Taking Up Space
This post was originally published in Upward Magazine’s Spring/Summer 2024 edition.
My studio is the first place I’ve ever had to just create. It’s in our spare bedroom, but you won’t find a bed. Just my art table, tons of art supplies, and door that closes. Here, I am a graphic illustrator, lettering artist, and educator based in Portland, Oregon.
Me in my home-based art studio, 2024.
Art is a second career for me; I was a project manager for 20 years before going back to school to study painting and illustration. I gravitated to ink and watercolor because they are liquid and unpredictable. These qualities balance my own proclivities for perfection and predictability.
My favorite feature of my studio is the shelves, which my dad built for me before he passed away. I now have jars full of pens, pencils, brushes and calligraphy supplies at arm’s reach. I use these interchangeably as I work. I also keep ink and a palette of watercolors handy on my table.
My epic art supply wall my Dad built for me before he passed away last year.
When I began art school in my mid-40’s, I made art on a small table in the corner of our dark basement. It was cold, had no windows, and plenty of spiders.
Being in the main space of our home feels like my art is worthy of taking up space.
I now teach calligraphy and watercolor to other adults, many of whom are also older women. I encourage them to take up space too, both with their art and with their voices.
Painting with watercolor in my studio…. not in the basement!
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