BLOG WATCHERS: Virtual Studio Visit

How long have you been in this studio?  Did you have a plan for the layout of your studio or did it develop organically? Has the studio location influenced your work?

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.)

104c.

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. 

My section of the installation room.

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.

To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong. -- Joseph Chilton Pearce