The progression of my art studio has been very interesting, but with very little documentation. Art making is such a solo experience, and it can be a forgotten task to document my existence alone in the studio. Not counting artist residencies, I have usually created in the space where I live, and more specifically, where I sleep! The bedroom floor is where so much learning and experimenting has happened for me and there is no shame in artists working under similar circumstances. I thought it would be a fun exercise to chronicle all the places I have been where my space was set up like a proper studio in hopes that things keep progressing in this direction! Moving is one of the biggest stressors of a person’s life and I have moved a lot. I’m sure the future holds a forever art space where I can grow in new directions with roots firmly planted.
Ponsonby, Auckland, New Zealand 2011
Considered a posh little village of shops and eateries, Ponsonby is where I lived in student housing overseas while studying art history. It was a cluster of wooden apartments in a tucked away tree lined nook overlooking a clearing. I already had a few handmade jewelry pieces and vintage garments with me to sell. I had my sketchbooks shipped over and started drawing inspired by my surroundings.
K Road, Auckland New Zealand 2012
I rented a desk in the upstairs studio of a shared artist space run by an artist. There were several other people there who came and went and everyone was very chill and independent. K Road is in the city limits of Auckland filled with everything from vintage shops and stalls to bars. It was interesting to be in the middle of a bustling city in another country working on my art upstairs.
Regus Offices, Dallas, TX 2016
I rented an office at Regus in a sky scrapper in downtown Dallas, but all that glitter turn to glum. I could not find a single mover that would transport my belongings into Dallas citing risk of robbery. It was very suspicious because there are plenty of people who live and work downtown and their places are filled with stuff put in place by movers. Regus never informed me of this hiccup and could not provide a suggested mover. The office manager left for a new location and Regus receptionist lied and said he was the new manager while failing to provide me with the services I was owed. I spoke to corporate and ended my lease after a bit of back and forth. I think corporate office spaces are an untapped market for art studios, but Regus will not be where I look in the future.
Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 2018
A historic building with commercial units on the bottom floor and remodeled residential units on the second floor accessed by a sweeping wooden staircase is where my LLC was founded. My living room was set up as an art studio overlooking the busy neighborhood below with drafting table and hardwood floors. What a dream! The real goal was to occupy one of the commercial spaces downstairs, but my neighbors were inappropriate and the parking was awful.
Valley Vista, Lewisville, TX 2018
Moving back into the family home was the option I chose to begin my art journey fulltime. I set up the primary bedroom as a full-on art studio with all of my supplies and inventory on shelves or in the large closet. The yard and fence line served as a great source of natural light and photographic backdrop. For those using a bedroom as a studio, I recommend a loft bed, daybed, or murphy bed to style the space a bit more professionally.
The Common Desk, Plano, TX 2021
A dedicated desk at an office share company was something that I wanted to try. It’s got the flow of an open office with a bit of privacy and consistency because the desk was assigned to me. I didn’t like being able to hear other people’s strange conversations, but the building was beautiful and the amenities were cool like a gym with showers, rooftop access, and snacks. Overall, it was very expensive and I don’t think it’s the fit for me.
Midtown Tulsa, OK 2022
I moved to Tulsa, OK where my family was part of history as my grandfather survived the Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921 as a young man. I rented a unit in a small commercial center for an art studio in a suburban neighborhood. There was a middle school, a bbq joint next door, a plant store around the corner, and a pizza shop up the street. It sounded like the makings of a Hallmark movie, but the unit had been vacant for a decade with lots of damage, structural issues, plumbing issues, and constant flooding from the outside. The building owners were slum-lording and verbally abusive, so I had to leave. I sued the building owners and the ugly court battle is still ongoing.
Pecan Neighborhood, Denton, TX 2022
I am now in Denton in a historic neighborhood famed for its pecan trees. An entire room is dedicated to the art studio with natural light from large windows. I’m feeling very inspired here and hope to continue creating with new excitement.
Where do you create and how has it effected you?
Have a Pleasant Day!
-Rae
