Friday, July 24, 2009

Studio After Dark: The Unveiling


Creativity - like human life itself - begins in darkness.

~ Julia Cameron


Close your eyes.

Take a deep breath.

Taste the muddled darkness of your mind.


Then...

A spark.


See the tunnel in the distance?

That pinpoint of light so far away?


Can you catch it?

Can you mold it?

Do you have something to say?



Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will.
~ George Bernard Shaw



In the quiet solitude of my studio I close the door to the noise of the world and attempt to convey with my hands what my mouth often can not. Childhood struggles, spiritual scars, artistic enlightenment and the mysteries of the universe serve as sources of inspiration as I sit at my desk early each morning.




What art offers is space - a certain breathing room for the spirit.
~John Updike


There are those who can produce astounding works of art at any time, in any place. I am NOT one of those people. My creativity is sometimes precariously balanced on the head of a pin. However, I have found a key to unlocking my creative potential -- THE STUDIO. Would you please be so kind as to join me on a tour of my creative space?


My studio is like my mind -- eccentric and cluttered and seemingly full of contrasting ideas. Currently I am working on two collections: one is based on anatomy, and the other is inspired by the Pre-Raphaelites. Quite an unusual combination!

Finished anatomical piece - Time in a Bottle



Newly created Pre-Raphaelite jewelry still on the work table





My favorite part of the studio is a beautifully hand-painted vintage cabinet which I use as my clay and paint desk. It is also instrumental in hiding away the massive amount of tools I have collected over the years. Barrett and I found a matching set of these Medieval cabinets sitting abandoned in a warehouse and promptly adopted them. The brother to this piece makes a comfortable home in the living room as our entertainment center.




They need a bit of TLC but are so unique and utterly inspiring.






Inside view of Medieval cabinet



Stuffed with supplies! (My paint drawer)




The working side of my clay desk, with assorted tools and jewelry projects in various stages of completion.



My inspiration board






Front and back view of pendants in progress on the work table




Pile of clay jewelry cuffs that haven't passed the test. I keep my mistakes as visual aides to help remember 'What NOT to do'.



Anatomical illustration hidden inside each cuff -- depicts the physical transformation of the body when strict corsetry is practiced over time.



The artist must summon all his energy, his sincerity, and the greatest modesty in order to shatter the old cliches that come so easily to hand while working, which can suffocate the little flower that does not come, ever, the way one expects.
~ Henri Matisse




My bead station -- always messy! Finished jewelry hangs temporarily from hooks on the wall. I keep all of my findings, beads, and stones in large organizers with drawers for easy access.

The framed prints on the wall are quite difficult to make out -- unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate with me this morning and the lighting is not ideal. However, these are two Pre-Raphaelite prints which I've hung for inspiration. I have dozens of frames displayed throughout the house and when it is time to create a new collection, I'll replace those with new prints from the appropriate subject matter. It is a wonderful way to keep things fresh in the studio!



A few of my more interesting book shelves. I also have dozens of jewelry, clay, altered art and mixed media books and find them extremely useful when practicing new techniques. My first piece of advice: research, research, research!



I have a habit of arranging all my books in this manner because I am so inspired by the appearance of antique books as well as cover art in general. What an intriguing painting this grouping creates!


A wall of 'family portraits' near Barrett's desk.




A comfy nook to catch up on my blog reading.




One of my first violins takes its place on the wall, along with a vintage newspaper clipping. I enjoy mixing 3D elements with flat images.




Some of my favorite studio oddities.




Recently completed jewelry still lays on the work table -- just finished these pieces yesterday.


Thank you for taking time to visit my creative space! Ms. Karen Valentine from My Desert Cottage organized this incredibly inspiring blog party and I count myself most fortunate to take part in such an uplifting and creative event. I look forward to introducing myself to other creative minds as I wander through the garden of artists before me. Please feel free to say hello; I can't wait to meet you!


