In the Studio (Part 1)

"In the Studio" is a regular feature showing ... er.... artists' studios! Whether you work in a purpose-built studio, a shed, an attic or at the kitchen table, we are interested in seeing where you create your art. If you would like to be featured "In the Studio" contact Artists in Business via the email link at the bottom of the page and prepare a short write up and four jpegs too.

Suzanne (Periwinklesuz) Glass Artist

"I painted my studio and moved my glass torch inside so I can use it this summer. I chose a girlie color as I am the only girl in the house and I need a "girl cave". It still needs some ventilation so that I can blow the propane out when I use the torch. I love my work area and I got my table at Pier1 at such an incredible deal and it is perfect. The blanket under the table is where my pup hangs out. Here is my computer where I spend time on Facebook and I have made myself a Flair Board.

I love having my own room where I can just 'be' and play with my stuff. I also like the fact that I can close the door and not have to tidy away at the end of the day".

Periwinkle Studio

Melanie Hazen Jewelry & Glass Artist

"In January 2009 I contacted a friend, who is also a builder, to create my studio space. It measures 14' x 14' with a concrete slab floor and wood ceiling (which I love)! I had drawn out the space as I saw it and he advised me about the needs and the costs for the building. It has heat/air, phone and is stubbed in for water, although it's not connected yet. There is a dedicated glass space and metals space at either end of a built-in stainless steel work bench, an area for assembling beaded pieces and an area for packaging materials, magazines and books. I am still working on getting it decorated!

I've been working from my garage for eight years therfore the creation of a studio space is a dream come true."

Melanie Hazen on Flickr.

Janice (JKA Designs) dichroic glass and sterling silver jewelry

"A few years ago I converted one of my bedrooms into a small but functional studio. Since I work with more than one medium I have divided the space into three sections One section os dedicated to cutting and fusing glass and ouses my small kiln. Another sectioon is where I solder all my jewelry pieces and is home to my (can't live without) rolling mill and drill press. The third section is where I use the hand saw, carry out fabrication on silver pieces create beaded necklaces and wire wrap my fused pendants. I house my larger kiln in my garage for fusing sushi plates, candle holders and large decorative glass".

JKA Designs blog.

Anna Hull (Half an Acre) decorative wood designs

"I totally love this room and I "stole" it when we moved into the house (ha ha)! It's not very big and I have lined all four walls with furniture so there is just a wee space in the centre for me to move around in. This spare bit of floor is then covered in drying fish, print offs and other detritus. I tried tidying it up but I have realised that I really didn't mins it being a mess. It only has short-coomgs when I am painting, using the sewing machine and the laptop all at the same time.

I can do whatever I like in this room; paint it without "consultation" and stick whateve I fancy on the walls with scraggy bits of tape. It's MINE and everyone else in the house knows it!"

Half an Acre Blog

Making the Right Impression

Tips about presenting yourself as a serious artist.




You have arranged to bring your work to a gallery, either in person or delivered by courier, but have you thought about how it will be packaged?
At Keighley Arts Factory we have seen artists bring their precious art in a plastic shopping bag and we have received work from couriers that has been "thrown" into an empty box too. Even jewelry and small items have arrived in paper envelopes! Two issues arise from this:
* How will a gallery value your work if you don't value it?
* How can you protect your art in transit?

Framed art work, placed in plastic bags, will knock against other surfaces and, particularly if you choose soft wood, will dent and knock the frames. We would prefer to see art protected in bubble wrap or blankets. If your frames ARE soft wood then add cardboard or bubble wrap "corners". When you choose quality, hard wood frames that have been professionally made, then this kind of damage is greatly reduced. You should choose a reputable courier and pack all your art yourself. Make sure that your boxes are fully lined with bubble wrap, blankets or air filled plastic cushions. Don't allow framed work to touch other framed work - keep a padded barrier between each piece. Wrap the box well with parcel tape, label it "This side up" and ensure it is visibly labelled where it's going and where it is from. Also, don't forget to call the gallery with the name and contact number of the courier and the day it is due for delivery.
Your art is your ambassador - if your work looks poorly presented and protected then the gallery you are working with won't make the effort needed to sell your work. If your art looks well framed and undamaged then it will project the image that a gallery is attempting to create.

Keighley Arts Factory