When we are overcome by our symptoms of poor mental health, the first things we lose are our connections to fun and gratification. We tend to lose that drive to use our outlets, whether they are reading, cooking, exercising, socializing, or creating.
At Brookhaven Retreat we have our space to create as well as others to help motivate us to do so. When we return home, it can be a shock when we realize how much must be rebuilt. We face the danger of losing our new connections to healthy habits. This is why we must create the space for ourselves to keep these connections.
This refers to physical space as well as mental space that must be built to nurture our creativity. Not only do we need time in our schedule, but a regular place that requires little effort to sit down and start working. It is most ideal to have a space that does not need to be something else - like a dining or kitchen table. Perhaps there is part of a room that can be sectioned off. It may require some creativity to establish a space, but it will be well worth it!
Here are some considerations when thinking about a studio space:
- lighting
- chemical exposure (ideally not a bedroom or close to food preparation)
- storage space
- privacy
- access to creative inspiration
- areas specific to your materials (example: place to dry artwork)
- comfort
- size and cost—it does not need to be expensive and big! See http://www.winsornewton.com/resource-centre/product-articles/setting-up-an-artists-studio for some more information
It can also help to look at examples of studio spaces. Your art space can be just as much of an art form as your art itself. You can also think of it as designing your home.
There is a great magazine called Where Women Create that features female artists and their studio spaces. Check it out! Many of them have organized their studios with style and simplicity. http://wherewomencreate.com/
