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studio spaces used as dumping grounds!!!!!
Submitted by dave morris on Sun, 03/08/2008 - 14:59.
Member 
filled to the brim, 3ft of the deck and never used. sound familier? studio spaces used as a dumping ground taking up valuable work space for those that really need it. question is, is it wrong to kick the culprits out of the space in favour of artists who truly want to get involved and work from a studio?
let me know your thoughts on this one as I'm going to do exactly that...
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Art is essentially
Art is essentially Individual..Indivdually interesting, Individually challenging and Individually engaging! In fact Individuallity Makes the Artist!
"let me know your thoughts on this one as I'm going to do exactly that..."
Dave you asked for our thoughts!
I can't see how you can control what's not yours to control.. Unless they are in brech of contract.. It is their space (bye way of paying rent/lease), their choice to work or store work or both.. If it's their way of working then thats it.. You can't make 'em do anything different.
Have you spoke with the person about your worry, anger or whatever? If it bothers you that much give 'em notice to quit!
That's my thoughts on the matter.
CONTRACT
WELL I SEE THAT CERTAIN FOLK ARE FINDING THIS A BRICK TO THE HEAD. AS FOR MAKING THIS CLEAR IN THE CONTRACT IT STATES THE RELAVANT FACTS RELATING TO TIME SPENT IN THE STUDIO AND USAGE OF SPACE.
A SPACE THAT IS FULL TO THE BRIM BUT CAN STILL BE GAINED ACCESS TO IS STILL CLASSED AS A USABLE SPACE i.e.: A STUDIO.
A SPACE THAT CAN NOT BE GAINED ACCESS TO WITHOUT HAVING TO CLIMB OVER AND REMOVE ITEMS IS IN MY BOOK IS A STORAGE AREA, i.e.: NOT A STUDIO SPACE.
AS FOR ME I HAVE A WONDERFULL CREATIVE SPACE FILLED TO THE BRIM WITH WONDERFULL THINGS, IT IS A WORKSHOP, PRODUCING GREAT WORK , IT’S AN OFFICE, AND MOST OF ALL IT IS A WORKING ENVIROMENT THAT IS UP TO H&S STANDERDS EASY TO GAIN ACCESS IN CASE OF FIRE, ETC.
AND AS FOR CHARGING A LITTLE LESS FOR STORAGE, WELL THAT’S JUST DAFT CHARGE THEM MORE BAD PRACTISE DUDES SEROISLY.
Am I intruding in a private argument here?
Having replied to Hannah's question about how Green Door manage studio space, I'm now thinking I have intruded into a private argument. Capitals don't work for me in this sort of exchange, its tantamount to shouting and the aggressive tone is not conducive to open discussion.
Over and out.
but surely it is less about
but surely it is less about what classes as what in your 'book' and more about what is clearly defined in contractual form? otherwise we could argue till the cows come home about what meant what and where to draw the line.
eg if an artist fills their space to the brim but then comes back to take some things out and put other stuff in, thats still usage right?
as for the below:
AND AS FOR CHARGING A LITTLE LESS FOR STORAGE, WELL THAT’S JUST DAFT CHARGE THEM MORE BAD PRACTISE DUDES SEROISLY.
i simply meant a seperate storage area, if you are so against studios being used as storage, thats nothing to do with practice, its simply an issue of space management.
Surely its a case of working
Surely its a case of working method?
If an artists practice although active, is mainly working site specifically then the best use of the space may well be for storage of art materials and occasional use.
If the studio is still being used to support an artist, and fulfil a need, it is not depriving others.
I think where theres no evidence of actual artistic practise its probably different ballgame- but thats an issue best resolved on allocation of space, ie.provide 4 images of recent work and a Cv.
The other major issue is storage of previous works, for some artists (Rich Webster does well at this)They are able to exhibit their work at various locations consistantly and negate the problem and ocasionally make money! But i think for most, the issue of where to keep work inbetween the shows and sales is a big problem.
In carlisle certainly there is no provision in either studio group for secure art storage.Does Green Door in Kendal provide any?
H
Secure storage
Green Door doesn't provide separate space for storage so artists in the studios have the same dilemma about stashing work within their space whilst retaining sufficient for current practice. The thought of doing miniatures was appealling for a second or two!
Not only is the storage issue an issue for large work but also transport costs to and from exhibitions. At one time my work fitted int he back of a car with the seats down. Then I moved to an improvised roof rack to move 6x5 paintings. As exhibitiing artists we mostly fund ourselves and these costs are rarely met by galleries any more, either public or private.
Small work that fits in a reasonably sized box, work that can be rolled up or is installed directly in the gallery, exhibition venue, clearly have great advantages.
I'm doing work that rolls up at present and either installing or performing direct in the landscape. Its just so much easier as well as much more enjoyable too.
H&S policy and terms of contract perhaps
History proves that not everything should be taken as fact, in many cases a fictional truth exists.
Regarding the reference made, get the facts correct.
Utilising a space as storage which otherwise could be put to a productive use seems daft. Not only are there health and safety implications but also the issue of contract.
A spare bedroom or garage is more adapt for storing STUFF than a studio space.
A working studio has to be working, members have to be on hand to participate within the group and towards the working environment, otherwise call it a day and become an administrator or something.
Actually I could rant on for many reams about this but not in the mood.
All I can say that having been involved with two of the most productive groups in Carlisle for the past 13 years or so, my concerns are grounded within experience not malice.
whilst i can understand that
whilst i can understand that its preferable to have a studio space filled with working artists, this sometimes just doesnt fit into peoples practice. i often find that for my work i need to be at home telephoning people (something i couldnt afford to do from a non landline) or out and about meeting and organising.
however, i still find it essential to have a studio space to escape to, and to spend time occassionally in my own creative space.
BUT i admit that for me a studio space is primarily for storage.
although i am sure it was not meant, as someone who cannot afford a house with either of those luxuries, i frankly find the above comment about using spare rooms or garages for storage completely offensive. storage of work is an issue that needs to be addressed by studio owners/ managers - of course as artists we will store our work in our space, and a lot of the time i face the option of storing in a studio space or binning the work altogether. if there is a problem with that, studio managers should make this clear at the initial agreement of rental, or provide alternative space (at a small additonal cost if necessary).
perhaps this is all just a clash of working practices, but i would say that if an artist contributes to a studio group in other ways, what they do with their own space is their own business.
Art is essentially
Art is essentially Individual..Indivdually interesting, Individually challenging and Individually engaging! In fact Individuallity Makes the Artist!
I agree with Jennifer
"IF" When the studio space was initially let to the person and there was NO specific stipulation in the contract as regards useage and none useage. Then the Art person is within their right to use part or all as storage space. As long as they are paying their rent as well as contributing to the group as they should; as long as there storage is not infringing on others studio space.. Then I can't see a problem!
Dave I got to ask: Have you a need for the space that you feel is under used? Do you have maybe too little space to do your work and would like to take it over? At the end of the day "WE" can't make people live an' work how "WE" do/would like!