Over the past few month’s I’ve been planning and contemplating a few small changes to include new questions in this Art Studio Organization Interview series. I’ve been reading some interesting books on artist process and studio’s as well as been engaged in a weekly artist gathering. All of this has inspired and prompted me to include some new information that I think will make these interviews more interesting and give readers a little more personal insight into the artists process. The interviews will continue to be weekly with Part I focused on an introduction to the artist, their space, what I’m calling “Material Obsession” (a bit more about this below) and legacy. Part II will focus on questions related to organizing more specifically. I’ve shared all the questions below with the new q’s in bold.
A few other small changes are on the horizon with this series. I’m being more intentional about the photo’s I include and will share shots of the artist in their space, a shot of their hands and sometimes their pet (because this could be a mascot or muse for them!). I will dis-continue “virtual” interviews, again because I want to keep it personal and have an experience with the artist via the interview. I love to meet artists and see their spaces so you will see mostly artists in the South East US with the exception of interviews from travels (I’m headed to NYC today so expect some features from this trip in the coming months!).
New Art Studio Organization Interview -Questions & Musings
Introduction
Introduce yourself by sharing some or all of the following:
When did you realized you were an artist ?
What materials you work with?
Is making art your primary source of income? Do you have a partner who helps to support you?
How much time do you spend in your studio weekly/daily?
Rephrasing the intro for a more conversational ‘story’ from the artists in their responses to this series of questions.
Space
Where do you make your art, how big is your studio and how long have you been in this space?
When you began working in this space did you plan any systems for the overall set up or did you let things evolve organically? How did past studio spaces or systems influence this space?
Material Obsession
NEW Question::Do you use personal objects & memorabilia in your art? Do you collect memento’s, found objects or other ephemera, thing that evokes your childhood or playful nature=sense of humor (ironic, kitschy)? What is their Value to you?
NEW Question::Do these collections ever overwhelm you and if so how and when do you curate-edit them?
I hesitate to use the term inspiration here because in some sense the materials we use can become an inspiration or a point of confusion/overwhelm if we let our ‘things’ get out of control. I’m seeing a increasing “trend” of artists using found objects, collections, recycled materials and outright rubbish (trash being reclaimed as art). Withholding judgement here I simply would like to better understand how the rituals, habits and process of collecting, reusing and honoring the value of “stuff” is affecting artists in their work.
NEW Question::Do you have a mantra, muse, mascot or area that you dedicate as an altar? OR-do you have any rituals, superstitions or routines you practice regularly in your studio?
This may seem to have nothing to do with organizing but I’m very fascinated by how our habits, rituals and practices affect our creative process. I want to learn more about how artists consciously or unconsciously play with these themes.
Legacy
How much thought do you give to your artistic body of work in terms of historic value and the overall legacy you will leave behind? How do you store/archive your work or records?
Part II
Organizing
How many projects are you usually working on at once? [Is this due to space constraints, creative process, organizing systems or other influences?]
Do you ever find it challenging to locate certain things when you’re ready use them? NEW Question::How do you store tools and materials you use frequently to make your process easier?
Do you notice cycles or phases of projects that are more or less organized in your creative process?
NEW Question::Do you think your creative success and or your process is helped or constricted by discipline? Do you find that limitations or boundaries can help fuel your creativity?
The question of Discipline and Boundaries is one that many artists feel strongly about one way or another. I want to understand how this behavior pattern influences our organizing and creative processes.
NEW Question::Do you set any self imposed limitations (to your schedule, material use etc)? Is there anything you intentionally don’t have in your studio due to distraction?
I’ve played with this topic in my own work and life and have had lively conversations with other artists about this. Do we have so much “input” these days that it helps us to create some boundaries?
How or did you learn your organizing habits and systems? NEW Question::Do you consider yourself to be organized or alternately do you tend towards hoarding stuff?
A Whole Lot O’Metal!
Do you purge, clean or de-clutter your supply stash and space on a regular basis?
What tips can you offer regarding your use of schedules, systems, tools or processes that help you maintain organization in your studio?
NEW Question::Do you use sticky notes? How/where?
Just for fun, because who doesn’t love a sticky note (or washi tape or other cool materials!)
Post-It Brainstorming Wall!
If you would like to send me your answers to these questions either anonymously or with your info included I’d love to begin gathering more artists stories, they may not be published in the blog (if I don’t get the chance to visit in person) but I’m working on some big ideas for this series. I would love to hear from more artists, feel free to share the link!
Part I Questions: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z5LKXZJ
Part II Questions: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5R7RDHS