Any great work of art... revives and re-adapts time and space, and the measure of its success is the extent to which it makes you an inhabitant of that world - the extent to which it invites you in and lets you breathe its strange, special air.
~Leonard Bernstein


Warm Wishes,

77 comments:

  1. A very talented artist I see works her. Enoy the blog party!

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  2. Natasha, Okay Girl...how did you know that I'm into Old World Living? LOL Your Creative Space takes me back to a time where I absolutely love being! I so enjoy traveling to Europe to see the beauty there, and to think I can come to your place! LOL I absolutely love it and your books, treasures, beautiful artwork galore! Thanks so much for sharing your special space with all of us. I felt right at home! We must catch up! I've been so freaking busy with my day job, haven't had much time. How are you doing with the workshops we are taking together? I freaking haven't started yet! LOL Love ya and have a wonderful weekend.
    Cheers!

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  3. Whow! I love your creative space, I love your art and I love your blog! Thanks for showing me around. Nice to meet you!

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  4. your studio is wonderful but your jewelry is AMAZING!!!!!!

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  5. thank you so much for stopping by for a visit.....and for your kind words. i like you spread out all over when creating....i cannot begin to tell you what is hidden BEHIND that big table for the photo......your jewelry is gorgeous....love the cabinet and your studio looks very inviting.....come visit again soon....ox jana

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  6. Dear Natasha...
    I love your work space and all the lovely things you create. I felt a wave of content sweep over me as I viewed your images. Could it be that we share the same "era"? (and I didn't even know it til now?)
    Thank you for stopping by to visit me today, and for sharing your lovely, creative space with all of us. I'll be back to visit again soon.
    Hugs,
    Donna

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  7. Thanks for stopping by to visit....you need to get you an Aragorn screen saver too, I just wish I could remember where I got it, heehe! We watch the Lord of the Rings movies at least once a month....we are seriously hooked! Your space looks like the perfect place to create your beautiful pieces. I love the wallpaper you have on your blog, my daughter will go nuts over it! You should visit her blog.... middleearthmaiden.blogspot.com she is 16 and quite the artist already. Thanks for sharing!
    Blessings~LillySue

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  8. That cabinet is amazing! Found? Pretty cool. Love your post - I'll be back.

    Cheryl

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  9. hey Natasha, you are welcome to come over and play with my punches anytime! (or I can do it for you with a trade?)
    I love, love, love your studio! and how lucky you are to have found those beautiful cabinets!! please come back to visit me anytime
    :) Missy

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  10. Natasha, Thanks for stopping by at blueskies! Your jewelry is crazy beautiful. I admire the time and research you put into each piece. The cozy nook for blogging is wonderful as well. I will have to pass your site on to my sister, she would adore it!
    Lynn

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  11. Love the screen and beautiful couch (love Anne Rice too), That desk is too cool!

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  12. Your creations are so great! I like your style of vintage. Come on by and visit my studio at:

    http://judysturman.typepad.com/in_his_grip/2009/01/stitches-by-sturman-studio-makeover.html

    I am lovin' party!!!!

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  13. You are just amazing. your work and your studio are just awesome!

    Steph
    www.diviacity.blogspot.com

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  14. Aaahhh YES! I feel right at home here. This is my kind of creative space. So happy to have found you too!

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  15. Natasha, your studio is as beautiful as your art. Just amazing! That desk would be an inspiration in itself.
    Smiles,
    June

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  16. Your studio space is great. Such awesome pieces and your jewelry is amazing.. WOW!! I love the medieval and the whole look and feel to your blog.. I am glad I found your blog.. Thanks for sharing.. Keep creating!

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  17. Wow! love your cabinet. So glad you joined the party so I could find you. Great space! I really enjoyed my visit. Thanks, for sharing. Hugz, Z

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  18. I like your universe, original, strong, timeless...

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  19. Thanks so much for stopping by Natasha so that I could find you! Your studio and work are gorgeous. Enjoy creating! Love your style.

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  20. Your studio is exquisite as is your Pre-Rahpaelite piece! Thank you for sharing your thought process, approach to creating, as well as your art and where you create it.

