Where do you create? Do you have an elaborately planned out room or a little corner set aside just for you? Maybe all you need is a clear spot at the kitchen or dining room table.
This series explores the endless ways people create and where they find the space to do it. If you know my creative philosophy, you know that I believe we’re all creative beings whether we think we are or not. I also believe that you don’t need a studio or a dedicated room in order to reap the wonderful benefits of creativity. So, let’s start exploring, shall we?
The Artist
Today we’re visiting a very special studio. Tracy Nuskey-Dodson, of The Vintage Sister Studio, just happens to be my sister and she just happened to invite me over one cold Winter night to hang out in her studio. Tracy is a seasoned mixed media artist as well as an avid crafter. Like me, she comes from a long line of creative women. You can read more about that on my About Us page.
The Inspiration
Visiting someone else’s creative space can be a wonderful experience. If you’re already a fan of their work, you obtain a behind the scenes glimpse into their process, their materials, and even who or what inspires them.
If you’re not familiar with their work, you can learn quite a bit about an artist just by looking around their space. For example, Tracy’s love of Willy Wonka, Halloween, and polka dots is abundantly evident as you take in the surroundings.
Not to mention, you’ll also notice a photo of her late Grandmother, Kathryn Marshall, peering at you from the wall. Kathryn was a beautifully creative woman who inspires us both. The picture of her wearing the rose-tinted rhinestone glasses and hot pink boa was her at her 100th Birthday party.
We like to think that she’s proud of both of us for exploring our creativity. She was really fond of counted cross stitch, crochet, knitting, and sewing.
The Ambiance
Tracy was fortunate enough to have a small unused dining area in her home that was walled off into her own private art studio. The walls are painted a pale pink and are adorned with several pieces artwork: some of her own art as well as several fellow artists. There are French doors on either side to allow light from either side of her home into her studio. It’s small, but comforting and cozy.
The Materials
Prior to having her own private getaway, she was able to make do with whatever space she had in her 1 bedroom apartment she shared with her husband and first son. Now, she gets to spread out and access all her supplies. Whether it’s a turn style full of colorful acrylic paints, shelves of lovely patterned scrapbook paper, clear bins with miscellaneous bits and bobs peeking out, or a thrifted basket brimming with loads of yarn.
The Workspace
An oval-shaped punch needled rug sits on an ample sized table and is frequently occupied by Violet, her sweet black cat. Tracy’s workspace is covered with thick paper stained and marked with so many beautiful colors that it’s a work of art by itself. A movie or TV show is usually streaming in the background as she paints or works on a new needle punch project.
As a lover of vintage and thrifting, her studio is filled with treasures from long ago. Tracy uses vintage head vases to hold her many paint brushes, which look oh so elegant! Old metal trays, painted with flowers, help to organize other containers of scissors and the like.
We sat there for a long while laughing and talking about the many things sisters talk about while Violet, the black cat, repeatedly headbutted me for loads of affection. I no longer have a cat to snuggle up with, so her advances were a much welcomed treat. That is, until she started to pluck at my laptop case with her sharp claws. Then, mom had to step in for fear she’d cause some real damage.
Quirky Personal Touches
When Tracy left the room to cut the brownies she baked for us, I took a couple minutes to look around, admiring my personal favorite things in her studio. One of them was this funny little cut out of Mr. Rogers, peeking out from behind a hand-painted mask. Tracy and I grew up in the 70s, so Mr. Rogers was a huge staple in our childhood.
Sustainable Materials
Lately, Tracy’s been contemplating a refresh on her space. To make room, she spends her time re-organizing her supplies, purging old pieces of her artwork, and using up forgotten, unused materials. She has been finding joy in using items she thrifted from various local establishments. For example, a thrifted milk glass teacup is the perfect vessel for this adorable mushroom piece! Did I say Tracy loves polka dots?
I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into Tracy Nuskey-Dodson’s cozy little studio! If you have the chance to see where someone else creates, take some time to look around. Find out what makes them tick. What inspires them? How do they use their materials? What got them started in their craft? You might just learn something new!
Create Where You Are
No matter where you currently create, your space is likely to change and evolve over time. You might feel stuck in a tiny corner, but don’t stop dreaming about what your future craft space might look like. The important thing is that you don’t lever let your space limit your creativity. Create where you are, because you deserve it. You deserve to take that time for yourself, to slow down ,and reap the benefits of creativity.
As always, Stay Cozy!
Mandy
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