Thursday, September 18, 2008

The Studio



When I finally had my first real studio, I couldn't believe how freeing it was... no stress about spreading out my work and leaving it, to think about the next move ... my work was always there, ready for me any time I got the urge or time... now no matter what, I will always keep a room for a studio...a place to be creative and think... ... it is not a selfish thing.... it is a necessary thing...


My Studio is on the second floor of the home we built 8 years ago... the beams are pretty ancient
and we used much, much, much salvaged and scrounged materials to make it happen, and that includes most all of the studio furniture....




... there are a few large gessoed canvas' hanging on our walls.. They are waiting for paint.. this makes a great place to store them...
Through the beamed doorway is the top of the stair landing... a section of Gothic railing from an old church near Fredericton, that we found at one of our favourite flea markets years ago...

I don't have to be fussy here..




... lots of light... collections of reference books to stimulate and inspire...  several work surfaces, tools...  and the computer spot... life link with the world...

I feel extremely lucky every day...




The best part of the whole studio is what is not in the studio... the view that looks out over the Bay of Fundy's dramatic tides, fog and sun... changing by the minutes...


...... I am here most of the time...

28 comments:

Ruth said...

I was missing you posting, as you know, but my impatience is paid with this! How exciting that you'll be launching a new project!

First - what a perfect studio. I would never leave it. The shape of the room feels like one of those old English libraries, which I've always coveted. All the work spaces are amazing, so much wood, good storage units, the copper top, and that beautiful book press. The views to the outdoors are of course incredible.

Second, where were you snapping the shots from above? On that sweet little staircase?

Ahh, thank you for showing us this, I'm just tickled to see that vast room with all that light from the outdoors.

cathyswatercolors said...

Your space is amazing, the gothic arches, view of the bay and sink too. You are so fortunate to have such a great space. I also enjoyed the link to other artists studios. I will need to spend more time exploring that site.Are you familiar with the book,Artist's Houses? I really enjoyed it.

Jazz said...

I KNEW I'd seen part of this somewhere!

Anet said...

A perfect space Gwen! I just love it. The sink must be a wonderful feature. I can see how you would be distracted by the view! The church railing is fabulous, what a great find!
How's Max liking school? I've been thinking of him. I hope he's still inspired!

Gretel said...

Oh my God - it is perfect - you have SO MUCH SPACE!!!!! And it looks so beautiful and light...and you even have dedicated work areas...sob...and a gorgeous view...I am in love with it.

Arija said...

Gwen, I've been checking your spot and hoping... small wonder when you have such an inspirational workspace, and so tidy and organized. I'm totally impressed, everything so well thought out and FINISED. Wow!

Sharon said...

Breathtaking Gwen! What a wonderful space to spend your days. Thanks for the peek!

Marie Alton said...

I'm so jealous...this is one awesome space...and what a view! My little creative corner fits into an 8 x 10 area in my laundry room...in the basement...no natural light. But...it works for me. Dreaming of the day when I could have a whole room studio!

Chris Daly said...

The view is breathtaking. How inspirational. Oh to have everything at your fingertips. I am forever getting more organized and in the process losing track of a few more things every time. We have been working on converting a barn into a workspace (very slowly) over the last six years. My stained glass studio will be there eventually. We are close, maybe this winter we will finish.

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Exquisite studio. I adore the gothic door and window. A perfect place to create, I would think.

sandy said...

Could I be any more envious??? Well probably only if you show even more of that wonderful house of yours.

What a heaven on earth place you have there, for your creating. I really really enjoyed the tour.

thanks!!

ArtPropelled said...

Divine studio, Gwen. The space, the view, the sinks...everything is beautiful!

Hillary said...

Gwen thanks for sharing your best room in the house. Your step must get lighter as you enter. Wonderful,inspirational and the stuff wishes and dreams are made of.

VioletSky said...

If I transform myself into a cute cat can I come and live on your windowsills?

kate said...

This is a dream studio! I am speechless at the beauty and functionality of your space. Not to mention the most amazing view. Thanks so much for the tour. I'll probably be dreaming of your studio tonight! :)

mansuetude said...

I think i need to be UNschooled... do you take strays? I would only sit on the stairs and be quiet, reading... :)

My Grandmother grew up on the bay of fundi, it still holds a magical power for me because of that. She would, i assume, love you very much. :)


moon, how is it there, frost, how is it glistening? Etc.

mansuetude said...

ps
i meant to tell you--i copied that Max Ehrmann quote, having read it and loved it--and sent it about the world. One woman sent me a note last week, and said she has been reading it daily to help her with her daily life right, just now. It really is a compliment belonging to you. If you will have it. There. I delivered like a post man. :) sweet dreams.

Seth said...

What a wonderful place to create! The views of the inside and out the windows are really special. Thanks too for linking back to The Pulse!

Gwen Buchanan said...

A cool Moon tonight. Very Fresh!

The last few nights have been amazing... Huge paths of sparkling, glimmering, rippling, moonbeams moving slowly from east to west across the bay in front of my gratified eyes...
I am usually lost for speech when this stage of the moon appears.. This was a total surprise that we discovered only after we moved here one night in an August, a gift of unknown proportion!!! really! It blew us away!!!

I appreciate your kind words so much.....this is sent by moonbeams

denise said...

Oh. That is just beautiful. Rich and worked in and lived in and loved. I love the white walls with the vaulted ceilings and those lovely floors too. Why would you paint the walls there when you have that view out the window? :)

Guillaume said...

Wow! That is one inspiring studio you've got. And it has quite a view too.

Serena Lewis said...

I found my way here via Sandy's blog and I'm glad I did......what a beautiful and amazing studio you have! LOVE those arches! I would never want to leave it either. It makes me want to get into my own studio and make some changes. Thanks for the inspiration ~ :)

Gwen Buchanan said...

Thanks Denise, Serena and Guillaume, I feel lucky everyday... and most of the time I can hardly believe we did it... but I am so glad we made it through the long hard messy times to finally have a place to enjoy while we worked.

Anonymous said...

Gwen, Once again it's great to see inside your world. Is that your new press on the cabinet by the sink? Have a great day my friend.

Melanie said...

speechlessly jealous.

Gwen Buchanan said...

Melanie, believe me you wouldn't have been jealous of the mess before I half cleaned it up!!!

A COLLAGE A DAY said...

wonderful studio space!

r.

Gwen Buchanan said...

Yes Shelley that the little beauty!!! she's teasing me!!


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r. ... Thanks so much for dropping in