Making Space: |
Making Space:
Caroline Kulczycky
Center for Creativity Student Ambassador
Tell us about yourself. What do you make?
I’m a rising senior at Pitt, and over the past three years, I have become particularly interested in digital artmaking (whether using Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate, or other apps). I also have a background in illustration, acrylic painting, and zine-making.
How do you describe your workflow/process?
Usually, I work in spurts — whenever inspiration hits me, I like to capitalize on it. Thus, my artmaking process tends to start very spontaneously. Then, I usually get into a deep creative flow, and work until I am creatively exhausted. Or hungry.
I’m a rising senior at Pitt, and over the past three years, I have become particularly interested in digital artmaking (whether using Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate, or other apps). I also have a background in illustration, acrylic painting, and zine-making.
How do you describe your workflow/process?
Usually, I work in spurts — whenever inspiration hits me, I like to capitalize on it. Thus, my artmaking process tends to start very spontaneously. Then, I usually get into a deep creative flow, and work until I am creatively exhausted. Or hungry.
How do you record your ideas?
I record new ideas in my Notes app on my laptop or phone. One day, I’ll look back through them all. I also have a couple sketchbooks that I doodle and draw in whenever I feel particularly imaginative.
Describe your environment? What’s the vibe?
Dynamic. Quarantine has temporarily changed my artmaking environment, so my current workspaces are a bit different than what I’m used to. I’m a guest in my current home, and I haven’t had a chance to construct a creative sanctuary of my own. Because of this, I am constantly changing creative spaces. My roommate’s desk (which I’ve commandeered), my bed, and various couches around the house are where you can usually find me making art during quarantine. But since my laptop is my most-used creative tool, I can pretty much go anywhere!
How do you set the scene for making?
Headphones and Spotify. I also need to have water, tea, and/or a little snack next to me at all times.
I record new ideas in my Notes app on my laptop or phone. One day, I’ll look back through them all. I also have a couple sketchbooks that I doodle and draw in whenever I feel particularly imaginative.
Describe your environment? What’s the vibe?
Dynamic. Quarantine has temporarily changed my artmaking environment, so my current workspaces are a bit different than what I’m used to. I’m a guest in my current home, and I haven’t had a chance to construct a creative sanctuary of my own. Because of this, I am constantly changing creative spaces. My roommate’s desk (which I’ve commandeered), my bed, and various couches around the house are where you can usually find me making art during quarantine. But since my laptop is my most-used creative tool, I can pretty much go anywhere!
How do you set the scene for making?
Headphones and Spotify. I also need to have water, tea, and/or a little snack next to me at all times.
How is it organized and arranged?
Since I have a few different workspaces, they are arranged differently. “My” desk is organized bit haphazardly — I stack papers, books, and art supplies on it wherever there’s room. I have an affinity for slightly disorganized workspaces — they boost my creativity somehow.
How long have you been in this space?
Around two months and counting!
What’s one thing you’d change?
I would like to work outside more often. Changing physical locations when I’m making art helps me feel reawakened and refreshes my creativity, and there’s no substitute for good old-fashioned sunlight and fresh air. Especially during quarantine, being outdoors (in a safe way) only does me good.
Since I have a few different workspaces, they are arranged differently. “My” desk is organized bit haphazardly — I stack papers, books, and art supplies on it wherever there’s room. I have an affinity for slightly disorganized workspaces — they boost my creativity somehow.
How long have you been in this space?
Around two months and counting!
What’s one thing you’d change?
I would like to work outside more often. Changing physical locations when I’m making art helps me feel reawakened and refreshes my creativity, and there’s no substitute for good old-fashioned sunlight and fresh air. Especially during quarantine, being outdoors (in a safe way) only does me good.
Any art objects around that inspire you?
I have this small poster that I got from the Carnegie International exhibition last year. On a pure white background, in black hand-inked calligraphy, is the name “Giovanna.” Now, I don’t know anybody named Giovanna, but every time I look at this minimalistic poster, I feel a sense of beauty and elegance flowing me. This piece really helps me clear my mind, regain focus, and inspire me to create beautiful things.
What’s your favorite piece of equipment?
My laptop is my most important piece of creative equipment. I never used to be technologically savvy, but now that I’ve learned to utilize the Internet and software (lookin’ at you, Adobe Creative Suite!) to create art, I am constantly learning new ways to explore the world of digital artmaking.
What tool is always on your person/do you never leave home without.
My phone and a pen/pencil. I am always doodling on my math notes or my homework.
