As our corporate lives wind down, many of us our blessed with the opportunity to re-direct our energy into pursuing our passions. Whether that is writing, cooking, painting, or learning something new, it is important to relish in all that inspires us to move forward. However, at times, it can be daunting task to find a comfort zone that will relieve us of the nagging voice in the back of our heads that something “important” needs our attention.
In order for us to become truly inspired, we must create a space that will allow our imaginations to flirt with endless possibilities. It is only by removing ourselves from the distractions of mundane life that we are able to focus and harness our inspiration. For many, this may be a quiet, dedicated room. For others, it could be the local coffee shop that lets our minds take flight. For Julie England, the room that provides positive productive influence is her studio. In her studio, her intangible ideas are translated into mesmerizing works of art that tug at the emotions. Here is her take on why such a space is so vital to her creativity:
Studio – A Place To Go To Work
In the last six months, while on the path of becoming an oil painter, my biggest learning about my work habits is this: a dedicated studio is a place to go to work.
I have been the most productive in a shared studio space because there is nothing else to do there except draw and paint. I get more painting done. I can really focus. I have developed work habits and practices to facilitate my painting.
What a necessary luxury to focus on your passion and paint.
I still paint at home on weekends sometimes in a converted bedroom. The light is poor, although we have added light fixtures; it is not daylight. The space is not as open. The computer, laundry, dirty dishes, gardening, as well as friends and family all compete with my home studio attention and time.
As a “Corporate Refugee”, I needed a place and space to “go to work” and focus on painting. What a blessing to have studio space in which to paint.
– Julie England
