Amid this season’s inevitable Wisconsin chill, we’re all settling into our indoor spaces. As the winter hibernation begins, here’s hoping photographs and words from a few Birds in Art artists will kindle inspiration and warm the cockles of your heart.
From My Space to Yours, an exhibition featuring studio photographs provided by sixty-two Birds in Art 2020 artists, can be viewed online. Included along with the photographs are artists’ words of gratitude about their work spaces, surroundings, and opportunities to pursue work they love.
Here’s a sampling:
“I converted this space to house my etching press,” wrote S.V. Medaris of Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. “The press is a dream come true – transported from an estate sale and the result of long hours spent removing rust and making it work again. I have everything I need to print XL prints, all in one ginormous room. Every time I walk into my space, I feel waves of gratitude and some disbelief that this is my room to work in. I take nothing for granted.”
Some artists mention views of the world beyond studio walls.
“I love the snugness and security of my little studio in the center of my house,” wrote artist Ute Bartels of Magdeburg, Germany. “I can look into my natural garden and have direct inspiration outside my windows.”
Others love seeing wildlife.
“My home and studio are on a creek with floor-to-ceiling windows. I often see a Cooper’s hawk fly by on a hunt,” wrote artist Tony Angell of Seattle. “Pileated woodpeckers also are common. Every once in a while a wandering great blue heron negotiates the thick forest to walk in the creek and try its luck on crawfish and trout. A good spot indeed.”
Some studio photos include canine companions.
“My studio is where the living room used to be before we renovated and extended the house a few years ago,” wrote Patricia Pepin of Bromont, Québec, Canada. “It’s very comfortable with good lighting, and much better than when it was in the basement.”
While many mention much-coveted distraction-free space, others value occasional visits with visitors.
“In my studio, I work in oil, acrylic, watercolor, and pencil,” wrote artist Johannes Nevala of Visby, Gotland, Sweden. “The space is also part of my gallery, open to visitors. I enjoy both, when it’s private as well as when it’s public.”
To see all the studio images and artists’ accompanying comments, check this PDF, to view them online.
Artist Dennis Boyd commented that he was feeling grateful after seeing the studio photographs online, providing “a wonderful look into many creative spaces.”
We’re grateful for the varied and inspired spaces shared by generous Birds in Art artists offering their studios views, in lieu of their visits to our community this fall. Here’s hoping the virtual views will inspire you until Woodson Art Museum visits are once again possible.