What’s your favorite piece you’ve worked on lately?
Lately, I’ve been using Photoshop to create a portrait of my best friend. Hopefully, I’ve captured her essence!
I have this small poster that I got from the Carnegie International exhibition last year. On a pure white background, in black hand-inked calligraphy, is the name “Giovanna.” Now, I don’t know anybody named Giovanna, but every time I look at this minimalistic poster, I feel a sense of beauty and elegance flowing me. This piece really helps me clear my mind, regain focus, and inspire me to create beautiful things.
What’s your favorite piece of equipment?
My laptop is my most important piece of creative equipment. I never used to be technologically savvy, but now that I’ve learned to utilize the Internet and software (lookin’ at you, Adobe Creative Suite!) to create art, I am constantly learning new ways to explore the world of digital artmaking.
What tool is always on your person/do you never leave home without.
My phone and a pen/pencil. I am always doodling on my math notes or my homework.
What’s your favorite piece you’ve worked on lately?
Lately, I’ve been using Photoshop to create a portrait of my best friend. Hopefully, I’ve captured her essence!
Making Space:
Nancy Kirkwood
Center for Creativity Assistant
Tell us about yourself. What do you make?
I would say I create in a multitude of genres. I am a writer of nonfiction and poetry. Since starting a small eco-art fund in 2012, I became interested in sculpture and collage using items that may have otherwise gone in the trash. I also really enjoy printmaking and photography.
How do you describe your workflow/process?
Well, it’s not different for writing than it is for any visual creation. It all takes initial work, letting it go for a bit, and then coming back to finish or forsake it. My writing process is to open the computer, get a few lines or a paragraph down, drink coffee and stare at the screen until something clicks, then go as long as I can. If nothing clicks, I move on to revising older pieces. For visual creation, I gather all sorts of junk, stare at it for a long time, until something clicks, such as seeing a bird in an oil can spout, then a little sketch or just go straight into it until I run out time or get technically stumped.
How do you record your ideas?
I take notes, always carry a notebook and pen.
Describe your environment? What’s the vibe?
I do most work in an extra room in my house. My old dining room table gives me a large workspace for projects and a day bed for reading and naps. Supplies I store mostly under the table. I have two other satellite work areas: my kitchen table that holds my seedlings and a rotating display of junk, and my patio for my land art and large works. The vibe is what’s going on, but not in a scary way.
I would say I create in a multitude of genres. I am a writer of nonfiction and poetry. Since starting a small eco-art fund in 2012, I became interested in sculpture and collage using items that may have otherwise gone in the trash. I also really enjoy printmaking and photography.
How do you describe your workflow/process?
Well, it’s not different for writing than it is for any visual creation. It all takes initial work, letting it go for a bit, and then coming back to finish or forsake it. My writing process is to open the computer, get a few lines or a paragraph down, drink coffee and stare at the screen until something clicks, then go as long as I can. If nothing clicks, I move on to revising older pieces. For visual creation, I gather all sorts of junk, stare at it for a long time, until something clicks, such as seeing a bird in an oil can spout, then a little sketch or just go straight into it until I run out time or get technically stumped.
How do you record your ideas?
I take notes, always carry a notebook and pen.
Describe your environment? What’s the vibe?
I do most work in an extra room in my house. My old dining room table gives me a large workspace for projects and a day bed for reading and naps. Supplies I store mostly under the table. I have two other satellite work areas: my kitchen table that holds my seedlings and a rotating display of junk, and my patio for my land art and large works. The vibe is what’s going on, but not in a scary way.
How do you set the scene for making?
I have to say, I don’t do much. For writing, silence or white noise is necessary. For everything else, music is good to have going on but nothing that would make me dance because I can’t make the stuff I make and dance at the same time.
How is it organized and arranged?
Honest description is, here, there and everywhere.
I have to say, I don’t do much. For writing, silence or white noise is necessary. For everything else, music is good to have going on but nothing that would make me dance because I can’t make the stuff I make and dance at the same time.
How is it organized and arranged?
Honest description is, here, there and everywhere.
How long have you been in this space?
3 years
What’s one thing you’d change?
Just one thing is hard; it’s my home so I have lots of ideas, but one would be more windows. Can you ever have too many windows?
Any art objects around that inspire you?
My daughter was an artist so I have her work all over the house to inspire me.
What’s your favorite piece of equipment?
Right now, my hot glue gun. I couldn’t get this bird (see below) done without it. Sentimentally, I love this cast iron brayer that I inherited.
