by Carol
A few years ago in this blog I shared with you all the first time I dared to call myself a "photographer," and dared to suggest that I actually needed a "studio" space., like a real artist. (http://focusingonlifegrp.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-home-for-your-photography.html#.VpgrOlMrKuM)
I love the little nook you and I created then. It is perfect to work in - providing a dedicated space, yet not closed away from the rest of the house. And I loved my first working arrangement. But here's the thing - I have a hundred+ year old house without many walls to play with, and those I have are often oddly shaped. I have a lot more art than I did when I wrote that post. In addition to my photographs, I am now playing with sketching and painting. I have some framed works from shows that I would like to keep framed. And I need actual working space. So following up on one of my New Year goals, and inspired by visiting Terri's beautiful home in Arizona (where her photographs are on prominent display), I am trying to rearrange.
The first project is that I must move my ancestors to free up some workspace. I hate to lose them looking down on me, but they are now gathered in a hallway, not too far away. They are with my recent family photos now - and I like to think they are all having a grand time visiting with each other again. Their move frees up the space above my desk,but that wall has sloping ceiling lines, making arrangements difficult. It needs a fresh coat of paint anyway - so let's leave that for now.
| They are probably talking about me. |
When I say I need a working space, what I mean is that I would like to temporarily hang images that I am working on in some kind of a fluid manner. Without framing them, I would like to see whether they stand up to being hung, or entered in something. I would like to look at a group all at once to see if I recognize series potential. Sometimes, I would just like to look at my most recent experiences and enjoy the memories as I sit down to my desk. I think this helps with the evaluation/culling process. I find, as I am sure you do, that I am always in love with my most recent experience, and hence the pictures of it. After looking at them for a while, I can begin to recognize which have lasting value. Then, I can intentionally decide whether each might be for a wall, a show, or a memory book.
I am also in need of some fun space. I am VERY grateful to say that as I continue to add photography experiences to my life, I am also adding "photography friends." (I don't know why I added the quote marks there. I really don't need to categorize these people - I should just say FRIENDS - because that's what they are!) I have pictures of the wonderful teachers and artists that I have met at various workshops, pictures of adventures with my local photography friends, trinkets and cards people have sent me, souvenirs from our FOL gatherings. As you can see, my tiny "friend corner" is fit to bursting - what a lovely problem to have in this life!
| Wonderful friends! |
And then the final and constant need in an old house without closets - storage, storage, storage! I now have added paints, and fixatives, and colored pencils and pastels to my frame collection, my printing paper, inks, card stock and mailers. Then there are gear and camera bags, tripods and filters, as we'll as hard drives and card loaders and batteries. And don't get me started on journals and photography and art books! (I could have really used that lottery win...)
Well, I'd like to show you finished projects, but I'm actually looking for suggestions. Hey community out there! Are you willing to show me your workspaces? Will you suggest storage or wall space solutions that have worked for you? I'm living in Pinterest right now - but I would love to hear what you do. I'll keep you posted.
And speaking of posting - the selfless selfie theme this month is really fun! Take a look in the gallery and solve each picture puzzle to learn about your compadres here at FOL. I'm loving this game! And keep posting! There is lots of month left!