The Studio: A Story

I’m in a room with a huge open space.

There is a long table in the north of the room. Large windows are all around and sunlight filters through.

The room is well lit. The floors are wooden. The ceiling is quite high, one might feel small. It used to be a warehouse, after all. In one corner, there’s a pottery wheel and a small table filled with head and figure sculptures, pots and unfinished clay creations which have now dried.

On the other corner is a large wooden easel , clearly worn-out. There are splashes of paint all over the place. Maybe I should have left the cemented floor instead? But then again, I like to dance here from time to time and keep my foot bare.

Some aprons and wash cloths are hanging everywhere and need washing too. I like it that way. Fresh and clean cloths make me feel unproductive. The tables, I barely clean too. Save for some dusting every now and then, since I keep the windows open to let the breeze in and the turpentine and varnish smells out.

When I’m in the studio, time flies by so fast. One of the walls is almost brimming with artworks, while some canvases are left on the floor.

I have a small corner where I specifically place my photographs and trinkets. This is what I like to call my “clean area”. This is where I sew and do the tiny things. There are baskets, organizers, and cabinets with several drawers to put my tools and materials in. They include stamps, threads, fabrics, jewelry parts, beads, sequins, pliers and so many more. I make stuffed toys, miniature porcelain creations, dolls and sometimes sew my own clothes.

I usually play loud music here. I like to start working with an energetic mood, so I always put on upbeat and fun music that I end up dancing to, and sometimes, forget working. Then mellow indie music would always follow to help me focus, relax and be creative. I also do my yoga here, only when I’m not in the mood to go outside for it.

In the afternoons, I take a break and have tea. By the time the sun goes down, I know I have to slowly tidy up too. I’m not such a fan of working in the dark. Natural light is best for me. Contrary to that, most of the time I stay until late night trying to finish a project. As I said, time works differently in this room.

And by the time I’m too tired to work, I lock the place up and ride my bike home.

~Dawn