What tool is always on your person/do you never leave home without.
Small notebook and pen. Everyone should take notes.
Right now, my hot glue gun. I couldn’t get this bird (see below) done without it. Sentimentally, I love this cast iron brayer that I inherited.
What tool is always on your person/do you never leave home without.
Small notebook and pen. Everyone should take notes.
What’s your favorite piece you’ve worked on lately?
I am in mid-making of a bird, using an oil can spout, mussel shells, and old metal screening. Not easy, but I am loving it at the moment.
Where can we find your work online?
On Instagram at shewonders285.
I am in mid-making of a bird, using an oil can spout, mussel shells, and old metal screening. Not easy, but I am loving it at the moment.
Where can we find your work online?
On Instagram at shewonders285.
Making Space:
Mike Campbell
Center for Creativity Assistant
Tell us about yourself. What do you make?
My undergraduate degree is in sculpture from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. By nature of that degree, I am pretty much a jack of all trades, master of none. In my home space, I generally work with acrylic paints and crocheted things.
How do you describe your workflow/process?
It really depends on my goal. For a lot of my creative work at home, I am trying to de-stress, so these tend to be works that I am not planning out. For everything else, I tend to do a lot of research and writing, follow by some sketches, and finally get to work.
My undergraduate degree is in sculpture from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. By nature of that degree, I am pretty much a jack of all trades, master of none. In my home space, I generally work with acrylic paints and crocheted things.
How do you describe your workflow/process?
It really depends on my goal. For a lot of my creative work at home, I am trying to de-stress, so these tend to be works that I am not planning out. For everything else, I tend to do a lot of research and writing, follow by some sketches, and finally get to work.
How do you record your ideas?
I have a collection of notebooks and sketchbooks. I normally carry at least one around no matter where I go or what bag I have. I am very particular about these and generally prefer softcover sketchbooks. Pictured here are a Pentalic sketchbook, Pentalic notebook, a notebook for research ideas I got from a conference, and my favorite planner, the Uncalendar.
Describe your environment. What’s the vibe?
I have a “1.5 bedroom” apartment (my bedroom has a partially partitioned wall). I sectioned off the half-room, and that is my space that is allowed to be mess: bright, cluttered, and loud. It also doubles as my home office so it’s a bit crowded. My desk faces a large window, though, so I have a lot of lot of natural light.
How do you set the scene for making?
I recently bought a couple of Google Home minis and put them around the apartment, so I put on some scary podcasts or a Spotify playlist throughout my apartment. If it’s nice, I really like to open my windows and feel the fresh air when making.
I have a collection of notebooks and sketchbooks. I normally carry at least one around no matter where I go or what bag I have. I am very particular about these and generally prefer softcover sketchbooks. Pictured here are a Pentalic sketchbook, Pentalic notebook, a notebook for research ideas I got from a conference, and my favorite planner, the Uncalendar.
Describe your environment. What’s the vibe?
I have a “1.5 bedroom” apartment (my bedroom has a partially partitioned wall). I sectioned off the half-room, and that is my space that is allowed to be mess: bright, cluttered, and loud. It also doubles as my home office so it’s a bit crowded. My desk faces a large window, though, so I have a lot of lot of natural light.
How do you set the scene for making?
I recently bought a couple of Google Home minis and put them around the apartment, so I put on some scary podcasts or a Spotify playlist throughout my apartment. If it’s nice, I really like to open my windows and feel the fresh air when making.
How is it organized/arranged?
This has changed a lot as I’ve been in this space. Right now, my art supplies are on and around a cabinet. In the cabinet, painting and drawing items on a shelf, fabric and yarn on a shelf, tools on a shelf, and random stuff on the last. The canvases and paper are on the top, and works in progress on a different bookshelf. Because this is also my office, all of my books, files, and office supplies are on the other side of the space.
How long have you been in this space?
I moved into this apartment 6 months after I began working at the C4C, so I've been here 4 years.
What’s one thing you’d change?
Eventually, I’d like to switch to a smaller desk and a more organized system of shelving. This area of my apartment gets the least TLC, with most of the furniture being stuff from my childhood or free things I have acquired. Of course, moving to a larger space where I could separate my making space from my office and get some more equipment would be ideal.
This has changed a lot as I’ve been in this space. Right now, my art supplies are on and around a cabinet. In the cabinet, painting and drawing items on a shelf, fabric and yarn on a shelf, tools on a shelf, and random stuff on the last. The canvases and paper are on the top, and works in progress on a different bookshelf. Because this is also my office, all of my books, files, and office supplies are on the other side of the space.
