Most of the time when I'm not at work, you'll find me in my studio, conveniently located in my home (which is five minutes from the office--see how it all works together?). I made over my studio in the spring of 2008, with the results shown in the premiere issue of Cloth Paper Scissors Studios, and ever since I have been very happy with how it flows and functions.
With one exception: lighting.
There isn't a great deal of natural light in my studio to begin with, and once we "fall back" to Standard Time, it's dark outside by, oh, 4:30 p.m. or so here in the Northeast. Unfortunately it's really dark in the most important area of my studio: where the design wall and sewing machine live. So when I need more light, I bring over a standing Ott-Lite for task lighting.
However, now that I have the latest issue of Studios in hand (Winter 2009/2010), I can use Assistant Editor Barbara Delaney's article on how to choose the best lighting for your studio to help me select the right kinds of bulbs, lamps, fixtures, and light colors, and where to position them to see what I'm doing and prevent eyestrain. If only I'd had that information sooner!
In the meantime, I have other ways of brightening up my studio during the winter months, which I reveal on this video tour, aided by Managing Editor Helen Gregory. These tips are not only easy, they involve fabric and artwork--two of my favorite things.
So, there you have it: my tips for "winterizing" your studio.
To recap:
1. Add punches of color to the decor. Make or bring in pillows, cushions, or window treatments in vivid, warm colors to brighten your mood and rev up your visual metabolism.
2. Stimulate your senses with art. Rotate the art in your studio to give you something new to look at for inspiration. Choose artwork given to you or bought from friends (or pieces you picked up on vacation) to stir up warm feelings and bring instant cheer.
3. Keep your art supplies in sight. See-through storage containers visually stimulate your creativity the moment you enter the studio, banishing the winter blahs.
4. Refresh your inspiration board. Mix it up, move it around, change the focus, add color.
5. Have a portable art project at the ready. When cabin fever hits, grab your sketchbook, hand-stitching project, or something else you can slip in your bag, and take it to a warmer, sunnier spot.
6. Get comfortable. Have an extra pair of warm slippers or socks and a fleece jacket in your creative space if it gets chilly. And keep a thermos of coffee or hot water and tea bags or instant cocoa nearby.
7. Let there be light. Lighting is crucial for seeing colors accurately and avoiding eyestrain. Check out the Winter 2009/2010 issue of Studios for help in choosing the right lighting for your art and space.
