When we moved back to US from Canada in 2023 I lost my first art studio.
I'd always made some kind of art before I had a proper place to make it. But, I didn't realize how much having a dedicated space meant to maintaining a consistent creative practice. It may sound weird to use the word "bloom" in this sense...but I will do it. My creative practice bloomed in this studio and therefore it holds a special place in my heart. For the longest time after I lost it I found it hard to make art. I still do.
My old studio was perfect:
- It was full of natural light most of the day.
- It was cozy yet functional. The floor was hardwood and easier to clean up.
- It was on the same level as most of the main house was and therefore right in front of my eyes. This made it easy to be intentional about making art. I'd walk by it a hundred times all day and so it was simple to take 1/2 hour away from whatever else I was doing and spend it making art instead or if it was a small painting I could bring it to the kitchen with me while I cooked on the side.
I still cling to how flawless my old studio was. Often it seems pointless to try creating in my new imperfect space. But, one must adapt to change.
My current studio isn't horrible:
- It's in the basement and so it's super quiet.
- It's very functional and spacious. Larger than my previous space.
- I've made it cozy.
- There's a large window right by the tables where I make art. I don't get as much natural light through here but I've been able to compensate with lamps. Turns out I can have a relatively more consistently bright space this way. I don't have to rely on there being no clouds or a particular time of the day to have bright light. So, although I miss having natural lighting - it's also great to have control over consistency of lighting.
- In my new studio I have a closet with shelving to hideaway a lot of the supplies. This helps me keep the main area relatively clutter-free. Relatively. 😉
- Since it's in the basement - there's one enormous benefit. I can spend dedicated time there. It's harder for interruptions to make their way into art time. This is a big deal - since when I'm there....I'M THERE. Mentally and physically. No one and nothing else gets my attention and time but the painting right in front of me.
My new studio is however hidden away in the basement. This makes it harder to be intentional and easy to make excuses. I don't happen to just walk by it a hundred times a day and so I have to be mindful and pencil in that dedicated hour or two to spend making art. Even though being intentional is harder in this new space, it is teaching me to be more disciplined. I'm learning and growing as an artist in this new and important way.
Therefore, although I still miss my old studio - I'm grateful to have this new space.
Conclusion? It's ok to romanticize old times once in a while. It's ok to miss "what it was like" but this can easily become a reason to avoid what was once enjoyable. Past always seems more perfect but change is unavoidable. Adapting to change is crucial for growth. For me the best way to do this is to practice gratitude for the "what it is" and the "now".
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Sneha