How long have you been in this space?
I moved into this apartment 6 months after I began working at the C4C, so I've been here 4 years.
What’s one thing you’d change?
Eventually, I’d like to switch to a smaller desk and a more organized system of shelving. This area of my apartment gets the least TLC, with most of the furniture being stuff from my childhood or free things I have acquired. Of course, moving to a larger space where I could separate my making space from my office and get some more equipment would be ideal.
Any art/objects around to inspire you?
I have a 36"x24" photo of the city of Pittsburgh, an om mani padme hum mantra hanging, a beach photo saying "breathe," a photo of my grandfather and me as a baby, a rainbow flag with my pin collection, and some prints I got at a comic convention. I hope that all of these walls will eventually be plastered with inspiring artworks and images.
What’s your favorite piece of equipment?
From the things I have at home, I have a couple of connected paint pots that I’ve had since high school that I acquired from my high school art room. They are really good for mixing and saving colors and helping me remember what order I was using them in if I'm revisiting a piece quite a while after starting it.
I have a 36"x24" photo of the city of Pittsburgh, an om mani padme hum mantra hanging, a beach photo saying "breathe," a photo of my grandfather and me as a baby, a rainbow flag with my pin collection, and some prints I got at a comic convention. I hope that all of these walls will eventually be plastered with inspiring artworks and images.
What’s your favorite piece of equipment?
From the things I have at home, I have a couple of connected paint pots that I’ve had since high school that I acquired from my high school art room. They are really good for mixing and saving colors and helping me remember what order I was using them in if I'm revisiting a piece quite a while after starting it.
What’s your favorite piece you’ve worked on lately?
I touched up my rainbow cleats, upped the pearl, and got a high gloss finish for leather that I hope will keep them from flaking as quickly.
What’s on your desk right now?
Some experiments for DIY watercolor paints and a batik I am working on fleshing out for some workshops using household supplies.
I touched up my rainbow cleats, upped the pearl, and got a high gloss finish for leather that I hope will keep them from flaking as quickly.
What’s on your desk right now?
Some experiments for DIY watercolor paints and a batik I am working on fleshing out for some workshops using household supplies.
What tool is always on your person/do you never leave home without?
I bought this bag on Wish, and I love using it to carry around in the summer when I go out on an adventure. A Staedtler Triplus Fineliner pen, 0.5mm Pentalic mechanic pencil, and a notebook is a must.
I like to get away from my house all day but am still a digital addict, so this 20k mAh power bank, charging brick, and cords are also essential. Travel-sized ChapStick, lotion, and hand sanitizer come along with me everywhere, as well. I also have foldable scissors, a pocketknife (not pictured), and a kubotan as sensible just-in-case items. I also like to have reusable silverware, straws and my wallet in case food is in the exploration mix.
Where can we find your work online?
I'm on Instagram at mmikesoup13.
I bought this bag on Wish, and I love using it to carry around in the summer when I go out on an adventure. A Staedtler Triplus Fineliner pen, 0.5mm Pentalic mechanic pencil, and a notebook is a must.
I like to get away from my house all day but am still a digital addict, so this 20k mAh power bank, charging brick, and cords are also essential. Travel-sized ChapStick, lotion, and hand sanitizer come along with me everywhere, as well. I also have foldable scissors, a pocketknife (not pictured), and a kubotan as sensible just-in-case items. I also like to have reusable silverware, straws and my wallet in case food is in the exploration mix.
Where can we find your work online?
I'm on Instagram at mmikesoup13.
Making Space:
Joshua Groffman
Assistant Professor of Music, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
Tell us about yourself. What do you make?
I'm a musician -- mostly a composer and pianist by training, with some musicology research thrown in. I run the music program at Pitt-Bradford and am originally from New York's Hudson Valley.
How would you describe your workflow/process?
I work most, and most productively, in the morning (I generally schedule my classes for afternoons when teaching). I get up around 4:30 a.m. and put in a few hours of work before the kids start their day, and then a few more once they're about their business.
How do you record ideas?
I do a lot of singing to myself, as well as noodling on whatever instrument happens to be handy. If it feels like the noodling is turning into something that I might want for later, I'll record it on my phone.
Describe your environment. What’s the vibe?
Mildly disordered? I'm working on revising and finishing an opera now, which, in the five years we've been developing it, has generated an enormous amount of material. So, I'm often thinking about some way to pare back the amount of sketches and notes in front of me to focus on the particular scene, moment, texture, whatever, I'm trying to refine.
