also interesting to see where the artist gathers their inspiration - with different collages or marked up books. The white walls allow the artists to admire and critique their art in their own studio. The lack of color on the walls makes it easier to concentrate on the piece and minimizes distractions.