I love my studio. I never thought I would be lucky enough to have such a comprehensive collection of books and equipment, all of which are invaluable to me as an artist. It has all been carefully garnered over the years, mostly cheaply or for nothing. It is my nest, my solace, my friend. I've posted pictures of it before, and I don't think the Internet will break if I post a few more. As so many of us love looking at other people's books (I certainly do!) I have kept these pictures quite large, so if you want to click on an image, you can browse some of my thousands (really) of books.
This is my main notice board, with various cards from friends - artist and otherwise. The gorgeous dog print is 'Charlie', a superb wood engraving from my printer friend Sue Woollatt. Handy pile of sketchbooks, sewing basket, and that velvet embroidered church runner I found in a jumble sale for about 10p, circa 1985.
This is my main notice board, with various cards from friends - artist and otherwise. The gorgeous dog print is 'Charlie', a superb wood engraving from my printer friend Sue Woollatt. Handy pile of sketchbooks, sewing basket, and that velvet embroidered church runner I found in a jumble sale for about 10p, circa 1985.
The right hand wall, a happy medley of nice books, boxes of paper treasures and toys. And two massive stacks of dvds (from the time before we caved in and aquired a TV). Madeline, a rag doll I made when I was about 18...she was supposed to have a dress. I planned to go into business and make lots of rag dolls, but that was way back in the mid 1980's, before universal internet and long before Etsy was born. It never happened.
Can one ever have enough picture books?
I don't think so...
My work table, just how I like it. I can't work in a mess. A few new needle felt toys sat waiting for...something. And the beginnings of an oil painting I keep trying to find time for.
The left hand corner...
...and my other 'best bookcase'...this one I rescued from a stone outhouse in a graveyard, where I was employed to mow the grass. It was in a damp corner and used for storing paint cans on. I rescued it (with the vicar's permission of course!) and with some cleaning and waxing, it came up lovely. A nice honest bit of handmade country furniture, all wood jointed, with a lovely patina.
The way out...goodbye!
The full set of twelve 'round the studio tour' is on my Flickr page, here, with detailed notes as to what everything is.
1. Facing the studio door, 2. Notice board, 3. Craft book collection, 4. Oak bookcase, 5. Right hand wall, 6. Picture books, 7. Vintage picture books and toys, 8. Work Table, 9. Left hand corner, 10. Best bookcase, 11. The way out
1. Facing the studio door, 2. Notice board, 3. Craft book collection, 4. Oak bookcase, 5. Right hand wall, 6. Picture books, 7. Vintage picture books and toys, 8. Work Table, 9. Left hand corner, 10. Best bookcase, 11. The way out 