In Studio

Inside the artists' studios

I‘ve always been told that everyone’s writing process is very different, and after visiting the studios of three local artists, I see the same can be said for all creative mediums like ceramics, painting, glass design, and collage. Whether the studio can be found at home or at one of the local art collectives (or sometimes both), these three women thrive in their spaces by taking advantage of the special features each offers their creative process.

Multimedia Artist Nicolle X

Nicolle works at her space at the Acme Art Studios on North Fifth Avenue.

Why did you choose Acme?

“Acme has always been welcoming to me, but it always felt a little intimidating. I think the level of art here is really high, a really established place. I feel honored to be here. I really do. It’s like being backstage at a theater. This is my first brush with other artists. I used to have a big studio, but I was always there alone. And here I learn all the time. I learn how to look at art, experience it.”

On how her studio is set up:

“At first, I put up a curtain, and the other artists knew what it meant if the curtain was closed. But I haven’t done that since I’ve moved studios (within Acme).

I am getting some wooden doors carved like a tree. I guess I feel more comfortable when I know someone is going to criticize or come in. I do like to start my ideas alone because they’re still brewing. I’m afraid they’ll go away.”

Pottery Artist Heather Lee McLelland

McLelland’s studio space is both inside and outside her home, where she and her partner work and live with three dogs.

Why did you choose to have your studio in your home instead of somewhere else?

“I like the convenience of it. I also work two other jobs, so it’s like trying to balance it all. It’s just easier if the home and the studio are in the same place.”

You call it organized chaos. How do you maintain that?

“Some days are better than others. I think how we maintain this by knowing that, in the future, we’re going to have separate spaces.

So, we’re trying to close in the carport, and then we can move everything there and put an overhang so we can move the other things outside. We’ll still have it at home, but we’ll have a separate space for it all.”

Did this affect your home-buying process?

“I wanted to have an outdoor space that was covered already because of the kilns and stuff. But, yeah, I like having it close by, especially if you’re firing or something – I can get up and check rather than having to go out.

Custom Glass Artist Elena Wright

Wright’s home studio was built specifically for her, but she also hosts a studio in theArtWorks art collective, shown left.

Your first studio was in your basement?

“I took over the whole basement. I started with a ceramic kiln. I had to operate it by wearing wielding gloves and opening and closing the lid to control the temperature.”

How did having your in-house studio change your life as an artist?

“I think what changed my life most was being in a gallery, in a cooperative, because you had to produce new work for shows.

Having a space to work in where you could leave the mess is important. You don’t want to leave it in the kitchen. Being in a gallery that pushes you to produce and having a space at home are the two things that are really important.”

What would you do if you didn’t have a studio?

“If I didn’t have a studio space, we wouldn’t have a kitchen. When we moved here from Virginia, I didn’t care about my house. I told my husband to pick the house as long as there was space for a studio. This is my favorite place in the world. What I do is work and listen to books on my Kindle. I’ve got ten projects at one time.”

To view more of photographer Katherine Clark's work, go to www.katherineclarkphotography.com.