An Artist’s Perspective: Insights from the Easel

### The Creative Sanctuaries: Reflections From Artists on Their Studios and Practices

The artist’s studio is more than just a physical workspace; it is an intimate haven where ideas converge, techniques evolve, and creativity takes on physical form. For many artists, their studio is akin to a sanctuary—a personal laboratory for experimentation, inspiration, and sustained productivity. This article delves into the realities, challenges, and joys of working in these creative sanctuaries, as described by two unique artists who have shared insights into their artistic processes and studio lives.

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#### **A Printmaker’s Oasis: Finding Community and Inspiration in El Paso**
Nestled in the vibrant Sun City, a printmaker has transformed their workspace into a hub of creativity and collaboration. With seven years of devoted work in the same studio, this artist’s practice reflects an enduring love for the medium of printmaking and its inclusive, communal spirit.

**Daily Rhythms:**
Their studio schedule is tightly interwoven with a teaching career. As a non-tenured professor of instruction at the University of Texas at El Paso, they set aside Fridays through Sundays or any available moments to immerse themselves in their art. The choice of music provides a soundtrack to their work—blues, big band, and jazz accompany brainstorming and creative ideation, while rock ‘n’ roll energizes the printing process.

**The Power of Environment:**
The studio is adorned with prints from collaborations and donations, turning the walls into a living gallery of artistic exchanges. This collection fuels creativity while celebrating camaraderie among printmakers. The artist describes the atmosphere as welcoming, reflecting their wish to create a space where the practice of making prints can thrive.

**Fostering Artistic Collaboration:**
Their engagement with the world extends far beyond the studio walls. Open print calls and non-juried print exchanges offer opportunities for emerging and seasoned printmakers alike to showcase their work. By encouraging international artists to participate in these events, the artist emphasizes the importance of sustaining and evolving the historic practice of hand-pulled prints.

**Dreams for the Future:**
Though the studio holds a special place in their heart, the artist envisions owning a larger space with a guest house to host artists from around the world for workshops and residencies. This aspirational dream underscores their commitment to building a global community of printmakers.

**Favorite Museological Space:**
Locally, the El Paso Museum of Art remains a cherished institution. The artist also eagerly anticipates the opening of the Mexican American Cultural Center, which promises to further enrich El Paso’s cultural landscape.

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#### **Home as Studio: The Life of a Painter in Washington, D.C.**
For another artist, their studio resides within the comfort of their home, perfectly blending everyday life with their creative practice. With two decades of studio experience, this painter has found a cozy yet inspiring workspace that accommodates their artistic needs.

**Morning Rituals:**
Their creative day begins before the rest of the household awakens, making the early morning hours a cherished time for artistic focus. A strong cup of dark roast coffee and sugar crescent cookies set the tone for the session. Unlike multitasking or dividing attention among projects, their approach is to concentrate on one painting at a time—fully immersing themselves in the process until it feels complete.

**Comfort and Convenience:**
This home-studio arrangement offers a sense of tranquility and accessibility. With materials always within reach—especially coffee—the artist finds joy in a reliable and efficient setup. Their studio is a reflection of their personal world, filled with tools that enable uninterrupted immersion in their craft.

**Community Interactions:**
Beyond the studio, the artist is actively involved in art education and local cultural events. Teaching painting and drawing classes to adults allows them not only to share their expertise but also to foster connections within the local art community. Juror roles in competitions, particularly youth-oriented ones, have offered them further opportunities to contribute to the development of emerging artists.

**Studio Wishes:**
Although the artist appreciates their current setup, they yearn for a larger space—a desire for room to dream bigger and create more freely. Yet they express gratitude for what they have, acknowledging that their studio already serves as an escape where ideas can flourish and take form.

**Museums as Inspiration:**
Living in the Washington, D.C. area, the artist often visits the National Gallery of Art, which remains a favorite destination. This connection to art history and global artistic heritage provides them with both personal and professional inspiration. A former employee of the museum, they fondly recall sketching sculptures during lunch breaks—working among masterpieces like Edgar Degas’s *Little Dancer of Fourteen Years*.

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#### **Materials, Mediums, and Techniques: A Shared Passion**

The tools of the trade hold a special significance for both artists. The printmaker treasures the technique of stone lithography, appreciating the directness and versatility of drawing on a smooth stone surface. They view the method