I moved house! I have a new studio! I feel like an artist again!
After an extensive creative hiatus while I was going through some big life changes and burnout. I found the absolute love of my life, travelled, and we have moved in together (!!!!)
I felt like I needed a BIG break to gain experiences, live my life without worrying about fulfilling orders or posting on Instagram (basically a step back from everything that put a tremendous amount of self pressure or external pressure).
HOWEVER the time has finally come – I have moved house, I’ve finally been able to get my art space back. I had my studio separate from my living space for a few years which was great for some time, it really suited my lifestyle and I could pop in for complete solitude. That ended up being a little too much for me – I moved away, it wasn’t as accessible, I found myself not being as comfy as I’d like to be. It was over an hour away so it ended up being a bit of a hassle to pop down. I still very much treasure that space and I am VERY lucky to have been able to make it my own and use it for as long as I have.
I very much like my art space to be at home with me. I like popping in after work and sitting for an hour or two to journal, craft, plan, edit or admin. I like being able to get lost in a room that is ridiculously accessible. I love having something that feels like mine again (or ours I should say) I really enjoy sharing the room with James as we work on our own projects and stop for a cuppa or a smooch.
My studio has had a few iterations: firstly, it was a shared craft room/studio at home with mum, then it was an external demountable-type building (which was absolutely phenomenal and my first ‘big girl’ kind of space), a very downsized version in my previous bedroom which consisted of my cupboards overflowing, to now – being in my home and shared with my partner.
Planning it out on my iPad is where I have A LOT OF FUN! I make sure to source images of things that I already own and mock up a mood board, a floor plan and a shopping list of bits and bobs that I want to get either to make it cuter or to help with further organisation.
Filling my space with items I’ve made, my friends have made, other artists or by my mum or twin absolutely fill my heart and give me hints of inspiration or support when I need it.
You’ll see in these pics – a mock up of how I wanted the space to look, feel and function. There’s always going to be tweaks as I unpack and set up but it really helps me with direction and also approval from the board (James) <3
It’s something I have always done and will continue to do! I often keep my mood boards or mockups pretty hidden and don’t often share them. I’m trying to share a bit more of my brain and heart lately in things that aren’t finished products because we all know everything takes time.
Let me know if you liked this blog or if I have inspired you in anyway! Good luck on your creative endeavours and don’t be scared to SHARE. I promise it’s good for you and your growth.
