Day 5: Contribute.to
On the fifth day, the nine artists reflected on their working environments and the idea of space, answering the questions, 'Where do you create your work' and, 'Are there specific conditions you need to work within?'
On the fifth day, the nine artists reflected on their working environments and the idea of space, answering the questions, 'Where do you create your work' and, 'Are there specific conditions you need to work within?'
Britt Lloyd contribute.to/brittlloyd
I have a small but beautiful daylight studio which I am at peace in. It enables me to take photos every day and be surrounded by my work. I have a passion and love for simple daylight.
Drag Syndrome contribute.to/dragsyndrome
We are always looking to work with open-minded, kind and creatively generous artists as the members of our collective all have learning disabilities and are sensitive to bad egos and aggression. We've worked in different conditions from small and stinky venues to state-of-the-art huge venues. We like to experience all kinds of conditions to allow the creative juices to flow, and to be creatively flexible.
Fecal Matter contribute.to/fecalmatter
We create at home and the main thing we need is a minimalist and clean space in order to not get distracted while creating chaos.
Joseph Häxan contribute.to/josephhaxan
I create work outdoors, but spend a lot of time digitally compositing and shooting in my home studio as well. I work pretty exclusively at night. There's something about the quiet and calm of night that is very conducive to high focus and work, for me. I also love being outside at night, and operating in nature like you do in the privacy of your own bedroom. There's something very natural and alluring about that to me, but it's a kind of confidence I've built up over the years. I often get to see interesting insects and wild animals when I'm out in the evening, which is a big motivating factor for me to get outside. I'm a big fan of animals and love working with them in my photographs.
Metta Modernist contribute.to/mettamodernist
My work requires intimacy with myself and my surroundings, however it also requires a stream of chaos and consciousness. There’s music playing loudly, interviews from artists I’m inspired by, movies, drugs, nature, and us sitting in the centre of it, soaking up all the information coming at us from every direction at once, and redistributing/redefining the input to output.
Mimi Haddon contribute.to/mimihaddon
I consider The Palace to be a sacred location and am fortunate to have access to the collection on the weekends, thanks to the vision and generosity of the owner, Melody. It is a private collection, open only to costume designers working in the film and television industry. I work with the dancers there, where we forage the massive inventory for pieces that speak to them. I will often ask my collaborator if they have an archetype, favorite film or color, for instance, that they want to explore. The clothing is seductive and the stories are pieced together through the selection and compilation of these items. I learn so much about the dancers who help to create the characters. It is a beautiful expression - a true collaboration between the spirits of The Palace, myself and the dancer. It is what makes this project so special. I feel so fortunate to witness the moments of mystery that transpire before my eyes. My camera is the way in which I pay homage to that moment. Perhaps so that I can put the pieces of the puzzle together later, as everything happens so quickly. My Palace Studio is the outside wall of the building. I only work during daylight hours. There are two different walls that I work with, depending on the light. On the main wall, I use a ring flash mixed with daylight, and on the other wall, I prefer natural light. I love the breeze that often whispers through the alleyway, animating a feather or fringe. And there is a crow who sits atop a telephone poll and clicks at us while we are shooting. The natural elements in the midst of the city are an added layer of beauty to the work.
Ozabu contribute.to/ozabu
I draw in the countryside of Japan. My work derives a lot of inspiration from nature, and living in abundant nature is very important to me.
Shalva Nikvashvili contribute.to/shalva
My atelier is my 'holy' place. I call it my 'hell paradise' because it’s always messy and those are the working conditions I need. Clean spaces make me nervous and uninspired.
Sinéad O’Dwyer contribute.to/sineadodwyer
I work in my studio in Wood Green. I need time without distractions to really focus, which is something I have seldom of so I really try and take advantage of it when I do. I also really work best with a strict deadline. And of course I need my tools!
