Space to Create

Having space to create feels so vital...and sometimes this is headspace as much as anything. After all, we can create with a tiny sketchbook on our laps and maybe a little pencil case of tools. I know some artists who don't have a designated Studio (with a captial S), but who take sketchbooks out on walks or drives and work wherever they end up. Even working on large paintings in the wilds, or in the boot of their car!

And that's great if landscape is your thing.

If you're here you will notice that landscape is not my thing! Abstract and the human body are my things! Colour and line, emotion and movement. And working from the human form is tricksy out in the wilds, in the uk!

So I carved out some space in our loft, a few years back, when we had it boarded out and a ladder put in. This has served me well, over the years, despite it being a rather low ceiling and...well....ladders! Until...well...until it wasn't and I grumbled about the ladder and the lack of upright wall.

So I worked and saved HARD and descovered that our local firm Oeco, making post garden rooms, also do a Pod. This is essential the garden room without the fancy finishes. It has osb walls instead of plaster, and is a fraction of the cost.

I made it happen!

Here it is during North Yorkshire Open Studios in June this year.

I realised that if I had the studio built in time, I could hold my Open Studio out there, rather that in my living room, as I have done up to now. This would mean none of the disruption and intrusion of replicating my studio in my living room and having people in my private nest! Honestly...worth every penny!

It is a modest 3m by 2.5m which is just perfect for me. And yes, I do love to keep moving things around, rearranging my space.

Now I have my own dedicated space, with electric, wifi, good insulation and a great view of my wild garden. I have no plans to paint the OSB, I love the wood. Its a relatively compact, working space. There is one small ledge, there above the window, for inspirational bits and pieces, but that is IT! No, I will not be having a cosy corner and art books in there. I tried that in the loft. It was not used. I read at home, not in the studio.

It has been rapidly filled with supplies. The floor has a film of charcoal dust over it, ink has been spilled, paint has been splattered. It's my richly busy studio workspace and I LOVE it!

I've shown you mine...you show me yours! Come find me on Pinterest too! kate_moores_artist