Studio Ecology:
The Art of Studio Study
An ongoing study of the elements that make artist workspaces feel alive
Studio Ecology at Saint Kate
A year-long residency within such a lush, liminal, and vibrant setting, provided me with an opportunity to give focused attention to the elements common to artist work spaces that feel especially alive. I identified 22 elements within this iteration of my studio. Here are three that stuck me as especially captivating.
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A living studio begins with a specific vision - in this case, I worked with my friend and collaborator, Coe Douglas, to articulate the specific language for this project. We created sigils from this language, and these became the earliest symbols and unconscious reminders that originally began populating the studio. “This Studio is Alive” was the starting point, and ongoing meditation throughout the residency. Remember, this studio is alive. Remember, the tools, artworks, people, and concepts within this studio are alive.
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Feed artists. Gather them together and fuel them with coffee. Make artists heads float to the ceiling with Champagne. Create vibrantly colored drinks to loosen their tongues. Feed the muse, and the muse will begin to dance in your direction.
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Every studio space, gallery, residency, group-show, pop up table… every one is a gift. The gift of a particular vessel (or space) is given in almost all circumstances when an artist sets up a studio. This gift may come from an understanding partner within our homes, or a curator with their gallery. In this case, Saint Sam and the forces behind Saint Kate (Marcus Corporation) welcomed me as their inaugural artist in residence. This space, this support, this time, these resources, this storytelling - everything is a gift within this venture. Each space deserves to be acknowledged - the vessel is unique and holds a specific potential.
