Friday, June 7, 2013

Le Palais des arts


At the moment I'm obsessed with decluttering. After cleaning and painting and throwing out anything I haven't glanced at in a year I'm finally sitting in my little think tank/computer room and being able to call it a studio again. 




For a while it lost it's identity midst the mounds of things other people didn't want.  The best thing I did was to ditch the exercise machine which lay supine right in the middle of the room. "Nobody" wanted to get rid of it just in case "Somebody" wanted to use it. Nobody ever did use it. You know the story! Now that it's gone a weight has lifted and I've been inspired to create a little nest where I can carve (though I will still do the messy machine work outside).   All I need is some sort of mat on the floor that will make it easier to clean up the wood shavings and a lamp shade to replace the one that was smashed during the Orbitrek exorcism.




 I've held onto my daughter's old desk which was passed down to my youngest daughter and then to me. It will be a good place to carve. Notice that God and Tom occupy the same space on the desk. 







" There is a ritual in it ....
entering a space that is set up for creative work."  
-  Terri Moore, Art Making and Studio Spaces by Lynne Perrella






This is Cuddly.  He's not nearly as frightening as he looks but he does keep intruders out of my studio ;-)


" My current studio reminds me of the little bedroom I had growing up. In a way, it was my 'first' studio, and it always overflowed with mad experiments, midnight projects, endless tapping on the typewriter, and sliding piles of papers and cardboard. Some things never change!"  Lynne Perrella

64 comments:

  1. I love to see where other artists work. Thank you for the sneak peek into your Palais du Art! ps really love the textile hanging behind your little studio guardian :)

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    1. Thanks Starr, I love my African cloths and panels. There is so much one can do with them.

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  2. I can almost feel the aura of your studio. Doesn't it feel great to get rid of the unwanted, not needed to open up space for creativity. Can't wait to see what emerges from your creative space.

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    1. It is such a relief to be free of all the clutter, Lisa. The brain is ticking and there's a new piece of wood on the desk as we speak.

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  3. doesn't it feel good to get rid of that ... stuff ... love clearing the clutter and the energy of your studio shows the shine...

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  4. Decluttering really does help the mind, mine is all packed at the moment and my mind is free to wander and dream. Love Cuddly guarding your creative space and so great to have that desk with all it's good vibes.

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    1. Cluttered studio, cluttered mind. I'm wallowing in space at the moment.

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  5. Such a good clearing! I love it when I can really let go of things. I have a HUGE such project ahead of me in the old studio as I moved to the new one by grabbing things, stuffing them in boxes and running them over to the new space. I left a whirlwind of disorganization behind me which has grown into the "stashing stuff" place. I MUST deal someday!

    In the meantime, I am loving the cleaned and cleared organization of my new studio. I think its a huge energetic opening for artwork. Hope your space invites many more magical creations from you!

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    1. Letting go ..... it was difficult at first, but once things started moving out the door it was such a huge relief.

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  6. It is so lovely I would just want to sit there and admire it!

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  7. Decluttering never seems to end around here because a working studio is a living thing, a space where the maker of messes works and plays. Yours is so intriguing, not the physical setup so much but the interesting African art with which you surround yourself. No unlike NW America.

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    1. I love that Jo "a working studio is a living thing". Great point!

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    2. Jo, it is a living thing indeed. At the moment the desk is full again, but it is happy clutter for making art.

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  8. Robyn, Your studio is beautiful! Next to mine it's big, mine is so small there is only room for art supplies and my computer, I have to work in the kitchen, which I am off to paint (the kitchen) right now. xoxo

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    1. Thanks so much Annie. It is big enough for part of the process, especially now that the Orbitrek has gone. I dream of a workshop where I can do everything in one space.

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  9. love it
    oh my the exercise machine!!!
    you have inspired me once again

    xox

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    1. Lol.... Elizabeth, if you haven't used it in 6 months to a year, the exercise machine must go!

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  10. i just moved my studio from an bit larger space to smaller space with higher walls, and better light.
    because i have less space, it has really forced me to down size, to purge, to be really selective about what i bring in.
    i admit, it is freeing, and it feels lighter, and although i'm not quite settled in, i am enjoying the new space.

    comparatively, your space is so light and uncluttered, i am quite sure my space will never look like that.

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    1. Don't forget I've just tidied it Rebeca. Once I'm working in it everything will be strew around again, but I'm determined to tidy things away once a month :-)

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  11. Oh, I feel a sense of satisfaction at your new creation...a working studio adorned with your art and the art of others. A long sigh.....and a smile.

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    1. A work in progress. The walls are becoming fuller to get things out of the way.... but I'm enjoying myself. A long sigh...

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  12. Now THAT'S a studio...gorgeous.

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    1. Thank you Jo, I'm looking at it with new eyes.

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  13. One creates and pieces fall of and clutter our workspace, and than comes the time to declutter,
    Sometimes i believe it is a NEEDED part of creating, i once was invited to a house of another weaver ,,,,, did not see a thread, nor cloth, the loom was naked.... it was a strange sight.
    I used leftovers of my art work in my craft work. lately i sewed some new summer clothes from left overs .... great feeling , Old skirts become cushion covers and my art work also got a new energy from me.
    mirjam

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    1. Isn't it great to use the left overs in new art?!Things are beginning to look like a working studio again but the good thing is I have been able to create enough space to see the wood for the trees.

