Outside the garage

• September 29th, 2004 • 0 Comments • photo, studio 4A •

Got up bright and early and shot a picture at 9:00am. My garage is on the corner of a row of car-holes, so it has a little window. It is really nice how a little natural light helps to cheer up the inside. Granted, I can open the door and let in a lot of light, but it’s not much for privacy.

Studio without computers

• September 28th, 2004 • 0 Comments • graphic design, studio 4A •

Other than just fine art, I work on graphic design type stuff as well. It’s been nailed into my head that good design does NOT start on the computer. You get hung up on the details and mechanics of the computer rather than a good idea. I never really thought about it, but my studio doesn’t have computers in it. Granted this is mostly due to the fact that it would be unwise to store expensive computers in a garage, but it turns out to have it’s advantages. I am physically UNABLE to turn to the computer to noodle with an idea. I really like the fact that when I went down to work on a couple of logotypes today I had a pen and paper.

Computers are really tempting when you’re working! They spit out clean and crisp lines, they can size and re-size, and they can UNDO! Phooey on that. I came up with more ideas today hermit-crabbed away in the garage rather than sitting at the Wacom Tablet. I liken it to the way I write papers. Whenever it’s supposed to be 12-point Times New Roman with 1-inch margins, I start my paper on college ruled with a Rapidograph.

I believe that being physical with a creative work helps to facilitate a relationship with it not achieved when working on the computer. Computers are built for speed: they streamline work and help to speed up otherwise tedious and slow activities. Creative thought should not be streamlined or sped up. Working with your body’s limiting speed helps you to think about ideas being put on paper. In addition, a physical paper trail is left behind. An idea initially passed up as “no good” may be revisited later and reworked to satisfaction. On the computer, ideas are lost through constant modification. In fact, an attempt at streamlining creative work by using the computer may be prolonged because of revisiting ideas that have been unknowingly passed over two or three times!

A few hundred feet between the computer and my think tank works out quite well.

Day One

• September 28th, 2004 • 0 Comments • studio 4A, texas •

I think it’s safe to say that everything is up and operational!

I’ve got the space split up into “clean” and “dirty” work areas. The back has a section of spare carpet, which helps to section off the clean area. (Makes for nice naptime as well. . .) The front is taped down with a cheap plastic drop cloth to keep paint from hitting the garage floor. I would venture to say I’m the only one at this apartment complex who is squatting an art studio inside my garage rather than parking my car.

There is no climate control. I’m not really concerned with the Texas humidity, or the heat. During my summer trip when I visited Glasgow, I noted that Glasgow is very very humid. Very cold and damp. Texas humidity ain’t got nuthin’ on Glasgow. Most of my prints are stored upstairs in the apartment, so I am not worried about them getting ruined. Things stored in the garage are mostly my large wood paintings and cardboard boxes. No worries.