The Art Studio

My art studio has always been in my home. From the corner of my childhood bedroom I have moved up first to a spare bedroom and now finally graduated to a converted "apartment" in the back of my 2-car garage. It is small, but it has a storage closet and a bathroom. It has been a blessing and a revelation to me as an artist to have this space dedicated solely to making art. On the other hand it has also gotten very crowded. I have lined the walls with various desks and counter tops that serve as different "stations" for the various media that I work in. I really have no complaints because this space serves my needs, houses my stuff and there is even a lock on the door to keep the heathens (my children) at bay!

Still, I do miss my academic days, and the huge, open studio spaces that I worked in. It is not only nice, but necessary to be able to step back from a painting to evaluate it. I miss 12 foot ceilings and huge flat files and large windows. Also, I have, as of late, been thinking a lot about the pitfalls of having a studio at home. It sure does make laziness a lot more convenient. Perhaps I might be more productive if I had more skin in the game in the form of rent and utilities?

So, I have been contemplating renting a studio space. I live in a small town that is desperate for revitalization. The downtown area is filled with sundry stores and laughable antique shops, and, sadly, a lot of empty store fronts. Now, I do not depend on foot traffic for sales, so I don't expect or require on-site sales to keep me in business. I just think that I need a workspace away from home. So my internal debate is something along the lines of this: "Rent a studio and I'll make more art. Yeah, but I'll have to pay rent and utilities! So what, if I am making more art, I'll be selling more art and generating more income!" I also think that having a separate studio makes a better impression on clients who can visit such a space and see the work hanging, rather than watching me riffle through file drawers, painting racks and portfolios.

To offset the cost, I have considered inviting a fellow artist or two to share the space and the costs. I am grappling with this idea though; artists are weird people! I suppose we could set up a time share sort of deal.

Anyway, I'd like to hear any thoughts you might have, Dear Readers. Stay at home, or rent a space? HELP!!!

Now go make some art!
Chris Ingram