My studio space

My studio currently is in one of the out-buildings on my parent's farm, which used to be a large tobacco farm and processing center. Originally 20 acres, it was purchased by my grandparents nearly 100 years ago. My grandfather grew broad-leaf tobacco, which is used for the wrapping on fine cigars. In fact... this area of CT, which includes South Windsor and East Windsor (along the CT river) is called Tobacco Valley. Back at the height of production, there were 4 tobacco sheds on the property (where it was cured and dried), and a warehouse where it was packed, crated and shipped from. This warehouse is now where my studio is, in a room towards the back. This room was the "Sweat Room"-- a room where the packed crates were literally 'sweated' in high heat to remove all the moisture from the leaves and wood. Even still, on humid days, you can smell the tobacco in the wood. Its very different from cigar or cigarette smoke-- it is distinctly sweet... and reminds me of my grandfather, who loved, and worked on, tobacco in some facet till the year he died.

The property was later divided (in the late 70s I think) between my mom and one of my uncles-- half was given to him when he got married to build his house on and farm (he also grew tobacco for many years), and my mom took over the homestead. Two years ago my uncle sold his house/property and moved to Florida, much to my mother's heartache-- she had hoped to unite the property again but it just didn't happen. So, things have changed a bit on the other half of the farm and it doesn't look like this anymore. My parents property, however, has evolved the original buildings, updating them and giving them new purpose and life.

This is a photo taken from a helicopter about 6-7 years ago, of the entire original farm. I drew a line where the property was split, and labeled the buildings. The biggest changes that have happened over the years: the tobacco shed in back was converted to a barn; the original 'barn' was converted into a beautiful 3 bedroom appt where my sister lives, and the processing warehouse is now used mostly for furniture storage. Well, except for the sweat room in the back-- my inner sanctum, of sorts.

The sweat room is actually a very large room, which can be closed off from the rest of the warehouse by a large sliding door. In order to save on heating/cooling costs, my dad and I decided it best that we section off a part to be my 'studio'. It was a little over a third of the original space, which we (well, mostly my dad) installed lights, electricity, fans, insulation, and built an amazing spray booth so I spray primer and finish right in the room without exfixiating myself. The spray booth has become an invaluable tool over the past few years.

Over time, the other part of the room started to get filled with 'stuff'. Other people's stuff, mostly-- you see, when you have a warehouse, people just assume you have room to store their stuff. So, everyone a friend/family member moved, their stuff would end up in the warehouse. Couches, matresses, entire bedroom and living room sets. This past season I made a big stink about needing room to expand my studio, and so my mom and I made a concentrated effort on removing all the crap in the "other half of my studio" so that I can have a sitting area/gallery area/larger open space to work in. With all the rain lately, and nothing drying, we actually made quite a bit of progress. This is what it looks like now (you can click on the images to blow them up bigger):

Still pretty cluttered... but if you saw it before, you'd be amazed. I labeled some of the stuff in there so you can get an idea of what it all is. My goal is by the end of July to get the rest of the other people's stuff out of there so I can perhaps have a clinic in this room in August or September. One of the things in this space is a curio where I keep my own horses, all of them unpainted, LOL. I keep my own pieces seperate from my client's pieces to prevent me getting temped to work on them. Out of site... out of mind... and they are safe there.

Next edition... perhaps I will be bold enough to take pictures of the "real" studio... that is, if I can get it clean enough!!!