How do you set the scene for making?
I usually kinda jump right in. I remember reading something once -- can't remember where, of course -- that the best time to stop working is when you know exactly what you want to do next, which makes it easy to pick up again. I do that when possible; but, in any event, when it's time to work, I plop myself down and see what needs to be done.
How is it organized/arranged?
I have my computer with notation and electronics software (Finale and Max/MSP, respectively) spread out across two screens and my Yamaha P-80 for sketching ideas and inputting MIDI data to the computer. I used to find it was really necessary to not rely on the computer when composing music and really tried to write everything out by hand before notating it on the computer; more recently, I've relaxed my thinking a bit and sought a middle point where I can move back and forth between paper and screen without losing the thread.
What’s one thing you’d change?
I never have enough pencils. I buy mechanical pencils constantly and still can only sporadically locate one when I really need it.
What’s your favorite piece of equipment?
I love my Roland in-ear binaural microphones. They're headphones, essentially, with microphones attached, which means that they record an incredibly lifelike version of the soundscape you experience through your own ears. Much of my work is concerned with a sense of place and soundscape, and I've made some of my favorite recordings with them.
What’s your favorite piece you’ve worked on lately?
I've been working on my opera, Halcyon, in collaboration with poet Sarah Heady and the Vital Opera company, since 2015. It's about my hometown, and as the piece has grown and changed, I feel like I've grown and changed with it.
What’s on your desk right now?
Computer, headphones, Zoom recorder, a rapidly-emptying coffee mug, assorted pens and pencils, many, many pages of musical sketches, an AM/FM radio, a one dollar bill, and the following books: A Brief History of Seven Killings, Nancy Drew and the Scarlet Slipper Mystery, A Palace of Pearls: The Stories of Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav, and Girl, Woman, Other.
Where can we find your work online?
My website is joshuagroffman.com
I'm a musician -- mostly a composer and pianist by training, with some musicology research thrown in. I run the music program at Pitt-Bradford and am originally from New York's Hudson Valley.
How would you describe your workflow/process?
I work most, and most productively, in the morning (I generally schedule my classes for afternoons when teaching). I get up around 4:30 a.m. and put in a few hours of work before the kids start their day, and then a few more once they're about their business.
How do you record ideas?
I do a lot of singing to myself, as well as noodling on whatever instrument happens to be handy. If it feels like the noodling is turning into something that I might want for later, I'll record it on my phone.
Describe your environment. What’s the vibe?
Mildly disordered? I'm working on revising and finishing an opera now, which, in the five years we've been developing it, has generated an enormous amount of material. So, I'm often thinking about some way to pare back the amount of sketches and notes in front of me to focus on the particular scene, moment, texture, whatever, I'm trying to refine.
How do you set the scene for making?
I usually kinda jump right in. I remember reading something once -- can't remember where, of course -- that the best time to stop working is when you know exactly what you want to do next, which makes it easy to pick up again. I do that when possible; but, in any event, when it's time to work, I plop myself down and see what needs to be done.
How is it organized/arranged?
I have my computer with notation and electronics software (Finale and Max/MSP, respectively) spread out across two screens and my Yamaha P-80 for sketching ideas and inputting MIDI data to the computer. I used to find it was really necessary to not rely on the computer when composing music and really tried to write everything out by hand before notating it on the computer; more recently, I've relaxed my thinking a bit and sought a middle point where I can move back and forth between paper and screen without losing the thread.
What’s one thing you’d change?
I never have enough pencils. I buy mechanical pencils constantly and still can only sporadically locate one when I really need it.
What’s your favorite piece of equipment?
I love my Roland in-ear binaural microphones. They're headphones, essentially, with microphones attached, which means that they record an incredibly lifelike version of the soundscape you experience through your own ears. Much of my work is concerned with a sense of place and soundscape, and I've made some of my favorite recordings with them.
What’s your favorite piece you’ve worked on lately?
I've been working on my opera, Halcyon, in collaboration with poet Sarah Heady and the Vital Opera company, since 2015. It's about my hometown, and as the piece has grown and changed, I feel like I've grown and changed with it.
What’s on your desk right now?
Computer, headphones, Zoom recorder, a rapidly-emptying coffee mug, assorted pens and pencils, many, many pages of musical sketches, an AM/FM radio, a one dollar bill, and the following books: A Brief History of Seven Killings, Nancy Drew and the Scarlet Slipper Mystery, A Palace of Pearls: The Stories of Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav, and Girl, Woman, Other.
