It has been a while since I have been able to post on our blog! Busy Busy Busy!!
So I figured it would be a fun restart to feature a story of real artists, working in many different mediums, and their studio spaces, just for fun!
The inspiration for this idea came from looking up studio ideas for my new in home studio space. It is just a 10x10 extra room in our house..not too interesting at this point, but I do have it filled with weird little interesting items. Artistic Mo-Jo type things....we all have them.( limited addition Warhol soup cans and vintage Rainbow Bright dolls for example). I wanted to see what other people have and do in their "REAL" studios. Not these glossy ,clean, staged studios I saw when searching the internet...
It has been great to see what these talented and many award winning artists have sent!
We take what we have and make the best of it, loving every funky moment.
Enjoy this look into non commercialized or filtered REAL artists' working spaces:
Cassandra Reed
Cassie
S. Reed
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
My artistic practice technically
utilizes canvas, acrylic paint and tons of mixed media; feathers, fabric, pins,
birds, fur, etc.
My inspiration used to be and
continues to come from fashion photography; typically from W magazine. I see a
shoot that somehow, in some way strikes me.
It looks nothing like the original
spark upon completion. It ends up telling something about myself; something
from my soul pertaining to my life at the time. It is strange to see the
outcome become something far more meaningful; a message from myself to myself;
intended to be shared with others.
Duane Jensen
I have three main areas I work at. For small projects, I
sometimes prefer to work at my computer desk. It is small and intimate.
For bigger flat works I will use my drafting table. This is
also where I assemble my poetry chapbooks.
If I am going to paint a large canvas, I prefer to hang it
right on my wall instead of using an easel. I have two roller carts full of
supplies so I can move them with ease to wherever I might be working.
-Duane
Bio:
-Duane
Bio:
Duane Kirby
Jensen is a painter and a poet. He was inspired to paint as a child while he
watched his grandmother and grandaunt paint scenes of their Stanwood, WA
community. He comes from a long line of painters, photographers, carvers,
inventors and storytellers.
He has been
called an ‘outsider artist.’ His work is part magical realism mixed with, what
he refers to as emotional realism, preferring to stay away from stylistic
labels. His work centers on the gravity of emotion and the fragility of
identity and the ease in which it might be lost. His work evokes those emotions
that linger beneath the surface that underscore the narrative line being
explored within each painting. His artistic vision is not hemmed in by
traditional northwest subject matter.
As a poet,
he has read at numerous venues throughout the northwest since the early 1990’s.
During that decade he published Everett’s Independent Voice (an arts and
entertainment magazine) and The Drifter: A Poetry Journal. He also
coordinated the Mill Town Poets Open-mic. His work travels along a narrative
line that often explores the individual’s relationship with the modern world
and the call of nature that tugs at instinct which lays - almost dormant -
waiting to explore new territory.
Duane Kirby
Jensen is an Everett, WA based poet and artist.
Lee Kessler
at a moment between between my conception and my abrupt ejection from
the birth canal into the wide world of light and sound I knew I would
develop into an artist during my life.
about the time I turned 17 and I discovered I needed to actually make
enough money to feed myself, I concluded that I would also be forced to
'get a job'
currently, I fill the hours that remain after fulfilling my job
requirements between studio art as a painter and performance art as a
improvisational actor and fight choreographer for local theatre.my studio art reflects my fascination with people and faces, drawing
from real people, real animals, and sculpture of real people - it is my
hope to bring a little bit of what fascinates me to the viewer;
something that can be read in the smile or the eyes or even the posture
of the subject
currently I have a studio in Everett and a second studio just outside
of New Orleans and while I spend the great majority of my time in Puget
Sound, I do try to travel and work in my studio in New Orleans each
year as a change of scene.
