I love this question because I really enjoy using special devices/tools/materials in my creative process.  As I mentioned in my earlier post I work with my materials when they are wet and then about two days later when they are dry.  When I first started working with wet materials I wasn't very intentional with measuring out the water (or vinegar, or bleach, etc.).  Until a friend of mine suggested I try using a pipette.  It changed the process for me.  With pipettes I am able to control the materials a lot easier, draw with them better, and even remove the liquid from the piece if I need too.  And they are super cheap too- I bought an entire bag of 100 for less than $6.  I can reuse the same pipette for a week or two, but I don't feel bad for throwing them away either b/c they're affordable.  In short, they are awesome! 

The glass jars that I have started to collect my materials in are beginning to become more important to me as well.  Last semester, I took a mini road trip with a friend of mine from undergrad.  We traveled up and down much of I-75 in search of abandoned houses.  One of the abandoned barns we found had a massive amount of old glass jars laying around.  Naturally, I took them (noone was using them and the place hadn't been touched in YEARS).  I like that I can see how much of a materials I have left.  Before, I was wasting a lot of my dyes because I was pouring them directly from the package they came in.  Now I am able to see how much I'm using and the materials last much longer.  Its weird but glass jars are becoming a collectible and important to my art making process. 

The Sketchbook....
is very important to my creative process and to almost every artist that I know; therefore not special or super secret, but still important.  I write in mine everyday.  I used to be a lot more obsessive about my sketchbook than I am now.  Before, I would keep it on my passenger seat in my car and pull over whenever an idea came to me.  I'm not that obsessed now.  I'm somewhat more selective about the ideas that I put in my sketchbook.  Now, if a great idea comes to me when I'm driving in the car, I usually dwell on it and develop it in my head until I get home; then I take the time to right it down.  I'm constantly taping notes in my sketchbook for times when its not readily handy to me.  Sometimes I journal but mostly I jolt down anything of interest- artists to check out, big ideas, small ideas, sketches of what work would look like displayed, quotes, deadlines, etc etc.  I usually need a new sketchbook about every 3-4 months.  I only use strathmore hardbound 8.5 x 11 sketchbooks.  I don't know why.  I've used a lot of different sizes and varieties of sketchbooks but this one makes the most since to me.  The size is perfect.  The quality is great -- I tend to be very rough with my sketchbooks and this brand is able to survive a lot of damage.  I have two rules with sketchbooks.  1) only one sketchbook at a time 2) never start on the first page EVER.  I usually start somewhere in the first 1/3 of the book.  There is something that can be very overwhelming with a blank sketchbook (or a blank canvas).  So by starting in the middle somewhere all pretentiousness is gone.  Its no longer a proper book and anything goes. 

That's all of the super special secret supplies that I can think of right now. 
Next week we'll be answering:
Do you work on one project at a time or several? How do you come up with titles? DUE: MARCH 7TH

Make sure you check out Brandon's responses to this week's question - as a teaser BOB ROSS is included in his post.  :)


Peggs.

Above, is my painting table.  At first glace you may notice that there aren't any traditional paints on it.  Recently, I have not been using the norm, acrylic or oil paints.  My materials currently consist of: egg whites, fabric dye, vinegar, bleach, nitric acid, iron shavings, and carborundum to make drawings/paintings.  Then I sew the drawing/paintings to fabric. 

I usually I keep all of my wet materials on one end of the table and the dry materials on the opposite.  The table itself is on wheels which makes life so much easier.  I'm always picking the materials up and placing them on the table that I've been working on.  So at the end of a session, day, week, etc I have to rearrange everything to put it all back in its proper place.  I use a lot of plastic cups; they're easy to throw away and/or reuse if applicable. 
I've only had this painting table for a couple of months.  A former MFA student that graduated in Dec. passed it down to me.  Next week I'll be explaining more in depth why I am using some of these materials and their significant to me and my work. 

Do you have any special devices or tools that are unique to your creative process?
Are there specific items here that have significant meaning to you? DUE: FEB 28TH

Make sure you check out Brandon's (messy) paints and how potter Joe Molinaro answered this week's question. 

I don’t know that I have a typical studio day; a lot of it depends on my class schedule.  This semester I get most of my work in the studio done on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturday mornings.  My Tuesdays and Thursdays are so busy that I’m usually too tired to get any real studio work accomplished.  

