Monday, January 10, 2011

Fitting Everything into a Small Studio


My studio is definitely a one-person space. It is a 10ftx12ft structure where I do everything, from wedging to trimming and from glazing to firing. When I bought the pugmill recently, I was worried about where I was going to put it. I am very happy to report that I rearranged a few things and managed to find a place for my new pugmill while, in the process, ending up with a better throwing set-up than the one I had! 

Kiln
So, this is how things work in my tiny studio. Every available wall surface has shelves to hold everything, from pieces in various stages of drying or waiting to be glazed, to towels, to underglazes and molds. The kiln sits at the back of the studio with clearance from the walls as required, but I did put a metal shelf behind to hold kiln furniture. A space heater sits behind the kiln, keeping the studio nice and warm and I have a second back-up heater for very cold days (like recently!).

Also at the back of the studio but on the left side, are the glaze buckets and a table that holds the pugmill. The pugmill sits against the back wall and under a shelf when not in use. When I'm going to use it, I move it so it sits diagonally across the table (see photo from posting on Jan 8). 

On the left wall by the front and under the window, I have a 6 ft carpenter's table. I have a mini slab roller on the table with a sturdy piece of wood on top to serve as additional table space when the slab roller is not in use. Behind the slab roller is a belt grinder that only comes out when needed. I love my window because it lets in so much sunlight! It's also where the air conditioner window unit goes in the summer!

On the right side of the space I have the wheel and 2 tables sitting in front of the kiln. Originally I had the wheel and a low shelf next to it for my throwing tools. Now I also have the wedging table to the right of the wheel and another table to the left. Instead of a stool, I use a folding step ladder with a cushion, which can be folded up and moved out of the way.

Slab roller
I have a deck in front of the studio so that, on nice days I can throw open the doors and increase the size of my work space. Picnic tables on the deck allow me to set work down to dry and do my glazing there. We've run a hose from the house around the back of the building and connected it to an old sink by the side of the studio so I don't have to go into the house when I need water (except in winter when I do get warm water from the house).
Love my window!



3 comments:

ShabbyNChic said...

I love that you shared this! I really enjoy seeing artists' workspaces.

Jacqueline Allard said...

Love seeing your workspace. I am green with envy over your pugmill.

Andi said...

I love your studio too...it's SO you! :)