No it’s not the 1000 SF ceramics studio outfitted with 4 kilns, a RAM press, well-stocked shelves of materials, and much more that I just left behind in Portland, Oregon, but it is sunny, it is a fraction of the price, and so far serving my creativity and most importantly it is my own space.
It was great to have a great large studio but over the years I’ve lived face to face with the reality that the more you have - of anything - the more time, energy, resources are required to take care of it and at some point this seemingly ideal space began to feel burdensome.
When scoping out places to move to, we did our best to balance our needs for living and for working but also for an affordable life. It was also very important to be close-ish to NYC and also not too far from my family and friends spread out over New England.
We knew there would be concessions and were even more willing to compromise given that we had to find a space and fast. I was ok with that and even looked forward to a smaller and simpler space that was more manageable and affordable. I’ve craved the freedom of a low overhead and now I have it.
It’s been 2-1/2 months now and I can confirm that I can manage with very little in terms of space to make my ceramic work but I must have bandwidth and support. I’ve found that with my partner’s support, my tiny space here is private even when it’s physically not at all. I thought I’d have at least a door to close, but it's basically an extension of our living room with a thin curtain I can close.
It's been ok though because we have such a healthy respect of each other’s need for creative life force, privacy and space. His painting studio is upstairs so if he’s home, he’s very often there so even though my space is open, I have found the feeling of privacy.
My new space lean, clean and svelte, and even cute. So far it is working out ok so while this isn’t large, nor does it meet all my needs, it is what I have and I’m grateful everyday to have a space to work.
aka Ruth Frances Greenberg, I am a ceramic artist who makes mosaics, tile and all things clay from my home studio in rural Connecticut. I’m here on Steemit to offer my support and friendship to creatives, individuals and projects that I value and want to see more of in the world. The decentralized economy and blockchain technology are promising and I am very pleased to be a part of this exciting new revolution.
Your support means the world to me and enables me to pursue my life and creativity with more freedom and opportunity, thank you! You can learn more about me and my work at www.ruthfrancesgreenberg.com