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  21. Hi Natasha! What a wonderful studio and so perfectly suited to you! That's one of the things I have loved so much about this party. Seeing everyone's studio spaces and how they really capture the personality of their owners!
    Your jewelry is amazing, and as I have been reading a lot of the comments you have left throughout the party, I must say...you are a beautiful and gracious lady. Thank so much for coming to my party. You really helped to make it a great success!

    Karen
    My Desert Cottage

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  22. Hi Natasha -

    Wow - your space is fantastic and seems to be suited perfectly to your creative talent and needs. The decor is gorgeous and unique, and your jewelry is just beautiful. Thanks for sharing!

    :-) Molly

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  23. Hello Natasha!
    what a GORGEOUS blog you have! And you studio is...very, very inspiring. I love it :) Right up my alley! The mood board, the cabinets (jealous!) Thank you for sharing and visiting me, I am glad I found you and will be back to visit again!
    Becca

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  24. What a beautiful blog you have, and a studio to match!

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  25. Amazing desk....amazing studio. So elegant and your jewelry matches the loveliness of your studio. I too must create when it is dark and the rest of my home is asleep!

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  26. What a stunning creative space, and I adore your art too, so glad I found you. Thank you for sharing. Mandy x

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  27. Well Natasha, your studio seems to be as enlightening as your obvious spirit. I love the violin on the wall, the jewelry sitting in plain sight to remind you "what not to do" though these pieces look perfectly beautiful to me. Your inspiration board itself is a grand work of art. And if your creativity is "balanced on the head of a pin" then it must be sturdy and full of promise. I see an artist at work in a most lovely surrounding! So glad to have met you!
    Brenda @Cozy Little House

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  28. Your studio is beautiful; as is your work!
    I didn't get my studio photographed for this event, but I am having a giveaway on my blog this weekend for "Christmas in July". Stop by if you like PINK! :)
    ~Becca~

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  29. Oh, I LOOOOVE this place of yours~ and your jewelry!! Everything about your photos are just so cool! Please stay in touch so that I can see what you're up to!

    Hugs,
    Christina

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  30. Geez Natasha, it's DAY 2 and I'm still party hopping but I'll blame my tardiness on you! You see, I spent almost an HOUR reading each and every one of your posts since the beginning and I must say that I'm under your spell darling!
    You are fascinating indeed and I love everything about you!
    Thanks for letting me peek here...and making me so late...I so enjoyed it!

    everything vintage

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  31. Hi Natasha,
    What an amazing space you have here! So different from the others on the tour, but equally as beautiful and it all just feels so magical!! Your antique cabinet is stunning, how lucky you are that you have two of them. And your jewelry pieces are exquisite!!
    Thanks so much for the fabulous tour, I adore your blog background too!!
    Karen

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  32. Natasha,
    What a stunning and unique space!!!! I absolutely love it....thanks for your nice comments on my blog about my studio too, I so appreciate it! I'm glad I found you and will add you to my blog roll after my vacation..
    Cheers,
    Gail

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  33. Thank you for sharing your studio. I absolutely love your pendants!
    Dancingly, Denise
    www.dancinglydenise.typepad.com

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  34. Natasha, thank you so much for stopping by my blog so that I could return the visit and see your stunning studio! What a gorgeous space you have - so rich and detailed. It obviously inspires you. The medieval cabinet is absolutely beautiful. I love your jewelry and I am going to follow your wonderful blog. Thanks so much!

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  35. What a fantastic desk! Your jewelry is awesome! Love the inspiration board!
    Deb
    Paradise Blog Design

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  36. Natasha...I just LOVE your creative space and the wonderful feel it has. Such gorgeous work that you do ~ and I love the amazing cabinet that you store you supplies in! Such beautiful jewelry Natasha, I'm so glad you came to see me so I could find you! xxoo, Dawn

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  37. Hi Natasha!
    WOW. Absolutely stunning old world studio and jewelry pieces. This has been such an adventure going from space to space all over the country. Nice to have you stop by and meet such talent.
    Linda

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  38. What an inspiring and beautiful space to create in! Thanks for stopping by so I could get the opportunity to come see. Your jewelry work is stunning as well!

