Q and A with Opus . . . .

What is the art studio? Some might see it solely as the place an artist reflects, researches, stores and produces material, but the potential of the space doesn’t need to end there. No matter how big or small it may be, our working environment can be more than an area of inspiration and making - it can be the site where we propel our creative endeavours to the next level. With a bit of ingenuity, there are many ways an artist can adapt the studio to make it commercially viable. Three BC artists with three different approaches provide insight into the role of the studio, describing their own experiences and offering professional tips to those looking to draw more from their ‘imagination laboratory’. 

For you, what role does the studio play in creative entrepreneurship?

As much as I may not like admitting it, I have become defined by my work over the years, and my studio is an integral part of my identity – certainly my second home – and often my first. It is a giant creative playground, and in many ways has become a hub for the creative community. At 2800 square feet on two levels, the studio runs as a 21st century atelier – daily painting and drawing classes for all levels of ability, weekly workshops and the production of gallery work and commissions. The studio is a creative beehive and over the past 13 years has grown from a traditional studio where I produced work for the galleries, to a creative space servicing over 1000 student artists and aspiring professionals. My studio didn’t start out as anything entrepreneurial as such – it’s really become that way as a means to continue to support the creative community in a very large studio in one of the world’s priciest cities. The shift in the retail end of the fine arts market, coupled with a general trend towards self-representation, created the need for a large space to hold a collection of (currently) 150 paintings, and resulted in the studio functioning as a walk in gallery.  The studio has allowed me to create a stream of income from multiple sources which has ensured continued growth - an income from the sale of the work alone has always been a bit of a terrifying prospect

How do you create a unique sense of place from your working environment?

My studio is an extension of myself and is home to my various eclectic interests (and a place to hide my covert antique purchases from my wife). There is always something new in here, and it often looks as much museum as studio. The eclectic nature of the studio and the hive of activity creates a very unique environment – a traditional studio in very many respects, it is also very non traditional - in that, for many it is not just a place to learn and grow, but also a place to find a sense of community and social connection. 

 The work on the walls is also varied as my creative interests swing between still life, figurative and landscape – still life and figurative created with more traditional influence, and landscapes a little more contemporary.  Painting varied subjects keeps me from boring myself to death creatively, and provides the range that I need to answer my students’ varied creative interests.

In what way does business inform your art and vice versa? 

IAs I have never relied solely on the sale of the work to make a living, I have not paid a great deal of attention to the demands of the market or current whims and fancies – I really just paint whatever interests me in the moment, and I paint with the expectation of selling sometime in the next 5 years rather than the next few weeks (bring back the glorious ‘90’s!).

Do you have any tips on how to monetize small creative spaces, especially at home?

Become as social media savvy as possible (I absolutely am not!) paint small and ‘affordable’ – your sweet spot will be between $300 and $$800. Remember that building a career (whatever that means to you) is a slow burn and a very long game – just keep pulling on that string and it will happen. Paint from your heart, and paint what moves you- but don’t completely lose sight of what people want. Be true to yourself, but be smart about what you choose to paint. The anti-aesthetic movement won’t do much to float you financially. You can indulge your inner Dadaist when everything else is fed and watered. Keep your overheads low – painting in small spaces – from home – will do that. My first 70 paintings were painted from a spare bedroom studio, with one kid on my hip and one attempting to ‘finish’ my paintings – this was trench warfare. My paintings may have gone up in price but so have my overheads – and my kids have grown up – that has been helpful.

Don’t make galleries and representation your main focus. Focus on small commissions and community based shows and exhibitions. I have the privilege of being the head of the largest organization for the arts in Canada. I see novice artists rise to professional level success all the time. Get involved with arts organizations that offer opportunity for exhibiting your work. They will support you tirelessly – your involvement and success will be reciprocated 10 fold. If you are working at your craft with commitment and integrity and you just keep on keeping on, you are definitely going to meet your end game, and your arts community will be behind you 100%.

In short – the market has changed a great deal since I went professional in the mid ‘90’s. Today you need to push your own barrow – market yourself. You have the tools to do it – they weren’t around in the 90’s. We relied on the brick and mortar galleries and they aren’t doing so well now-days – the industry has changed along with the rest of the world, so we need to be as media savvy as possible. The opportunities are boundless, but you need to know where to look for them. Get involved with your local arts community and leave no stone unturned. Find a mentor – most successful people love to share their success, and love to share their knowledge – I do this every day and it is without any doubt the most satisfying part of my job.