Janie Olson
Janie Olsen - born and raised in Western Washington, currently has her home & studio in Monroe Washington. Her
art is a result from her continual daydreaming, passionately attracted
to fairy tales, nature, romance, the notion of opposites–good, evil,
chaos, ugly, beautiful on and on. There is usually some sort of story
behind each painting, but her hope is for the painting to speak for
itself and have the viewer go away with his or her own thoughts about
the piece.
Sally Abbey
I reside in rural Snohomish County, in Washington state. The
beauty and unique environment of the Northwest countryside is the inspiration
for my landscapes. I am also an animal lover and have drawn or painted them my
entire life. I am particularly interested in vibrant color, while
maintaining a mood of tranquility in my
work.
I have created both large and small scale murals,
illustrations, logos and architectural renderings. My work has been purchased
for many private collections.
I’ve been an artist all my life, having always had a pencil,
brush or pastel in hand. My favorite medium is pastels. I have recently begun a new series of more
contemporary landscapes and animal portraits.
Please visit my website for more information, images and
pricing
Bill Westwood
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Painting, sculpting, and writing take up most of Bill Westwood's time in
retirement. He works out of his home in Snohomish, WA and these
activities have helped in his recovery from a major stroke in Dec 2011.
He has converted an extra bedroom into a studio. He says that if he
buys a paint brush, he must remove one from the room as available space
is non-existant...
Website:
Sarah Britton
My husband did the construction in our 1932 cottage bungalow's garage,
to my specifications. I out grew my former studio in the house, now that I
am doing art shows full time. We didn't have a lot of money so we had to think
out of the box for ways to make use of what we had, reuse, re-purpose and
reinvent. With a lot of elbow grease, the space turned out amazing.
We called a local owner builder house company and they had some
returned cabinets that they sold us cheap. With a little paint, and new handles
that I made out of pipe fittings they are perfect. I painted an old wooden
window that we had and installed it as my dry erase board. We used the lumber
from an old tool chest that was in the garage previously to build storage
shelves that utilize mason jars I had for my inventory storage. We bought the
sink from Habitat Restore. The filing cabinet was from a friend, a little paint
did wonders. Bartering is a great way to at least cut costs also.
A really important thought for anyone designing a space/studio, is to think
of all the items/equipment you need/want even if you can't afford them
now, and make room for them in your design. This allows you too grow over time
and as money is available without another major overhaul down the road.
I am so happy in my studio, and the designs I'm producing are a direct
result of it.
Shannon Danks
I find myself in a constant re-definement and change.In a constant flow of experiences. Trying new things, but then that becomes the norm. Slow and methodical, then crazed, excited in a blaze in new found explorations.... as well I cherish the recognizable, comfortable places. That might explain my exploded sense of space. I find new and unexpected ideas, expand them, explode them, share them (sometimes) then need to rest them . In some ways I wish I could discard the experiments and explorations that did not quite make it out of the studio. But as I discover new ideas I find myself rediscover past discoveries that enrich my latest passion. Music, Art, Poetry all a part of me, all wanting a chance to speak, but respectful of each other and gives each other a chance to speak.
Josey Wise
Josey Wise
Josey is a primarily self-taught artist and loves to
incorporate the beauty and color of nature into her artwork. Joseys’ medium of
choice is oil and she tends to use a bright palette as well as expressive
strokes, sometimes on the edge of abstract. Wises’ preferred subject is landscape but she
also paints animals and still life with a contemporary approach.
Josey moved to the Pacific Northwest when she was 18 from
Western Montana and has loved the area ever since! She and her husband Marc own
and operate WiseDesignz Framing & Gallery in Historic Down Town Everett and
participate strongly in the Everett Art Walk.
In 2011 Josey joined the City of Everett’s Cultural Arts Commission.In 2010 Wise was the first City of Everett’s Young Artists in
the Community Award Recipient and in 2012 she was honored to receive the Art
Advocate of the Year from the Schack Art Center. Josey has received other
acknowledgments for her art and community involvement as well.
