The Best Mess

We've all seen those photos on blogs or pinterest of perfectly organized craft rooms, with rows of color-coordinated ribbon, thread, and washi tape. And I've noticed a lot of my fellow artists and crafters lamenting the fact that their creative spaces don't look like that at all and seeming to somehow feel inadequate because of that. I, however, firmly believe that a messy studio is a working studio; I love to see other people's piles of crafty detritus and works-in-progress lying about!

I do understand that the matter becomes more complicated when you live in a small apartment and your workspace and living space are often the same room, maybe even the only room in your apartment. That was the case for me for a very long time. I got good at sweeping things into storage bins or stacking things in corners...wherever I could. In our last apartment, though, it became painfully obvious that that wasn't working anymore; I had taken over the dining room "nook" as my office/studio, and it never looked tidy. It looked like a disaster. All the time.

In our house, I'm using a second bedroom as the office/studio, and I'm thankful every day to have this space. It means I can be as messy as I want to be and then just close the door at the end of the day (or very late at night as usually happens). And I have projects and supplies all over the place. And I love it.

But sometimes, I still think I really should get organized, be tidy, make a pretty space. Would it make me a better artist? No. Would it make me happier? Maybe?

Recently, I came across these images of famous artists' workspaces that made me smile. I bookmarked the page and kept going back to look at them. I realized that these images are more inspiring to me than those perfectly pretty craft rooms. Think of the wondrous things created in these rooms!

Alexander Calder

Joan Miró

Jackson Pollack

Edward Gorey

All that stuff everywhere makes me want to create!

So maybe I'll get around to installing shelves at some point. Maybe I'll get my drawers more organized. But I think I'm comfortable with the knowledge that I'd rather spend time making art than doing any of that. And that's ok too.

Source: fromyourdesk.com

Open Studio

(Source: Heart Industry)



(Source: Heart Industry)



(Source: j.hische)



(Source: printtroll)



(Source: Mark Barry)



(Source: Tanya Aguinaga)



(Source: Tanya Aguinaga)



(Source: Rob Ryan)



(Source: Tanya Aguinaga)



(Source: tilaneseven)



I never tire of looking at the studios and workspaces of artists and other crafty types. I find the paint splatters, fabric scraps, and well-worn tools incredibly inspiring. Seeing the creative messes of other artists makes me want to jump into a new project and make my own mess. I also love to see the images and ephemera that artists tack on the walls of their spaces to inspire them.

Even better than browsing photos, of course, is visiting a studio in person. I've been to a couple of studio tours or artists' homes that I admired, and I'd love to see more. There's something very intimate about walking into the space where an artist creates.

Summer's Over, But This Little Guy Is Hanging Around

I've held on to this catalog cover since the summer of 2002 because I love to look at this little grasshopper. He's been on my inspiration board for years. I guess I'm attracted to this image for the same reason I love to look at origami; all those intricate folds and patterns can be fascinating. And of course, I appreciate the attention to detail and the tactile handmade quality. Also, from a marketing standpoint, what better way to introduce a summer catalog than a grasshopper made out of blades of grass (or more likely, palm leaves)? I found a tutorial on how to make a similar grasshopper out of palm leaves if anyone wants to give it a try.

A Room of One's Own

I love this inspiration board from craftapalooza.

Also, these photos here and here of Geninne's studio in her gorgeous new home practically made me drool. What an amazing space to work in!