Home Studio of Artist Michelle Andres
Creative spaces are sacred.
Each time I enter a fellow artist’s creative space, I feel honored for the privilege of being there. Studios seem to hold concentrated energy – the very vibrations the artist, the ones he or she uses to create their work.
As I wrote poetry at the river this week, I realized the importance of the space where we create. It doesn’t have to be a high rent studio, certainly we know this because the creative energy flows through us…but there is a definite exchange…a way we use inspiration…it’s like the air we breathe.
At the river I pulled inspiration from the sunshine, the resting geese, the gentle flow of the river and the rustling of the breeze through the trees. These things informed my poetry, inspired my muse. At that time, the river was my studio, my sacred space.
Iceland Studio of Artist Victoria Veedell
An artist friend is enjoying an art residency in Iceland this month. It’s been raining the last few days, so she’s sequestered in her sacred space, exploring ideas, fleshing them out. When weather permits, she pulls inspiration from the landscape. It seems to be working quite well for her. You can follow her experience here.
It takes intention to open a place in your heart to create this type of breathing- space, Our world can get noisy and busy and we frantically try to keep our heads above water…but, it’s important to learn to tread water and take in the surroundings. Just like the transition between seasons, our creative lives have rhythm. It’s important to honor the cadence of our lives. (Click to tweet). One of my mentors once suggested a “Self-Imposed Residency.” I was working on a project and she suggested I find a place I didn’t always spend my time and dedicate that place to the practice of the project. The idea was to set times and days to be there – no exceptions – and show up until the project was complete. We could all do that.
[Tweet “When we intentionally dedicate a space, it can easily become a sacred place of creation.”]
I’ve found many sacred spaces to work. These include my studio, the river, even my kitchen table. I’d love to hear about your experience, learn of the places you find inspiring, hear stories of the sacred spaces you’ve entered, or created. Please feel free to share and have a blessed and abundant week of creating to come.
Learn more about Victoria Veedell’s atmospheric paintings, visit her website.
Be Inspired,
Michelle Andres is a writer and artist who cultivates her own Well Lived Life by drinking in the beauty around 
her, following her passion, respecting others and doing her best to own her own dookie.
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9 Comments
October 17, 2016 at 8:48 am
Thank you Michelle for showing my studio set up in Iceland. I started painting on my second day of the residency. However, tt took me a couple of days to figure out the best position for my easel and palette. I kept moving everything around sort of like a dog circling in their bed before they finally lie down. It was a challenge the first few days to feel comfortable painting in an open space with other artists. Everyone is respectful of everyone else’s space. With the help of earbuds and beautiful source material I’ve been painting non-stop! xo Victoria
October 17, 2016 at 10:56 pm
I’m so glad to hear this, Victoria. It can take a while to settle in – but it looks like you’re quite settled now and being super productive. Can’t wait to see what transpires! 🙂
October 17, 2016 at 2:29 pm
When I get home next month I am planning to re-do my space, which is totally NOT sacred and a mess. Good points here.
October 17, 2016 at 10:55 pm
Oh, Carol….I hear opportunity knocking. I hope you are able to create a place you thrive in and love! ~m
October 17, 2016 at 10:03 pm
This is true. My studio space is SACRED. I don’t wish to invite strangers, as I have become aware in the 50 years in this planet, that I absorb the energy vibes of others, be they positive or negative, like a sponge. It influences everything I create. So, to stay true to my vision, my studio is a “clean room” if you will. Where only entities whose energy I can trust are allowed.
October 17, 2016 at 10:54 pm
Helena, I completely understand. I don’t know where I’d be without a smudge stick! We do need to protect our special spaces and honor those of others when they open them to us. Thank you so much for your comment.
October 18, 2016 at 9:15 pm
You make some very good points here, Michelle. I have a project that I would like to dedicate some time to this next month, so I will consider giving it a special place. What a great idea!
October 18, 2016 at 11:14 pm
That’s a timely experiment, Amy. Let me know how it goes! Wishing you lots of success! ~m
October 31, 2016 at 3:44 am
I like the term you used, ‘Sacred Space’. I have heard so much about Feng Shui and how it affects how we work in our space, it fascinates me. I try to not get too caught up in the details though and just make sure it FEELS good.
Such lovely photos you shared here. Inspirational.