Wise is proud to live, work and create in the
Pacific North West with her Husband and two children, Sid and Saylor. (who share my studio space, so my floor is always covered in glitter)
Juliette Ricci
In my work I explore themes of self-image, work, and life. These paintings are a reflection of things that happen in the everyday. The bold colors and diaristic writing can sometimes be too revealing for the viewer, but are a true reflection of myself. My
art is used as a dual therapy, and expresses the positive and the
negative in the hopes that the viewer may have had a similar experience
or moment in their lives. Like
my favorite artists, I want to give permission to explore the everyday,
to reflect on the music you are listening to, talk about your
influences, reflect on the art book you are devouring, or film that
changed your life.
Originally I began solely as a photographer, but
found myself lured by the limitless possibilities of painting, along
with the color and texture of the paint itself. I love to write (letters, prose), and often explore themes on the loss of handwriting in today’s high tech world. My canvases are often treated as the pages of a diary- but on a slightly larger scale.
-Juliette Ricci, Tacoma WA
Ursula Stocke
Ursula
Stocke
Born
and raised in Alaska. Ursula later pursued a degree in art at the College of
Visual Arts in St. Paul, MN earning a BFA in Fine Art and Illustration. In 1995
she moved to the Pacific Northwest. Dividing her time between Seattle and Portland,
Ursula eventually settled in Everett, Washington where she now lives with her
artist husband Ron.
Ursula
paints primarily in oils and is influenced by the impressionist and fauvist
movements and it shows in her paintings of, figures, floral and still-life.
Her
philosophy believes in saying a lot with a little in her paintings. Letting a
few strong brushstrokes tell the story. She is intrigued with beauty of form
moving in and out of paint on canvas.
Ursula
has been involved with many local galleries such as Parklane Gallery in
Kirkland, Gallery 110 in Seattle and Kaewynn Gallery in Bothel, WA. She is the
recipient of the 2012 Richard Wendt Artist in the community award. Showing at
many regional outdoor arts festivals throughout the Puget Sound. Ursula teaches
adult oil painting at the Shack Art Center in Everett, WA. She also mentors
high school art students and is active in the Everett Art scene.
Ron Stocke
Ron Stocke is a Northwest Watercolorist who lives in Everett Washington with his artist wife Ursula.His
award winning paintings have been featured in Watercolor Artist
Magazine and in the Splash series and on products throughout the United
States and Canada. A member of the National Watercolor Society
the Puget Sound Group of Northwest Painters and a Signature member of
the Northwest Watercolor Society, Ron paints and teaches workshops in
America, Canada and Italy throughout the year.
I have been painting in the
watercolor medium for more than 25 years. Mentoring under such instructors as
Chuck Nazz, Zoltan Szabo and Alvaro Castegnet. I divide my time between
lecturing on painting, paint manufacturing and green studios as well as
instructing several domestic and international workshops each year. My artwork
has been collected by corporations and individuals throughout United States,
Canada and the United Kingdom. My images have been featured in Watercolor
Magazine and Northlight books Splash series #14. As well as a number of
products ranging from wine labels, pad covers and art materials.
http://www.ronstocke.com/
Liz Geiger Lund
I
majored in art in college with a focus on watercolor landscapes and figure
studies. Despite a degree in art, upon
graduation I pursued a career with the federal government. I felt, and still often feel, the call of
service either to my community, to my country or just to doing good works
around me. In many ways, I find
Matisse’s ability to simplify something down to its essence absolutely
brilliant.
I
generally paint in the puddling style because it allows for areas of wild color
contrasted with crisp edges. Puddling is
a method of using the properties of water to stay in a puddle and dropping
color into the “puddle” of water. In
many ways it’s like constructing a collage.
When painting in the puddling method I must wait for an area to
completely dry before starting on an adjacent area.
Barbara Freeman
Barbara A. Freeman, M.A.A.