Where can we find your work online?
My website is joshuagroffman.com
Making Space:
Jasmine Green
Center for Creativity Assistant
Tell us about yourself. What do you make?
I am a visual artist, mainly working in acrylic paint. I also try to experiment with other mediums to expand my horizons a bit. This is me in my home space. This is where I make the majority of my work, but I also complete work over in RedFishBowl studio in Central Lawrenceville.
How would you describe your workflow/process?
When I think of ideas for paintings, it’s almost like a lightning bolt where it hits me for a moment, and if I don’t write it down it’s gone. I have a list saved in my phone’s notebook just full of ideas to pull from later. In terms of doing a painting, I typically try to tackle them one at a time. I get into flow states pretty easily so having more than one going at a time would be too hard for me.
How do you record ideas?
I mostly keep things logged in my phone’s notebook but, if I have a sketchbook on hand, I’ll try to sketch out my idea as it’s better to refer back to than a word description.
I am a visual artist, mainly working in acrylic paint. I also try to experiment with other mediums to expand my horizons a bit. This is me in my home space. This is where I make the majority of my work, but I also complete work over in RedFishBowl studio in Central Lawrenceville.
How would you describe your workflow/process?
When I think of ideas for paintings, it’s almost like a lightning bolt where it hits me for a moment, and if I don’t write it down it’s gone. I have a list saved in my phone’s notebook just full of ideas to pull from later. In terms of doing a painting, I typically try to tackle them one at a time. I get into flow states pretty easily so having more than one going at a time would be too hard for me.
How do you record ideas?
I mostly keep things logged in my phone’s notebook but, if I have a sketchbook on hand, I’ll try to sketch out my idea as it’s better to refer back to than a word description.
Describe your environment. What’s the vibe?
The benefit of having two different creative spaces is that I am not stuck with one kind of vibe. I’m an introvert, so my home space definitely fits me more days than not. It’s very cozy which helps me create on days I probably wouldn’t have otherwise. The RedFishBowl studio is where I go when I need some more social interaction with other creatives.
How do you set the scene for making?
I love “breadtube” long-form video essays (check out Lindsay Ellis on Youtube if you need an example of what this looks like), so typically I have that playing right next to my easel so I can peek over from time to time. If I really need to focus, I’ll turn on a comedy podcast or a lo-fi hip hop stream. I’ll typically have a nice cup of tea or a bowl of sorbet to help pass the time.
The benefit of having two different creative spaces is that I am not stuck with one kind of vibe. I’m an introvert, so my home space definitely fits me more days than not. It’s very cozy which helps me create on days I probably wouldn’t have otherwise. The RedFishBowl studio is where I go when I need some more social interaction with other creatives.
How do you set the scene for making?
I love “breadtube” long-form video essays (check out Lindsay Ellis on Youtube if you need an example of what this looks like), so typically I have that playing right next to my easel so I can peek over from time to time. If I really need to focus, I’ll turn on a comedy podcast or a lo-fi hip hop stream. I’ll typically have a nice cup of tea or a bowl of sorbet to help pass the time.
How is it organized/arranged?
Honestly, my organization could use some work, haha. I try to hang up art once it’s finished, as I don’t have a ton of storage space for canvases in my room as is. I try to sell things to keep my space clear. In terms of supplies, I turned a planter my sweet partner got for me to garden into an acrylic paint tower, and I have a plastic cubby where I try to keep everything else I could need, including some other mediums I need to experiment with when I have the time.
How long have you been in this space?
I have been in my home studio for almost two years. I joined RedFishBowl shortly after they opened in September 2019.
Honestly, my organization could use some work, haha. I try to hang up art once it’s finished, as I don’t have a ton of storage space for canvases in my room as is. I try to sell things to keep my space clear. In terms of supplies, I turned a planter my sweet partner got for me to garden into an acrylic paint tower, and I have a plastic cubby where I try to keep everything else I could need, including some other mediums I need to experiment with when I have the time.
How long have you been in this space?
I have been in my home studio for almost two years. I joined RedFishBowl shortly after they opened in September 2019.
What’s one thing you’d change?
For my home space, not having enough space is something I have been trying to work around. I’m working out of my bedroom, so the bed and TV tend to take up most of the space I have to work with. Ironically, I usually love not having spaces that are too roomy but, since I use pretty big canvases and since I need more materials now than ever, some extra space would be appreciated. As for the RedFishBowl space, while it has all the space needs you could ever want, it is VERY social. Sometimes it’s the perfect vibe when I’ve been cooped up for too long. But I have a very small social battery, so for me it’s typically great as a weekend space but not so much during the work week.
