The holiday rush is coming to an end (at least here in blogland- now in real life it begins! :) and so I'm pleased to slow things down a bit and share the workspace of the delightful artist, Shari Baubien with you all. Let's take a peek!
What do you create in this space?
Through countless layers of paint and collage, I create rich, soulful works with a distinctly folk art flavor. Each piece delivers an art experience full of both texture and meaning.
Where is it located?
If you were to come over for a visit and step through the front door of our home, you would find yourself smack-dab in the middle of my studio. A few years ago and with my husband’s blessing, we converted our living room into my workspace. I’ve never regretted it for a moment.
You see, I spent all of my previous time at a tiny table wedged against a wall between our kitchen and family room. My supplies were stashed throughout the entire house – literally wherever a square inch could be found. Completing a piece ensured I got a pretty good workout as I raced up and down and back and forth to retrieve whatever it was that I needed.
Since appropriating the living room, however, things are much better. For starters, my new space rises two stories high and is flooded with fantastic northern light. ALL of my art supplies are stored in just one room now and I have a gigantic table on which to spread my canvases. A brand new easel has improved my ability to work large. I also enjoy being in the physical center of our home. Sure things get messy, but I delight in walking past my art space on my way to cook dinner or glancing over while watching evening TV. I’m reminded of the joy painting brings me and I’m often able to problem-solve during this down time as well. This space fits my needs perfectly.
What sort of tools/equipment do you use?
I primarily use acrylic paint by Golden. I’m partial to their Fluid Acrylics for layering and their Heavy Body Acrylics for more opaque applications. I recently took a class introducing Golden’s newest line called Open Acrylics. I’m really excited about the possibilities these paints offer for blending, as the drying time is substantially longer than “conventional” acrylic paint.
When it comes to painting surfaces, I prefer to use Dick Blick’s Premier Gallery Profile Canvas. Other studio must-haves include: gesso, gel medium, UVLS gloss varnish, collage materials, ink and a heat gun.
What inspirations do you keep nearby?
I surround myself with the artwork I’ve collected from other artists. These beloved pieces remind me that I’m not alone. In a sense, it’s almost like having friends in the room with me, cheering me on.
A few other devices I employ to ensure that I stay inspired may seem simple, but they do the trick for me. For example, I corral all of my supplies within beautiful containers. In addition, I try my best to keep my work table as clean as possible. Maybe it’s equal parts inspirational and practical, but an organized space makes starting each day infinitely easier. Lastly, my sketchbook is never beyond arm’s reach. I record my thoughts, make loose drawings, and even glue in fragments from magazines if a particular color combination or composition catches my eye.
What do you like to listen to/watch when creating?
I must confess that I prefer complete silence while creating. As I slather on color and build up the layers of a painting, the process itself becomes a thing of rapture for me. Any ongoing noise such as television or music distracts me and I don’t feel as connected to my artwork. Instead, I choose to create in a way that I feel fully present and engaged. So that means everything gets turned off… except, of course, my emotions!
How do you feel when you enter your handmade space?
My heart swells with love when I enter my handmade space. It’s a pure reflection of who I am at my very essence - just as the artwork I produce there is. How could that not make me happy? Of course there are moments (and even days) when I procrastinate, wonder if I’m good enough or worry that I will make “bad” art. However, those fears quickly dissipate upon entering my handmade space. Because it was created with love and as a celebration of my creativity, it will always be a safe place of protection and nurturing.
To view the lovely artwork that Shari creates here, visit her website or her etsy shop! You can also learn more about her and her work on her blog. Thanks Shari, for sharing your space (and cute Corgi!) with us :)
