Inside The Studio

Something Different To Post!

Well, guess it's time I share with you some pictures revealing my studio. For the next few posts a studio tour will have to suffice until new artwork is completed. And for now at least, you'll see what these surroundings look like until I'm able to purchase more things. Currently, I'm on the lookout for a dressmaker's form, vintage bird cage, vintage fabrics, including more architectural items for the assemblage pieces. Inevitably, my needs always lead to new rearrangements and replacements of things grown tiresome.

Studio is located upstairs in my house. It represents a very special and crucial place in my life. Seven days a week it's where I can go to contemplate and create with paints, paper, pen & ink, beeswax, and various implements. I like to surround myself with all sorts of interesting items and particular colors that inspire. It may sound trite, but I consider my studio the inner core of my heart like ivory keys to a piano. This is the place that offers an abundance of opportunities to seek and obtain inner visions. Basically, because I'm a very serious artist who strives to achieve  so much with my art, it is the one place I spend more time then anywhere else. Actually I digress. Another place is my office located down the hall from studio. That's where a lot of time is spent not only doing paperwork, but maintaining my blog and creating website. All necessary for marketing purposes. 

Like most artists who work alone and rarely get out, our lives can be a very lonely existence. Yet essential if we want to accomplish anything. Of course there are times when I have to shut the door and leave the studio. Otherwise I begin to feel like a caged bird. But whenever I do, feel a bit guilty. Those few hours spent visiting antique stores, eating at a nice restaurant somewhere in the city, or watching a movie, is time away from my artwork! Terrible I know but can't be helped. Just hope someday all the hard work brings rewards. Must be some sort of significance to all of this. It can be so draining especially when time is ticking and there's so much to accomplish before the inevitable happens. Suffice it to say, I'm not getting any younger!

Anyway, forgive my rambling. Moving onward . . .

First photo at beginning of post depicts several interesting items displayed on one of the tables near main work desk. I thoroughly enjoy displaying things in my studio. The glass vase contains a rolled tear sheet from an old Art & Antiques magazine depicting Sandro Botticelli's 'Lucrezia'. Other items, some old while others newer,  are an air pressure gauge, seeded ball, glass beads, glass and brass ornament, dried fern including hydrangeas from my garden, and glass dome fixture. In background is a mural sample I did many years ago for a client's home. Eventually I'll show you some photographs of client homes whose walls contain many of my hand-painted murals.

The Details . . .

Sample of original mural design painted on heavy watercolor paper using watercolors and metallic acrylics.

Items purchased through vintage stores located in Tacoma and Seattle Washington.

Dried hydrangea from my garden.

Fern leaves, seed ball, brass frame with old picture from a plant book.

Stay tune for more!

Comments

[KB]

Hi June, Congratulations! I see you're listed on the New and Notable Blogs, the Featured Type Pad blogs today. You deserve it. Your posts look fantastic. Let me know if you find a mannequin. I have one in my studio and plan to post pics soon. I've had her for years. I purchased her from a clothing manufacturer who was going out of business. Best wishes, KB

[June Parrish Cookson]

Hi KB,

Thank you. I've been on Typepad feature page for nearly a year. Very appreciative for them to keep it posted there. I'm sure any day now it will be removed.

Looking forward to seeing pictures of your mannequin. The ones I've discovered in shops are far too expensive but still hopeful one will appear that I can afford. Would love to display in my bedroom adorn with vintage items such as jewelry.

All the best.

[Suzy Pierce]

I am an artist, too, started out as a graphic designer. Now painting interiors with my partner. At times I did feel like a caged bird when I worked alone. It's weird but working with someone can make you feel like a trapped mouse. Timid to share the creative ideas you were so braven to disply whilst all by yourself. hmmm. Comes back to live for the moment, enjoy whatever Gods places before us.
Thank you for the afternoon therapy session! Adios, Suzy

Nice

[June Parrish Cookson]

Hi Suzy,

Thank you for your lovely comment. When I was working as a decorative painter my days were spent with business partner...my husband. Nice at the time but now that I've switch career gears, I really enjoy working alone in my little studio. Of course, it can be a lonely experience but at least I have my husband to spend time with when his work day is over.

All the best to you.

[Todd Smith]

Hi June,

I spend most of my time alone either photographing nature or editing at the computer. It's sometimes lonely, but funnily time seems to fly.

Like you said, it's often essential for the artist to be alone in order to get anything done.

Creativity needs freedom in all directions to express itself. An idea is so tender when it first wells up--sometimes just the presence of another will distract me from listening to its subtle call.

Thanks for reminding me that there are others who choose the road less traveled.