Any art/objects around to inspire you?
Not in my home space, but RedFishBowl has really incredible pieces that you could stare at for hours, and everyone’s art style is so different that it’s hard to get bored looking at it all. This year I would like to buy more art that inspires me and place it around my home space.
For my home space, not having enough space is something I have been trying to work around. I’m working out of my bedroom, so the bed and TV tend to take up most of the space I have to work with. Ironically, I usually love not having spaces that are too roomy but, since I use pretty big canvases and since I need more materials now than ever, some extra space would be appreciated. As for the RedFishBowl space, while it has all the space needs you could ever want, it is VERY social. Sometimes it’s the perfect vibe when I’ve been cooped up for too long. But I have a very small social battery, so for me it’s typically great as a weekend space but not so much during the work week.
Any art/objects around to inspire you?
Not in my home space, but RedFishBowl has really incredible pieces that you could stare at for hours, and everyone’s art style is so different that it’s hard to get bored looking at it all. This year I would like to buy more art that inspires me and place it around my home space.
What’s your favorite piece of equipment?
It’s going to sound very boring, but honestly my paint brushes are my favorite. My aforementioned partner and I usually get each other very artsy gifts, and he got me a new set of paint brushes last Christmas. Before then, I had been using the same 30-odd brushes for about a decade, with the random replacement of a brush here and there once it ran its course. They all looked pretty gross, to be frank, and taking them to live shows was a nightmare as I didn’t have a case for them, but they became part of my practice and I never thought to replace them all. He got this very professional quality set of brushes with their own case, and I’ve been obsessed with them ever since. My favorite brushes are now worn where I hold them, but they’re still holding up pretty well for as much as I use them.
What’s your favorite piece you’ve worked on lately?
That’s hard, I fall in love with each piece after I finish it and I feel so cliche for doing it. So right now it's my most recent original, “Good Girls are Never Mean”. I used some colors I don’t usually go to, in this case orange, red, and sky blue. The colors work together really well.
It’s going to sound very boring, but honestly my paint brushes are my favorite. My aforementioned partner and I usually get each other very artsy gifts, and he got me a new set of paint brushes last Christmas. Before then, I had been using the same 30-odd brushes for about a decade, with the random replacement of a brush here and there once it ran its course. They all looked pretty gross, to be frank, and taking them to live shows was a nightmare as I didn’t have a case for them, but they became part of my practice and I never thought to replace them all. He got this very professional quality set of brushes with their own case, and I’ve been obsessed with them ever since. My favorite brushes are now worn where I hold them, but they’re still holding up pretty well for as much as I use them.
What’s your favorite piece you’ve worked on lately?
That’s hard, I fall in love with each piece after I finish it and I feel so cliche for doing it. So right now it's my most recent original, “Good Girls are Never Mean”. I used some colors I don’t usually go to, in this case orange, red, and sky blue. The colors work together really well.
What’s on your easel right now?
I’m currently working on a piece called “American Parody”. It’s spilling over the side of my cheap wooden easel; the fact that the easel is still supporting it is surprising. Beside it I have a bunch of blank canvases of random sizes. Once my space can expand a bit, I’d like to add in a desk for a tabletop easel and for more gouache and watercolor paintings. No promises about it staying neat, though.
What tool is always on your person/do you never leave home without?
I try to keep my supplies at home, so I guess my laptop is my go to. I’ve been really interested in branding recently, so it’s a nice creative break from actual projects to work on website design and possible merch for the upcoming festival season.
Where can we find your work online?
On my website or my my Instagram.
I’m currently working on a piece called “American Parody”. It’s spilling over the side of my cheap wooden easel; the fact that the easel is still supporting it is surprising. Beside it I have a bunch of blank canvases of random sizes. Once my space can expand a bit, I’d like to add in a desk for a tabletop easel and for more gouache and watercolor paintings. No promises about it staying neat, though.
What tool is always on your person/do you never leave home without?
I try to keep my supplies at home, so I guess my laptop is my go to. I’ve been really interested in branding recently, so it’s a nice creative break from actual projects to work on website design and possible merch for the upcoming festival season.
Where can we find your work online?
On my website or my my Instagram.
Making Space:
Chad Brown
Center for Creativity Assistant
Tell us about yourself. What do you make?
This is my sewing area. I mainly make utilitarian stuff like camping gear. I also work with wood and sound.