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  14. I do love decluttering, it always feels so good to me. Less stuff always = more freedom in my mind. Your space looks so inviting and light filled.

    And it seems for me (as Jo points out) it is always a work in progress. New things come in, untidiness gathers and so the process starts over.

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    1. Yes it is an ongoing process. The thing is to declutter the moment one is overwhelmed by too much.

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  15. R-thank you for a peek into your nest of creativity - it is always a privilege to see where others work and create. De-cluttering seems to be in the air - I said to Fiona I need to give the garage-studio a going over as it is becoming a health hazard - but in part it is because I have a few streams of work going on. Thanks also for a peek at your precious pieces. Go well. B

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    1. Glad you enjoyed the peek, Barry. This is what it looks like before beginning to work. It would be a miracle if I kept it this neat..... and it just wouldn't feel right..... so I am giving myself a little leeway.

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  16. Sliding piles of papers and cardboard just about sums up the view from here!! Looks like you're creating a lovely space. I'm sure it'll feel good to get back to work there. My de cluttering has been done, but now I need to get cracking with the good stuff that's been waiting for me.

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    1. Curious about the good stuff waiting for you :-)

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  17. No wonder you create wonderful art with all of the beautiful inspiration around you. Cuddly's adorable.

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    1. Cuddly used to be in a more prominent spot in the house, but a few visitors found him creepy :-)
      He has since joined me in the studio.

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  18. With my bandsaw broken and waiting for parts, you've given me inspiration to use the time wisely. Your pictures of your studio are the carrot on the stick for me, although yours has much more soul (and God) in it!

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    1. Your comment makes me smile Robin. I'm still contemplating whether to get a bandsaw or not. My husband fears for my fingers.

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  19. Hi Robyn, I love decluttering--your space is lovely and admirably airy! hmmm, we have a neglected (and large) exercise machine that needs to be gotten rid of too...

    I glimpsed the beautiful green fabric you sent me on your bulletin board and I wanted to tell you I've been making headbands from that particular one and they are very popular with my children (and me too). Pictures to come on my blog.

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    1. You have a sharp eye Deborah! The green waxprint has certainly brightened up my noticeboard.

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  20. love seeing your beautiful beaded totemic "Gathering Stillness" in situ, such a stunning piece

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    1. Thanks so much Mo. She feels just right there.

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  21. Decluttering is part of the flow of studio ritual. Seen in that light, it makes it easier to let go.

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    1. Yes, it is part of the ritual and I'm now finding it easier to let go of things in the rest of the house.

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  23. Wonderful feel of satisfaction with a cleaned-up studio...yours is especially satisfying due to your collection of beautiful and inspiring art...a great mix you have there!!!

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    1. Thanks Mary Ann. I'm bringing a lot of my collection out into the light of day again. A good feeling!

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  24. The feeling in your studio space is one of such warmth and earthiness. Very conducive to creativity. I have lately been thinking about the ebb and flow of the organization/cleanliness of my studio space and this post just solidifies the fact that this phenomenon is pretty much universal amongst artists!

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    1. Thanks Seth. I think we let it go until we just have to declutter in order to think straight.

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  25. I just love taking a peek into other artists work spaces. Cuddly makes me smile.

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    1. Cuddly makes me smile too. It is quite an interesting experience to hold him.

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  26. Your room feels peaceful and ready for ideas to take shape. Studios are where I feel most at home.

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    1. It's been a while since I felt at home in this room but I'm loving the new space and probably spend more time here than in any other room in the house.

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  27. Everything looks light and wonderful Robyn. (Am betting you worked hard to brighten and lighten. Loving the white...

    Hello Cuddly! Good to see you pulled this "Power Figure" into daily space and honored his reason for being, so to speak. Love most, that you inherit a desk through your daughters--this circle, these words Tom on the wood, if our tables could talk to us, they might whisper things so amazing about our relationships.


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    1. The white walls have made a huge difference (they used to be ivory) and yes Cuddly is very comfortable in this room. For some reason he reminds me of a little budgie enjoying the company of people.

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  28. Wow!! Lovely soothing beautiful creative space

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  29. Look at all the interesting things and books you have in your studio! Decluttering is definitely a ritual. I actually have to resort to this before I begin every new picture. I am an untidy worker.
    I can't believe this, nearly everybody seems to have that exercise machine which they never use and never get rid of, even there, all the way in South Africa.

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    1. We called an auctioneer in to take the Orbitrek away and he said he couldn't pay us much for it because every household has an exercise machine they don't want. I was just happy for him to get it out of my sight.

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  30. Feels real good in there, Robin.
    I like your *stuff* ;>]]

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  31. Love seeing your rooms and what are on your walls, I think I need to de clutter!

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    1. It's a good feeling Penny! But give yourself plenty of time to recover from your op before you go lifting things.

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  32. Seeing your beautiful cloth hanging has inspired me to fill the bare wall facing me with my piece of Kantha cloth. I shall then dig out the bark tapa cloths I own and put them on my sons walls! How sad am I? These spaces have been driving me visually insane and I've had the answer all along. Off I go to fill my spaces with my textiles because they bring me so much pleasure. Sigh. Peace. Thanks Robyn. You bloody gem!

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  33. There must be something in the air Robyn, I've been on the decluttering of late also. Lovely to see your space and is that you work bench I see - love the drill press :-D

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