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  39. Hello
    Thank you so much for stopping by my studio, it was so nice to meet you. I really enjoyed your studio today. How talented you are, love - love - love your jewelry. I took silver smithing but don't have a set up right now, I've always wanted to try the clay. Stop by again anytime. Thank you again
    Blessings
    Rebecca

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  40. It was a treat to see your finished jewelry, where you create and what inspires you!!!!

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  41. Natasha, your creative space is so beautiful, the hand painted cabinet is to die for! Your jewelry is wonderful, very interesting and different. I love old world, castles and medieval dinners! Thank you for sharing your space, I am sorry I am a day late, I think I have gone to over 100 blogs!!! It was so much fun, and thanks for stopping by my blog. I really appreciate when others take time to comment!!!
    Cheers,
    Margaret B

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  42. Natasha,

    Your studio is just lovely...such smooth energy..decorated so elegantly. I do love your jewelry pieces...you have great vision. :0) I noticed the crown hooks on the walls...I have some of those in a bag with the tags still on them waiting to hang in my studio! The Queen of Dreamsz must have her crowns. ;0)

    Have a lovely evening and thanks for dropping by my blog to visit...drop by anytime..I'm usually close by,
    Stephanie

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  43. Hi Natasha! Thank you for stopping by my blog, and for the wonderful tour of your space. Your 'just finished' pieces are beautiful! It is nice to meet you as well.

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  44. so lovely! Thanks for sharing your space with us.

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  45. You're so luck to have such an incredible studio. Thank you for the lovely tour and thank you for stopping by to see mine.

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  46. thank you so much for stopping by for a visit....your jewelry is Gorgeous....love the Antique cabinet , Is Beautiful!
    come visit again soon...Blanca.

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  47. Your Studio looks like a very calming, serene place to be and I could imagine wiling away the hours there as well. Your jewelry pieces are wonderful too! :D

    -c
    yapping cat

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  48. your jewelry pieces are just stunning! I can see they have so much thought put into each piece. Your studio looks like it provides just what you need to create these masterpieces!
    Lynn-trashtotreasureart

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  49. What a beautiful space you have and I love your jewelry. So cool and unique.
    Thanks for visiting - have a lovely day.
    ~ Tina

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  50. Oh dear Nastasha, Thank you for your kind words and visiting the official party pooper. Your blog speaks volumes of a beautiful artist.
    Enjoy! Kelley

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  51. Thanks, Natasha, for visiting my place. Karen certainly had a great idea for this party! I love your studio. It speaks volumes about your love for another era! Very classy! Very elegant! Your jewelry is tres jolie! That cabinet...WOW!!! Fantastic storage space with eye candy appeal.
    Have a blessed Sunday,
    Marilyn

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  52. What a magnificent blog you have created! You are a writer, a dreamer, an inspiration to others! Thanks for sharing and please come visit when you have a moment!

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  53. Your studio and your work is just AMAzing!! Really! I love it, the medieval desk and all your decor to go with it. I got my eye on the Costume history book, gal!! Looks very interesting and I might look into buying it. Thank you so much for the tour and for coming by my studio. I'm still doing the rounds. So much to see, so little time...
    Hugs
    Sonia

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  54. Hi Natasha
    What an absolutely gorgeous Studio space you have. Your jewelry designs are amazing & unique. I love your profile photo with your sweet blue budgie :-)

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  55. Oh... I love it! The Studio.. & Your Art are just beautiful! I have enjoyed looking around!