In order for me to have a really good studio day I usually start with a list of things that I would like to get done for the day, the night before.  That way I know what I HAVE to do and what I want to do.  I like to sleep in but in order to have a successful studio day - I can’t sleep past 10:00 am.  So I usually get up about 9:30, hang out with my dogs, get dressed, and head to the studio (hopefully) by 10:30ish.  My closet is separated by cardboard boxes of things that are “studio approved” clothes and otherwise.  And many non-studio clothes are making their way into the “studio” boxes.  I’m really messy.  I have a printmaking apron that I’ve had since undergrad that I love to wear when I’m painting or doing messy work.  Most of the work recently, has been smaller and cleaner.  Temperature is important to me though, so I dress in layers b/c I never know what the Reynolds Building will feel like. 

I love to work when the Reynolds Building is empty and Fridays and Saturdays are good for that.  I always listen to music when I’m working.  It just depends on what for the day and mood.  Sometimes I like to listen to music that I’m not familiar with so I don’t get distracted by the words.  Other days I like to jam and sing and dance along.  Listening to music affects my mood and therefore, affects my work.  Its just necessary for me.  My favorite Pandora stations are: Mumford & Sons, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Goo Goo Dolls, and 30 Seconds to Mars.  I also use the Songza app on my phone, which is really cool b/c it doesn’t have commercials like Pandora.  My favorite Songza playlist is “female indie songwriters”.      

I do take breaks often.  Breaks usually include walking around the building, snacking on candy or going to get coffee, or visiting other people in their studios.  Breaking my concentration every so often from my work allows my brain to relax.  When I’m really into a piece I set a timer for an hour and half, and switch to work on something else.  The most beneficial aspect of taking breaks (other than sugar rushes or caffeine fixes) is walking back into the room and seeing the work.  Stepping back from the work allows me to see everything differently.  Leaving the room for about 15 minutes and coming back gives me fresh eyes; that way I know whats working and what needs work.  It also gives me the chance to switch to something else.  I work in my sketchbook on some breaks too.  I like to doodle, journal, and write about my materials in the studio.  Reflection time is good for the work.  I like to work at night when I have a deadline approaching.  There’s something about working in the studio til 3 am that makes me feel good- accomplished and committed.  

I also take 'in progress' shots of my work OFTEN during studio time.  It gives me something to look at on non-studio days.  It also provides me as a reference when I’m journaling about the work in my sketch book.  Since I often work with my materials when they are wet, photos allow me re-visit the work after its dry. 

Right now, I think I have a pretty equal balance of studio time and non-studio time.  Last semester I was stuck in a rut and wasted a lot of studio time.  I have a much better handle on it now.  I’m thankfully that I can’t work in the studio every day, everyday would just be too much I think.  I like for my time and person to be broken up between space and activity.  I do hope when I have a professional studio that it NEAR my home but not attached.  I like the physical distance.  

Anyways, next week we’ll be looking at: What kind of paints do you use? How long have you had your painting table, and how did you decide to set it up? DUE: FEB 21ST

Check out Brandon's response to this question and our newest member of BLOG WATCHERS, Joe Molinaro

I came to the University of Kentucky August 2012 as a graduate student.  One of the biggest perks of being a grad student is having a studio space.  I share mine with fellow grad student (a photographer) Michael Hamilton.  Our studio is 104c in the Reynolds Building.  Its burning hot in the summer and freezing cold in the winter.  I always work with my headphones in because I can hear every footstep and creaky floorboard above me.  Its not perfect but its great for now. 
The space developed organically.  I tried to have a plan but it never seemed to fit.  By midterm I figured out what made sense for me.  Its a challenge to share a space with someone that you don't have a history with.  Michael and I are quite different in personality but we get along great.  I think I am the more demanding of the two of us, especially seeing that my work demands space to be created in.  Whereas his photography is mostly created out in the 'real world', processed and all in the dark room or digitally.  Last semester I worked in my studio a lot until my work started to demand even more space.  (I'm sure Michael cursed me often for my messiness and large works.)

Once I begun working on multiple projects at a time and larger, I had to find another space to work in.  Luckily, the installation classroom wasn't being used and I claimed space in there to do my large pieces.  The installation room is more ideal in what I think I want one day for a stuido.  Its a huge room with windows on the outside wall and hardwood floors and tall ceilings.  The only thing its missing is a sink.  Hey, a girl can dream. 

I have been blessed to still work in the installation room this semester as well.  This space was more planned out than 104c.  I am only taking up about a 1/4 of the room (can't be too greedy) and I use the floor space to make most of my work.  The tables are for the smaller paper pieces. 
I love the space that I have been allowed to work in.  I am grateful (even with all the problems the Reynolds Building has).

Next week we are answering: Please describe a typical day, being as specific as possible. For example: what time do you get up? when do you come to the studio? Do you have specific clothing you change into? Do you listen to music, radio, TV when you work? If so what, and does it affect your work?

Make sure you check out Brandon's answer this week. 

Til next week.