Welcome to the Latest Edition of A View From the Easel
Welcome to the latest edition of A View From the Easel, where artists share insights into their creative spaces. In this installment, artists find inspiration in nature, build community, and reflect on the impact of their surroundings on their work.
Jen Parrish, Hilltown Arts Alliance Member from Massachusetts
How long have you been working in this space?
For seven years, I have been creating handmade jewelry in my converted garage studio.
Describe an average day in your studio.
I spend my afternoons to evenings crafting jewelry in small batches while immersing myself in music or podcasts. The natural surroundings, including the sounds of birds and the nearby stream, provide a serene backdrop for my creative process.
How does the space affect your work?
My studio, surrounded by nature, inspires me to be eco-friendly in my art practice. The materials I use, such as recycled bronze and stained glass shards, reflect my commitment to sustainability.
How do you interact with the environment outside your studio?
As a member of Hilltown Arts Alliance, I engage with the rural artist community and participate in events like the Open Studio Tour. The natural beauty of my surroundings, with hemlock forests and a nearby stream, influences my work.
What do you love about your studio?
I appreciate the separate areas for working with metal and glass, as well as the gallery space I created from a small closet. Surrounded by nature, thrift store finds, and greenery, my studio provides a peaceful and inspiring environment.
What do you wish were different?
I wish I had running water and plumbing in my studio space.
What is your favorite local museum?
While not very local, I enjoy visiting the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston for inspiration and solace.
What is your favorite art material to work with?
I love working with discarded stained glass shards, recycled metals, and collected ephemera to create unique pieces of jewelry.
Sally Eckhoff, Stuyvesant Falls, New York
How long have you been working in this space?
For twenty-six years, I have been creating art and animation in my unique studio.
Describe an average day in your studio.
My studio serves as a space for both art creation and animation work. I immerse myself in music, coffee, and beer, drawing inspiration from the natural surroundings and the sky outside my window.
How does the space affect your work?
The high ceilings and western light of my studio motivate me to spend evenings creating art. Despite the view of rooftops, the studio’s atmosphere fosters creativity and inspiration.
How do you interact with the environment outside your studio?
Engaging with fellow artists and community members, I find inspiration in the diverse range of creatives in my building. I also volunteer at a therapeutic riding center, connecting with people and animals with disabilities.
What do you love about your studio?
I love the freedom and creativity my studio provides, as well as the relationships I have built with fellow artists over the years.
What do you wish were different?
I wish for better insulation, newer windows, and an improved heating system in my studio space.
What is your favorite local museum?
The Bruce Museum is a favorite local museum for its diverse range of exhibits and inspiration.
What is your favorite art material to work with?
I enjoy working with Palomino Blackwing pencils and high-quality oil paint, drawing on a family history of paint manufacturing for inspiration.
Tim Eaton, Stamford, Connecticut
How long have you been working in this space?
With over 10 years of experience, I use my studio for both art creation and furniture restoration.
Describe an average day in your studio.
My studio serves as a sandbox for creativity, allowing me to switch between traditional and contemporary art styles. I draw inspiration from the high ceilings and western light, spending evenings creating art.
How does the space affect your work?
The studio’s atmosphere motivates me to spend time creating art, drawing inspiration from the natural light and surroundings. Despite some challenges with the building’s infrastructure, I find solace and creativity in my workspace.
How do you interact with the environment outside your studio?
Being part of a designer district, I engage with fellow artists, photographers, and designers in the building. The vibrant creative community inspires and motivates me in my work.
What do you love about your studio?
I appreciate the spacious and versatile nature of my studio, allowing me to explore different art styles and projects while being part of a thriving creative community.
What do you wish were different?
I wish for better insulation, newer windows, and an improved heating system in my studio space.
What is your favorite local museum?
I enjoy visiting the Bruce Museum for its diverse range of exhibits and inspiration.
What is your favorite art material to work with?
I find joy in working with Palomino Blackwing pencils and high-quality oil paint, drawing on a family history of paint manufacturing for inspiration.
