Sharing my passion for handcrafted jewelry, paper making, and living a creative life.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Form or Function?

I have spent the past week, and most of this long weekend, trying to restore order to my studio.  After several months of preparing for a group show as well as creating work for our artisan cooperative, my space was in drastic need of an overhaul.  But what could I do to keep it from getting into this state again?

I want my creative space to look nice but I want it to work for me.  So I had to address some issues.

Do I really need all this stuff or can I let some of it go?  Yes, I need it.  No, I'm keeping all of it!!
Can I finish one project before starting on another one?  Not likely.  One idea always leads to another and usually in a completely different medium.
Will I put everything away from one project before starting on another?  Well, let's see...I'm over half a century old and I haven't trained myself to do this yet...so I have to say, probably not!

It's pretty clear that, in my case, function overrules form.  For form to be the primary consideration, one should be able to actually see the aesthetically pleasing arrangement.  So, in consideration of my rather chaotic style of working, I have reorganized my space for function.

Art Zone

Everything in my art zone is now within easy reach, including all of my different collage elements, paints, printing supplies, and mediums.  The smaller desk is dedicated to encaustic painting since the plugs for the elements, stylus and heat gun are right there.

Encaustic painting area
I liked the flow of the room better before without the rather large cubby unit dissecting the room but, in order to have all of my supplies at hand, it had to be.


I wasn't really keen about adding a table for sewing between the armoire and the bookcase because it's a small area but, I knew if I relied on using my painting table to sew at, it wouldn't happen.  My mom sewed at this table for many years and when it comes to sewing, I could use some of her good karma.


The rest of the studio should function better now that it won't be heaped with the piles that needed a temporary home when I had to clear space on the art table.  So that's the theory.  Now for the practice!

18 comments:

  1. Looks great LizAnna = ready to delve into!

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  2. Oh my, can I come live with you? In your studio? Your creative space is so wonderful - thank you for sharing it with us.

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  3. I'm thinking about karma and sewing, wow... that is one thing that I know I don't want to do!! So, all the karma in my world goes to you! love your nest...keeps me dreaming

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  4. What an accomplishment! Congrats, it looks out of this world!

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  5. I can so relate to everything you're saying! I am constantly messing up/cleaning up/rearranging/messing up again in my studio. Good job!

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  6. Thanks for your nice comments, everyone! Yes, Laurel, that is the cubby unit, smack dab in the middle of the room but I think it's going to work out well.

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  7. I love the way your studio looks. I think it's great to have "stations" or sections. You are so lucky to have a separate area and table for sewing.

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  8. Liz as always I am smitten with your studio, the way you have arranged the sections and....the view!!!

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  9. What a lovely work space! Oh...don't you just feel so ready to get to work there now! I love your mother's sewing table - you were brilliant to set it up there! I've just become your 73rd follower! Please join me at my history blog - I'd love to have you!
    Ann
    PS Beauty and the Beast is gorgeous!

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  10. Oh what a wonderful work space--I can't believe you're right on the lake--totally amazing! I hope you're having a great weekend.
    XO

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  11. I love your studio - it looks like a very productive space and it's nice to have everything at hand. It's tough keeping a studio neat - I have the same problem. I have a long wall of dressers where I keep all of my fabrics and supplies which helps keep it a bit tidier but I've usually got a couple of things on the go at one time too so surfaces are constantly covered. I'm in Ireland right now for a few months and have had to resort to using our dining table in our small apartment - it makes me really appreciate the setup I've got at home! :)

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  12. I had to come over so I could drool over your lakeside studio!!! lol
    XO

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  13. Hi Liz...So happy you came to visit!!!
    XO

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  14. Ah- beautiful organization- and what a great view from your lovely art room- so inspirational I'm sure. Thanks for sharing these wonderful photos and your creative space- wow!

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  15. I haven't visited for a while..must say I'm glad I came by to see your re-organized studio..great job!
    And I love your new encaustics in those lovely colours. It's something I haven't tried yet, but am definitely going to look into it. Have a good week!

    Lynette

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  16. Thank you for all your encouraging comments! I love visiting all of you, too.

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  17. OMG your studio and view are amazing!

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  18. I think your studio is one of the neatest ones I've ever seen, so much storage and your views of the lake from inside your home and studio are awesome! No wonder inspiration surrounds you!

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