How would you describe your workflow/process?
I would say it’s scattered. Somehow I ended up with a dozen projects in various states of completion. But it allows me to pick up whatever is interesting that day.
How do you record ideas?
Evernote when I’m on-the-go, and way too many notebooks scattered around my house.
This is my sewing area. I mainly make utilitarian stuff like camping gear. I also work with wood and sound.
How would you describe your workflow/process?
I would say it’s scattered. Somehow I ended up with a dozen projects in various states of completion. But it allows me to pick up whatever is interesting that day.
How do you record ideas?
Evernote when I’m on-the-go, and way too many notebooks scattered around my house.
Describe your environment. What’s the vibe?
I’m set up in a classic attic bonus room. On either side are dormer windows looking out over Bloomfield, so there’s tons of light and air.
How do you set the scene for making?
Usually I’ll have reruns going on Netflix. Also, I’ve been listening to a lot of endless chillwave and lo-fi hip hop streams on Youtube.
How is it organized/arranged?
I have things vaguely organized into bankers boxes, a big improvement over the random bins and bags I had before.
How long have you been in this space?
Only about a month. We just moved in so this space is definitely a work-in-progress.
What’s one thing you’d change?
After years of tiny apartments, I absolutely love being able to spread out. I do wish I had bought more of these cheap plastic shelves from Construction Junction.
I’m set up in a classic attic bonus room. On either side are dormer windows looking out over Bloomfield, so there’s tons of light and air.
How do you set the scene for making?
Usually I’ll have reruns going on Netflix. Also, I’ve been listening to a lot of endless chillwave and lo-fi hip hop streams on Youtube.
How is it organized/arranged?
I have things vaguely organized into bankers boxes, a big improvement over the random bins and bags I had before.
How long have you been in this space?
Only about a month. We just moved in so this space is definitely a work-in-progress.
What’s one thing you’d change?
After years of tiny apartments, I absolutely love being able to spread out. I do wish I had bought more of these cheap plastic shelves from Construction Junction.
Any art/objects around to inspire you?
I have a picture of Half Dome in Yosemite, and a lovely piece of science fiction spray paint art from the Ocean City boardwalk that my grandmother got me years ago. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! I also have a stack of maps for both past and future adventures.
What’s your favorite piece of equipment?
All my little bits of hardware: side-release buckles, toggles, tri-glides—mostly salvaged from old tents and backpacks. I also really enjoy using my Speedy Stitcher stitching awl. It does very “rustic” lock stitches in leather, canvas, anything too heavy for my sewing machine. And my collection of mid-1970s Popular Mechanics Do-It-Yourself Yearbooks.
What’s your favorite piece you’ve worked on lately?
I’m getting close to finishing an oversized fanny/sling pack, made from heavy duck canvas, which I think looks pretty cool.
I have a picture of Half Dome in Yosemite, and a lovely piece of science fiction spray paint art from the Ocean City boardwalk that my grandmother got me years ago. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! I also have a stack of maps for both past and future adventures.
What’s your favorite piece of equipment?
All my little bits of hardware: side-release buckles, toggles, tri-glides—mostly salvaged from old tents and backpacks. I also really enjoy using my Speedy Stitcher stitching awl. It does very “rustic” lock stitches in leather, canvas, anything too heavy for my sewing machine. And my collection of mid-1970s Popular Mechanics Do-It-Yourself Yearbooks.
What’s your favorite piece you’ve worked on lately?
I’m getting close to finishing an oversized fanny/sling pack, made from heavy duck canvas, which I think looks pretty cool.
What’s on your desk right now?
Too much stuff: measuring tape, pencils and sharpies, pieces of templates, and fabric scraps. The newest addition is a pair of 14-inch scissors. I’m not sure they’re as functional as I had hoped.
What tool is always on your person/do you never leave home without?
Is it cheating to say my Leatherman multi-tool? Because that’s like 14 tools. My phone camera for gathering inspiration wherever I am.
Where can we find your work online?
I’m on Instagram: @orogenworkshop
Too much stuff: measuring tape, pencils and sharpies, pieces of templates, and fabric scraps. The newest addition is a pair of 14-inch scissors. I’m not sure they’re as functional as I had hoped.
What tool is always on your person/do you never leave home without?
Is it cheating to say my Leatherman multi-tool? Because that’s like 14 tools. My phone camera for gathering inspiration wherever I am.
Where can we find your work online?
I’m on Instagram: @orogenworkshop
Want your space featured in an upcoming column? Email us at: [email protected]
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