My very first studio was my kitchen table in an apt in NYC. Then I moved it into an extra bedroom, which once outgrown, I next moved into the attic space. I remember that space was very hot in the summer and way too cold in the winter. I finally set up a studio in the living room of my house and then finally the garage. It took quite a few years before I finally had the courage to rent and move into someone else’s bigger garage and after that into an entirely separate building full of other artists. With each move my working space improved. Every time I gained additional space, better lighting, and generally a more uplifting work environment.
Each move, however, was always preceded by a degree of fear. It just felt scary. I never could afford it; the timing was not perfect and interestingly I thought my work was not actually at the point that warranted moving into a larger space. It was almost like I didn’t deserve it.
However, it was just something I felt I needed to do. I felt kind of cramped. I wanted more room so I could see my work from a distance. I felt the container – the current space for my growing work – was physically and psychologically too small. Ever so slowly I would come to the decision to finally move.
Looking back now, I understand the connections between creating my best art and having the right studio space.
[Tweet “A better space creates better Art. – Nicholas Wilton”]
Here then, are the three connections I have since learned about making my best art and having adequate studio space. I wish I knew then what I know now.
#1 If you begin to feel cramped move now.
Like a frog who will happily sit in a pot of water on a stove that is slowly heating up, the frog just gets used to the hot water and never figures out it is time to leave before it is too late—sometimes we can put up with cramped conditions, to the detriment of our work and mental health way too long. If you are not feeling happy in the space for whatever reason, move as soon as possible. It is time.
#2 A better space creates better Art.
I used to think that once I was painting successfully bigger and bolder, I would then be ready for a bigger, more uplifting studio space. Well I now realize that the bold and bigger work only came AFTER my move. In other words, I had to experience spaciousness, bigness in my environment in order to create work that felt that way.
#3 It never seems affordable.
I am always amazed that every time I wanted to move it always felt too expensive. I always wondered if the new space was just a little too big and that surely it was possible for me to find a smaller more affordable space. And then once moved, within a matter of days I felt absolutely at home, enjoying the benefits, not just of how I felt but how my work seemed to almost magically improve. Better, almost always, costs more. It feels the most expensive the day before you move in but in no short time the benefits will overwhelm the new more expensive reality, often because your improved work and brightened attitude help generate sales or income producing opportunities. It just always seems to work out.
I bring these points up in hopes that some of you, who might just need that extra nudge, take that big step towards the next better work environment. It can make all the difference in the world.
How does your studio space affect your work? Do you find you enjoy working in a smaller space, or are you looking for something bigger?
In gratitude, Nicholas
30 Comments
Hi! I’m
Nicholas Wilton
the founder of Art2Life.
With over 20 years experience as a working artist and educator, I’ve developed a systematic approach that brings authenticity, spontaneity and joy back into the creative process.
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My goodness, Nicholas, thank you so much for the nudge. You cannot imagine how timely your words have been for me. Best, best wishes.
I am glad…just food for thought!
My goodness, Nicholas, thank you so much for the nudge. You cannot imagine how timely your words have been for me. Best, best wishes.
I am glad…just food for thought!
mission re-up:
The ground of renunciation is realizing that we already have exactly what we need, that what we have already is good.
– Pema Chödrön, “Renunciation: Like a Raven in the Wind”
Trying to follow Pema on this one…my space cramped, endangered, I wish for more spacious… But fear a downsize coming on… SF in a mania of rent increases!! I do appreciate the truth of what you say, and I’m trusting the universe to guide me!!
Perfect….
mission re-up:
The ground of renunciation is realizing that we already have exactly what we need, that what we have already is good.
– Pema Chödrön, “Renunciation: Like a Raven in the Wind”
Trying to follow Pema on this one…my space cramped, endangered, I wish for more spacious… But fear a downsize coming on… SF in a mania of rent increases!! I do appreciate the truth of what you say, and I’m trusting the universe to guide me!!
Perfect….
