The search for a new studio space continues. Playing fortune teller is not easy. Not only is this a case of space and budget, but the neighborhood, amenities and how the space feels are also key considerations. Also, since I work with resin, the fumes force some shared spaces out of consideration. Bacically, when it comes down to it, there is no perfect space.
Right now, I'm stuck in paralysis by analysis. Given that there is not perfect space within my budget, I have to compromise. This is where being a fortune teller is getting tricky. I don't know what I don't know. Having a dedicated art space is new for me. I'm excited and I expect good things but yet I am unaware of what may lie ahead if I choose one space over another. Simple lack of experience. So, all I can do is work with what I know today and move forward. The best part of a month to month lease is that I can always move if I have to.
I currently work in 250 sq ft. This includes the area I am using for storage. Basically my den and guest room. I have 3 spaces in one building, 350, 400 and 450 sq ft. Since the cost difference per month is small from the smallest to the medium size studio, I am leaning towards the 400 sq ft space. I don't know if I will notice the extra 50 sq ft in the larger studio. Does size matter?
So I have measured and calculated and looked at the checkbook 4 times now. I'm going to walk away and see if any of the spaces resonated with me. I'll keep you posted.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
More Studios To See
I continue to look for a new studio space. After a while they begin to look a like. Although, I think I found one today that may work well. Or at least, it has potential. Of course, I have to re-evaluate the budget.
I'm also working on the new web site. I can envision what it looks like but it is slow going. This includes a revamp of the blog as well.
And while I'm doing all of this, I'm also writing my first newsletter. One of these days (hopefully soon) it will go out and I can start building my mailing list as well.
Funny. When I have energy and motivation, I can't move fast enough. When I don't, it can all wait for tomorrow.
I'm also working on the new web site. I can envision what it looks like but it is slow going. This includes a revamp of the blog as well.
And while I'm doing all of this, I'm also writing my first newsletter. One of these days (hopefully soon) it will go out and I can start building my mailing list as well.
Funny. When I have energy and motivation, I can't move fast enough. When I don't, it can all wait for tomorrow.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Studio Hunting
This past week I have been looking for a new studio space. I feel it is time to take my art and business up a notch. Plus I need more space since many of my pieces are becoming larger in scale.
Looking for a studio is nearly a full-time job! And a bit stressful. Of course, like looking for a new apartment or house, no place is perfect, priced right, or in the right neighborhood. So this forces the question, what is it I really want from a studio? What is important?
First, I want more space. Second, I would like the space to be within my budget and lastly, I want to be part of a larger artistic community. So far, the larger spaces are out of my budget (time to rethink the budget)and all those in established art communities are full. So, this is becoming an exercise in predicting the future and/or gambling on what may happen if I go here or go there. Will a community develop? Will I find kindred spirits? Will I find a creative support network to challenge me to grow artistically?
In addition the the community, is the question of will people come to my studio for open studio nights? I suspect the neighborhod will influence that as well.
So, after one week, I have seen seven locations in three different neighborhoods. Two studios stand out. Do I decide now or continue looking? The funny thing is that I know which ever space I select, I will make it work. This feels like a big deal but I am beginning to thing it is only a big deal in my head.
This is like starting a painting. There is no wrong or right way to start and the end product will not resemble the original concept, it is often better. This may be a decision based on gut feelings than on rational decision making.
Time will tell where I end up. Regardless, this is going to be a fantastic experience. I'll post my new address once I get there.
Looking for a studio is nearly a full-time job! And a bit stressful. Of course, like looking for a new apartment or house, no place is perfect, priced right, or in the right neighborhood. So this forces the question, what is it I really want from a studio? What is important?
First, I want more space. Second, I would like the space to be within my budget and lastly, I want to be part of a larger artistic community. So far, the larger spaces are out of my budget (time to rethink the budget)and all those in established art communities are full. So, this is becoming an exercise in predicting the future and/or gambling on what may happen if I go here or go there. Will a community develop? Will I find kindred spirits? Will I find a creative support network to challenge me to grow artistically?
In addition the the community, is the question of will people come to my studio for open studio nights? I suspect the neighborhod will influence that as well.
So, after one week, I have seen seven locations in three different neighborhoods. Two studios stand out. Do I decide now or continue looking? The funny thing is that I know which ever space I select, I will make it work. This feels like a big deal but I am beginning to thing it is only a big deal in my head.
This is like starting a painting. There is no wrong or right way to start and the end product will not resemble the original concept, it is often better. This may be a decision based on gut feelings than on rational decision making.
Time will tell where I end up. Regardless, this is going to be a fantastic experience. I'll post my new address once I get there.
Friday, January 22, 2010
First Interview
I just finished my first interview as an artist for GALA Online Magazine (http://www.galamagonline.com). Founded on the east coast of the United States by Christine Gerity of New Jersey, GALA Magazine / LGBT Artists' mission is to give voice to unseen, unheard, and undiscovered artists within the lgbt community. Since I still consider myself as "emerging", it felt like a good fit.
The interview took about 15 in total and the questions ranged from why I did quite corporate to pursue art to plans for the future. I hadn't thought about the reasons why I started this in a while. It was good to "go back to my roots." It was motivating.
All week I've felt like I have been wandering aimlessly. Towards the end of the week, I began doing a few little things to promote the new series (going on the web site this weekend) and those small steps in conjunction with the interview fired me up. I'm looking forward instead of backwards again.
Anyways, the interview was very fun. I'm happy I had the experience and I'm hoping for more interviews in the future. I'll post the link to the article when it gets posted.
The interview took about 15 in total and the questions ranged from why I did quite corporate to pursue art to plans for the future. I hadn't thought about the reasons why I started this in a while. It was good to "go back to my roots." It was motivating.
All week I've felt like I have been wandering aimlessly. Towards the end of the week, I began doing a few little things to promote the new series (going on the web site this weekend) and those small steps in conjunction with the interview fired me up. I'm looking forward instead of backwards again.
Anyways, the interview was very fun. I'm happy I had the experience and I'm hoping for more interviews in the future. I'll post the link to the article when it gets posted.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
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