Ink tubes, stamp and palette knife
I spend so much time in my studio (which is in my apartment, making it easy to spend lots of time there), but it is truly a place I love and feel so in my element. I am so fortunate to have a big space all to myself, which I can set up and outfit in such a way that works just for me. The studio is always a sort of work in progress, and often in a state of disarray, with tools and materials and supplies scattered about as I use them and work on various things at once. But that is kind of what I like about it — it’s my space to industrious and messy and free and not worry about being “presentable.” That said, I thought I’d share just some random (edited) behind-the-scenes images from my studio…
I love these flat files. They can be considered “vintage.” A former work colleague and friend gave them to me; he had them in his design studio in the Flatiron District since the ’70s/’80s, and had no more use for them since the graphic design business turned digital…
Flat files; botton drawer holds excess chipboard and backer board
This was the block being carved for the first print I made last year (2011). For me the carving process is slow and deliberate, a chance to be meditative & quiet, to sit by the window with a cup of hot coffee and be lost in thought “working with your hands,” on something physical and tangible…
Linoleum block for "Almost" (2011) linocut, carving in progress
2011 was the year I started making my hand block-printed linen scarfs. This discovery — that I could make block prints on linen that could be worn as an accessory — changed my world! It opened up a new market and product line for me, and the possibilities are still being explored. I fell in love with printing wood blocks on soft linen, and I absolutely adore every scarf that I make. These blank scarfs — which are cut and sewn in my studio, and here are ready to be printed — represent the color palette that I love: soft, neutral, muted tones that are classic, timeless, never out of style, always elegant and natural…
Cut, sewn and waiting-to-be-printed blank linen scarfs
Linen fabric color swatches
Handkerchief linen color cards
Hang tags, with care information for linen scarfs
My dear, sweet and crazy dog has been a faithful companion this past year, keeping me company while I spend loooong days (and sometimes nights) at work in the studio. She is quite content to lie on the couch or sprawl on the hardwood floors, but at some point pretty much every day she’ll bring me her pull toy and insist on playing for a while, which is a nice diversion…
Sweet Koka, visiting in the studio
Looking out the window - it's Fall!
Overall it’s been a great year. I feel lucky and blessed to be doing what I love…
Out at a Brooklyn pizza joint, with a friend
Cheers, and here’s to a brand new year!
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Tags: studio tour
January 16, 2012 at 4:31 PM |
Reblogged this on The 90th Day.
January 29, 2012 at 4:59 PM |
Greetings Michelle,
I enjoyed reading and visiting your blog. I agree your home is where you live. It is suppose to be a place tailored for your comfort and joy.Thank you, for sharing your home, studio, photos and thoughts.
Lorraine