Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Where Women Create


If you really want something you can figure out how to make it happen.
~Cher


A few weeks ago I was in a tail spin trying to get my studio ready for a visit from Jo Packham,
now most of us have her book "Where Women Create" but I was honored to have Jo along with two photographers (Wanelle Fitch, Marina Artiste) along with Jenny Do and Kristen Robinson (who's heavenly studio's were photographed before mine) all jammed into my personal space!
I have not fully soaked in the entire experience of it all... but it was one amazing day! to be surrounded by brilliantly talented women who are all passionate about there work and life is intoxicating to say the least!

Wanelle Fitch, Marina Artiste, Kristen Robinson , Jo Packham, me, Jenny Do
toasting at the end of the photo shoot of my studio.

When I was first asked to be part of Jo's new magazine that is based on her book, I flat out said "NO WAY!" then went on to say...
"My studio is not that kind of a space its a working studio not a inspirational studio"

Then I thought about my space, and it occurred to me how it came to be almost 10 years ago, I was working out of a small closet in the house and kept the over spill in the garage, I desperately needed more space as my artist endeavors started to grow. This caused a dilemma that was solved when I decided to set up my space in the one of the bays of our three car garage.
I truly believe that if we need something in our life we find a way to make it happen.
Yes I dream of one day having a 2000 square foot work loft with amazing natural light along with huge cutting tables and room to roam, but my small space works and ever inch is utilized and loved!

So would you like a little peek into my space? the place where I go to create?

I took this photo of Photographer Wanelle Fitch in my studio.

My space is long and narrow I have two working tables and lots of shelving, here is the table where I have all my beads and jewelry supplies all close at hand, I work on my layouts for my fabric art and I paint and do messy stuff on this side.
I keep my markers and beads in plastic boxes in over head shelving, the beads are sorted by type and color and are priced out by the bead.

On my jewelry desk I keep more beads in Multi drawer parts storage organizers , along with my jewelry tools with in arms reach.

This is my sewing side, I really keep this desk as a zone for sewing and I also use my lop top here as well.
a few of my favorite rubber word stamps and inks along with
a little peek at my ribbon draws and seed bead collection.

here are a few close up views of my sewing table.
The mannequin ( a gift from Nancy) hold WEDDING Trade Beads and conus shells both are a great point of inspiration to me.

This old ladder holds some of my hand dyed fabrics. The old suite cases hold more of my hand made fabrics. I hope you have enjoyed a peek into my creative space and as soon as I know of the release date of the new magazine I will let you know!

(close up of hand dyed fabrics)

I am a solitary person at heart, I think more within myself...
its hard for me to put into words just how I feel.

I have been so fortunate,
my life has been so full of amazing opportunity's!

I almost have to pinch myself so I know its really all true.

its...
as if...
my dreams and my life
have become one~


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27 comments:

Elaine Kerr said...

Hangin' with the stars, huh? What a bunch of fun. So happy for all your recent successes, Ruth! <3

Beate Knappe said...

I love to look at your artplace - It is a theme for me too to have a place where I can be the artist I like to be :-) Thank you for sharing and congrats - you are will be famous

Lisa Crone said...

Wow, your work space is so neat and orderly, I am a bit envious and wondering why there are beads and pieces and parts all over my house! This looks like a wonderful place to be!

Anonymous said...

I love looking at your space... how awesome. After peeking at your space, it makes one want to go and create. Congrats, on your success, you deserve it.

Nellie

Carmen said...

What a great space!!!

Anonymous said...

What a divine place your art room is. All the little treasures in all those drawers. Awesome!!!

Kelly Snelling said...

it looks so Awesome!

Jessi Nagy said...

O my gosh!!
what a haven!!
it was so nice to meet you.
Maijas posse rocks!
you were all so sweet.
oxoxoox,
jessi

Kirsten said...

I love your workspace. It's so beautiful and organized.

Raine K said...

Wow, I love your space, especially how you utilize every square inch. Oh, if I could be so organized!can't wait to see the magazine when it comes out.

Carla Powell said...

I'm a recent blogger and ran across yours. What an inspiration! Your work is wonderful - thanks for sharing and inspiring.

Anonymous said...

Wow Ruth! You have a WAY bigger and better space than I do. Congratulations...I'm so excited for you!

Anonymous said...

Awesome Workspace! You could live in there and never have to come out...well you know what I mean!
pinkdilla.com

martha brown said...

I love your work space, Ruth! I can't wait to get mine set up again! The studio that I covet the most is Sara Lechner's though.... maybe some day.... hahaha...

Sanja said...

beautiful work as always!!:-)

Maija said...

Great peak inside your studio!

Karen Cole said...

This was my vision of what I thought your studio would be like. How wonderful to actually get to see it.

Love your hand dyed pieces, Ruth. So much in that room to be inspired by....hope you are well and happy!!

Erica Herbert said...

wow! you are AMAZING!!!!i was wondering... would u b interested in doing a trade? we can do a special art piece JUSt for each other~(this is my preference! SOO FUN!)
check out my blog, I just did this with Tess from youtube~ i painted her (& made a video) ...then she painted me (& made a video)...then, we mail the paintings to each other!?!?!?
watch both vids & let me know if u r interested!
pEaCe, LoVe &sUnShiNe~
erica
www.blujaystudio.com

Textile and Stitch said...

I loved reading the 1st issue of Artful Blogging but it wasn't until I'd finished reading the 2nd one that I realized a blog would be perfect for me! I found yours to be one of the most beautiful and inspirational, so much so, that I got up a half hour early today to have some time to go through more of your old posts and links. Thanks for sharing all this beauty!

Cathy said...

What an awesome studio! It is too an inspirational studio--I saw lots of inspiration as I peeked at the pictures. Now do tell about this new magazines of Jo's. I have the book of course, but must have missed the magazine!

Cathy :)

Anonymous said...

It is always so gratifying o discover artisits you admire and their humble art space. It inspires me to know that it's not about the surroundngs, but I do covet your ladder with fabrics. One day......

Tally O said...

thanks for sharing the photos, Ruth. I am a friend of kelly's and just had to check out your blog! Glad i did!

wendy humphreys said...

WoW! Your studio is so beautiful!
I just saw on Kelly's site the beautiful wire work you did. I love
your design, and style! Is that what the two of you were up to Thurs.? I was so busy talking I didn't get anything done:)
Oh well it was fun to see you again!

Gilding the Lily said...

Ruth, you're killing me! I spent all of Wednesday working on my tubs of little bits and bobs, putting them in place in the big drawers, and I was actually taking a little "smug break," but then I am brought to my knees by your absolute wowser of a studio. Tell me I'll get there some day, please? Hugs from here, Nancy

Seth said...

You may see your space as a working studio but it is ceratinly inspiring to me -- and so well organized too!

Ann Christine Dennison said...

Thanks for sharing your space, I bet you have very many good hours in your studio, it looks for inspiring :-)

Candylei said...

What a delightful place and you are so organized...and us being so curious wondering what little jewels are in each of those many little compartments! Wonderful! Thank you for showing us your working studio...
xo, Candylei