You are reading my mind…
Oh good. I like doing that …..when u r ready is the right time…
You are reading my mind…
Oh good. I like doing that …..when u r ready is the right time…
Great post, as always. I agree with you on all points. I’ve had 4 different studios in 12 years…I’ve both expanded and contracted depending upon the demands of my business and the number of people working with me. Lighting, ceiling height and free space are key for me to feel my best and create good work. As for the expense; it’s been scary at times, but I’ve never missed a rent payment and taking on greater responsibility has often lit a fire under me to hustle up business and work smarter through better time management, scheduling and delegation. The downside of more space than absolutely necessary, in my experience, is that I tend to fill it up. Last year I cut my space in half and have been forced to edit the hoard. This speaks to changes in both my life and work…quality over quantity. Thank you for your thought provoking and insightful posts. Judy Augur
Thanks Judy
Great post, as always. I agree with you on all points. I’ve had 4 different studios in 12 years…I’ve both expanded and contracted depending upon the demands of my business and the number of people working with me. Lighting, ceiling height and free space are key for me to feel my best and create good work. As for the expense; it’s been scary at times, but I’ve never missed a rent payment and taking on greater responsibility has often lit a fire under me to hustle up business and work smarter through better time management, scheduling and delegation. The downside of more space than absolutely necessary, in my experience, is that I tend to fill it up. Last year I cut my space in half and have been forced to edit the hoard. This speaks to changes in both my life and work…quality over quantity. Thank you for your thought provoking and insightful posts. Judy Augur
Thanks Judy
I agree; timely as always, so thanks Nick! I started in a small breakfast nook when our boys were toddlers. Once they flew the coop, there was no resistance from family to invade various rooms of the home and the garage. Rather than one large space, though, I’m compartmentalized depending on what medium or work I am doing. Encaustic is on one side of the garage with ventilation, cold wax/oil on the other side of the garage (HOT in summer, COLD in winter for sure), framing in a vacated bedroom, and printmaking and water based painting in the lower studio. Not to complain, it’s absolutely wonderful, but each space allows me to work comfortably up to about 4×4′ or maybe 5×5′. As I need to work on a larger scale for future shows, I’m currently eyeing the living room. So far, no resistance; even if only temporary, I may have to invade that space as well. Although I love having this space, I have all the respect in the world for those who turn out amazing work from smaller spaces. Some people enjoy working on a smaller scale and are perfectly happy, or learn to make do with what they have and I truly admire that. I recently came across a quote that stated how limitations can be liberating. I can relate to this as well.
Pamela–good points..it is so personal–there is no one way as you say. It cracks me up picturing you invading the living room!
I agree; timely as always, so thanks Nick! I started in a small breakfast nook when our boys were toddlers. Once they flew the coop, there was no resistance from family to invade various rooms of the home and the garage. Rather than one large space, though, I’m compartmentalized depending on what medium or work I am doing. Encaustic is on one side of the garage with ventilation, cold wax/oil on the other side of the garage (HOT in summer, COLD in winter for sure), framing in a vacated bedroom, and printmaking and water based painting in the lower studio. Not to complain, it’s absolutely wonderful, but each space allows me to work comfortably up to about 4×4′ or maybe 5×5′. As I need to work on a larger scale for future shows, I’m currently eyeing the living room. So far, no resistance; even if only temporary, I may have to invade that space as well. Although I love having this space, I have all the respect in the world for those who turn out amazing work from smaller spaces. Some people enjoy working on a smaller scale and are perfectly happy, or learn to make do with what they have and I truly admire that. I recently came across a quote that stated how limitations can be liberating. I can relate to this as well.
Pamela–good points..it is so personal–there is no one way as you say. It cracks me up picturing you invading the living room!
I ponder a lot before I commented on this. Since I paint in my appartment, not only I have difficulties keeping thing organized, cleaning up also feels stressful at times. Not to mention that i do not own an easel, it made it very challenging to paint the side of the canvas without bumping into anything. Taking good pictures are also not easy.
It’s kind of scares me, since you mentioned exactly that everything good always seems to be not affordable. How true is this, but what scares me most is I’ve been asking for guidance and signs. There have been so many synchronicities lately and lo came your article.
I need to hide under my blanket and think and feel things over. Thank you so much.
Perfect…it sounds like u r indeed cramped. I can feel a move is in your future–I appreciate that you can be nudged and just see it as that–when u r ready is the right time..bravo
I ponder a lot before I commented on this. Since I paint in my appartment, not only I have difficulties keeping thing organized, cleaning up also feels stressful at times. Not to mention that i do not own an easel, it made it very challenging to paint the side of the canvas without bumping into anything. Taking good pictures are also not easy.
It’s kind of scares me, since you mentioned exactly that everything good always seems to be not affordable. How true is this, but what scares me most is I’ve been asking for guidance and signs. There have been so many synchronicities lately and lo came your article.
I need to hide under my blanket and think and feel things over. Thank you so much.
Perfect…it sounds like u r indeed cramped. I can feel a move is in your future–I appreciate that you can be nudged and just see it as that–when u r ready is the right time..bravo
Kind of painful reading this one. I think you are right, but… Maybe I can keep the idea on the back burner. I have a studio, small but convenient and no rent. I am hoping to reorganise so I can work larger. Thanks for the push.
Hey if ur thinking about it that is good–there is no certain way for anyone–just info to consider…thx
Kind of painful reading this one. I think you are right, but… Maybe I can keep the idea on the back burner. I have a studio, small but convenient and no rent. I am hoping to reorganise so I can work larger. Thanks for the push.
Hey if ur thinking about it that is good–there is no certain way for anyone–just info to consider…thx
I fully agree. I have been slowly increasing my art space, and with that came greater creativity. Now, that I recently moved into my art studio, the creativity stopped! It is way too crowded! Time to move out!
I fully agree. I have been slowly increasing my art space, and with that came greater creativity. Now, that I recently moved into my art studio, the creativity stopped! It is way too crowded! Time to move out!