    {ttfn}
    Renee

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  56. natasha, first, thank you so much for visiting my studio and for leaving a comment!
    i was thrilled to see you live in austin - it's always nice to find another artist in the texas hill country!
    your blog is so different. i loved looking at it.
    your studio is beautiful - so lovely.
    and your jewelry is gorgeous.

    thanks for sharing!

    jan thomason

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  57. Natasha, it's lovely to meet you from this party. Your space is one of the most interesting that I have seen. Such style and intellect...as is evidenced by your artwork as well!

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  58. I love your studio. The paintings on your work table doors are amazing. And I love your jewelry!

    Shannon

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  59. Thank you very much for inviting me into your creative space Natasha! I love it. Your art is just beautiful. I'm now following your blog. I look forward to many more visits with you.
    bunny hugs,
    shell

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  60. Exquisite! The studio, the jewelry, the touches like the crown hooks. Brava!
    Sharon :-)

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  61. Magical, simply magical ... I'm in awe.
    I want to climb into my computer and be transported to your studio!

    My favorite item is the cuff bracelet with corset ... terrific!

    Thanks for sharing, I'll be back for more!

    xo
    Jill

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  62. Your space is AMAZING! There are so many wonderful pieces not to mention ART! Love your creations and your gorgeous space...thank you for sharing it with us all!

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  63. WOW! i love your jewelry.. thanks so much for sharing!

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  64. Beautiful studio and beautiful jewelry as well. Thanks for sharing.

    www.queenmarcyoriginals.typepad.com

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  65. Lovely space.... Your jewelry is so detailed and most interesting. Great find with your desk and I love how you have displayed all of your books.

    Lastly, thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving your nice comment ;o)

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  66. Your studio is beautiful...filled with so many inspirational pieces! I love your jewelry pieces...stunning!

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  67. A magical place indeed! I'm in love with your medieval cabinet. Thanks for letting us peek in.
    M.L.

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  68. Your blog is beautiful. Thank you for letting me take a peek at your studio it is lovely, a very inspiring place to create such lovely jewelry!

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  69. I am so glad I found your blog last week via the "Where bloggers create event"! I have something for you over on my blog if you get the chance to check it out. Mandy x

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  70. What an intriguing blog. I love your workspace, especially the cabinet!
    Lynnae

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  71. Stunning, I am not sure how else to describe your blog, your creative space and your talent. Your pieces are beautiful and your writing well...you had me at the first few lines of your latest post! I will definately visit and try to see all your posts, I bet they are just as beautiful. Rose

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  72. Really different, enticing, and creative. I love your space. I am sure you have so much fun in it. Your jewelry is so great and I will be back to see more!
    Kim

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  73. Your blog & jewelry is beautiful! What a wonderful party! I will be back to visit your blog. Stephani:)

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  74. Hello Natasha,
    Your studio is beautiful... well, I should say magical because that's the feeling I get from the photos, like anything could happen in the blink of an eye. The cabinet you create on is beautiful, I've never seen anything like it. How lucky you were to find such beautiful pieces, I would love to see armoire too. From the books, crown hooks on the wall and your very interesting family photos, it all just flows together so well here. What a place to escape and create works of art.

    I noticed on your profile, you're a fan of Christopher Guest (me too!), I can't wait to hear what he and the talented host of actors have in store for us next.

    Thank you for sharing your studio, please excuse my tardiness in still making the rounds. Your studio really is a place of beautiful imagination, so good to meet you!
    ~Tracie

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  75. Hi,
    Thank you for stopping by my blog the day of the party. My computer is fixed so I'm making my rounds. Your studio is amazing, wow the desk is unique. I've never seen anything like yours. My pictures of mine are finally posted.
    Enjoy your week.
    Debra

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  76. Hello Natasha,
    I have been trying to leave you a comment for some time now and nothing seems to work. trying this again on my husbands computer.
    I love your studio and I really like your medieval desk - but then what else would you expect from someone who loves to play in the 16th century whenever I can.
    I sent you an e-mail over a week ago it might have went into your junk folder though. hope this works - so we can talk more.
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  77. Fantastic jewelry. I hav collection of jewelery but that is not so much beutiful as you have. Can i also but it? I will be thankful to you.

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