Artist Statement
My
work evolves from a combination of photographs, the memory of a chosen
setting, and elements from my imagination. My goal is not to duplicate a
scene, but to represent its essence. It is the spirit of nature, the
landscape, it's smells, sounds, and impressions that I want to bring
forth in my work. I strive to create a sense of mystery, magic and
serenity. The organic world gives me a sense of renewal and the ability
to face the challenges of daily life, giving me hope. It is this
experience that I want to share with the viewer, that they too may feel
the spirit of the natural world, and be renewed.
I'm an artist of Fine Art Miniatures (25 inches square or less), but
also create larger artwork. I work in acrylic, colored pencil, graphite
and silverpoint. Regardless of size, it is my love of detail that
invites the viewer in for a closer look. I am a member of the Miniature
Art Society of Florida, the Miniature Painters, Sculptors, &
Gravers Society, and a Signature Member of the Miniature Artists of
America.
Roxy Gesler
I was raised in Havre, Montana. I left Havre at a young age to look
around at the world. For many years, I was a bartender to pay all of my
main bills and to fund my art projects. Though I don't currently
bar-tend, I have several fond memories from that portion of my life.
Several year ago I moved to Everett, Washington and made my home here with my wonderful husband Illiad and two darling Basset Hounds, Darci and Drake. Everett has a rich and strong art community which I have enjoyed since the moment I arrived. It is a nice place to call home. My favorite days, are the ones that I get to wander into my studio and build something brand spankin' new. If you have chosen to like this page, I hope you enjoy following along this awesome journey of creation.
Several year ago I moved to Everett, Washington and made my home here with my wonderful husband Illiad and two darling Basset Hounds, Darci and Drake. Everett has a rich and strong art community which I have enjoyed since the moment I arrived. It is a nice place to call home. My favorite days, are the ones that I get to wander into my studio and build something brand spankin' new. If you have chosen to like this page, I hope you enjoy following along this awesome journey of creation.
Mary Peterson
Mary Peterson is a fiber artist in Edmonds WA known for her quirky, whimsical fabric collages featuring women and birds. She has always been drawn to all things stitched. She credits her funky sense of expression to growing up in the artsy town of Laguna Beach, CA where she learned to appreciate art. She learned quilting basics and design work while working at a quilt shop in Mukilteo. After exploring creating with fabric, she branched out into the mixed media world. Mary sees beauty in the old, the used and the ragged, developing a style that incorporaties those elements.
Mary shows her work at several Puget Sound galleries and has contributed to multiple nonprofit organizations. Most recently her work was juried into the LaConner Quilt Museum International show. She is the leader of the Journaling Art Ministry for middle school girls at Alderwood Community Church and has taught fiber and mixed media arts for the past 5 years in local community centers, Denny Detention Center, after-school art programs, and privately.
Michael T. Gardner
I balance my time between my family, my business, and my art. Having
tattooed professionally since 1995 I finally opened my own studio,
Tattoo Garden, in 2008 in Everett, Washington. The tattoos that I do are
as varied and unique as my clientele. I try to avoid specialization in
favor of originality and diversity. My personal work is generally
focused more on design and craftsmanship. My two dimensional work has
recently been focused on the idea of the "Mandala" and gives me the
chance to explore my inner consciousness. I do as many sculptural pieces
as time allows and am very interested in bringing my 2-D and 3-D work
closer together.
Nikki Wheeler
Artist Bio / Nikki Wheeler
Nikki Wheeler has been painting in oils for twenty years, and finds beauty and richness in everything she sets her brush to.Having developed a love of art from an early age and encouraged by her family, she studied art at WWUand SUNY, Stony Brook. She acquired a BA from WWU in 1995, with an emphasis in painting.
Nikki seeks to capture the true beauty in her subjects, with favorites being the figure, still life, and landscape.
She continues to pursue her
goals through teaching art, and painting. She resides in Snohomish, WA
with her family, and entirely too many pets.
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