'Take a look at a writer's home,and you might get a glimpse inside their mind'.
I read these words once, and wondered if I could apply it to myself. My home is neat and tidy, my studio is a 'flood of disorder', as Jean cocteau once described one of his residences.
My studio was once an old coal shed. I had it lined with wood, and installed electricity and cold running water. The reality of having a wood burning stove did not live up to the romantic idea of going in each morning and stoking a fire, so now I have a heater timed to make my arrival a warm and welcome one.
It's a haven and an office. My little world, which I cram with 'stuff' to inspire and make me happy.
People rarely get to step inside, I have never done an open studio before. Those who have come in, suddenly go quiet, and just stand there looking......... and because it is my place of work, and it's probably a bit overwhelming, I don't get asked to justify anything on display. And then they leave, and don't say a word, and I choose not to probe or question. After all, what can you say when you've just been hit with visual overload.
When my niece, Millie, visits, she insists on sitting next to me and painting while I work, sometimes offering to improve on my colours or drawing. Or she just points and asks to examine things.
Which makes me think, that's probably what some other visitors would love to do.
So on your way out, you might spot mole holding up my books. He's the cuddly toy creation from my 'mole' series of books.
If you're interested in seeing the books I have illustrated in my studio, here are some links:
Walker Books
amazon uk
Images of Delight
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'Take a look at a writer's home,and you might get a glimpse inside their mind'.
I read these words once, and wondered if I could apply it to myself. My home is neat and tidy, my studio is a 'flood of disorder', as Jean cocteau once described one of his residences.
My studio was once an old coal shed. I had it lined with wood, and installed electricity and cold running water. The reality of having a wood burning stove did not live up to the romantic idea of going in each morning and stoking a fire, so now I have a heater timed to make my arrival a warm and welcome one.
It's a haven and an office. My little world, which I cram with 'stuff' to inspire and make me happy.
People rarely get to step inside, I have never done an open studio before. Those who have come in, suddenly go quiet, and just stand there looking......... and because it is my place of work, and it's probably a bit overwhelming, I don't get asked to justify anything on display. And then they leave, and don't say a word, and I choose not to probe or question. After all, what can you say when you've just been hit with visual overload.
When my niece, Millie, visits, she insists on sitting next to me and painting while I work, sometimes offering to improve on my colours or drawing. Or she just points and asks to examine things.
Which makes me think, that's probably what some other visitors would love to do.
So on your way out, you might spot mole holding up my books. He's the cuddly toy creation from my 'mole' series of books.
If you're interested in seeing the books I have illustrated in my studio, here are some links:
Walker Books
amazon uk
Images of Delight
It looks absolutely perfect to me, I'm not surprised it makes you happy, I don't think I'd ever want to come out.
I know my little niece has Dear Santa (I shall pay special attention next time I read it to her!)
Posted by: Tracy | November 09, 2007 at 10:48 AM
Oh you lucky lucky lucky thing! Your studio looks like a little slice of heaven to me, its absolutely fabulous! True, it does look a weeeeny bit chaotic but oh so inspiring and happy too, I would SO much love to have a studio space of my own. In fact I confess I am a little envious here, trying not to be too green lol!
And as for your illustrations, wow, they are amazing, what talent you have. I vividly remember reading "no place like home" to my children (age 3 and 5) who chose it from the library just a few months ago, in fact I have to say that me and my husband enjoyed it as much as the children.
I am loving your blog Vanessa, its a daily treat for me to log in and see whats next, thanks for keeping it up :)
Lucy
xxx
Posted by: Lucy | November 09, 2007 at 11:57 AM
Thank you for that peek into your world. My children are too old to have read your books but I adore children's picture books and try to keep in touch with new publications. I shall keep my eye open for your books when I am in the bookshop tomorrow.
Posted by: Alice C | November 09, 2007 at 12:46 PM
It's a beautiful studio! My sewing room/yarnorium looks like a bomb went off in it. Personally, I'm suspicious if someone's work space is too neat. :)
Jen
Posted by: Jen | November 09, 2007 at 02:13 PM
What a lovely studio. I would like to come and nosey through it!! Your illustrations are great. I read some of those books to my child.
Posted by: Lin | November 09, 2007 at 05:07 PM
WHAT A LOVELY "PLAY ROOM"...
PERFECT IN EVERY WAY...
WE CANT HIDE OUR TRUE SELVES,
WHEN WE HAVE A SPACE OF OUR OWN...
I LOVE YOUR COLLECTION OF CHINA...
THE PHOTOS OF YOUR SPACE ARE LOVELY
I REALLY LIKE THE ONE OF THE BERRIES,
AND THE SHADOWS THEY HAVE MADE ...10/10
Posted by: RI | November 09, 2007 at 05:17 PM
Thank you. I love having a peek into people's spaces. Although "busy" it does look very pretty. How come I manage the busy without the pretty?!
Posted by: Tricia Garrett | November 09, 2007 at 05:25 PM
what a lovely studio, and your illustrations are great, we have a few of the books, but not the mole ones which look great, love the one holding up your books!
Posted by: driftwood | November 09, 2007 at 05:52 PM
What a lovely place..thank you for letting us take a peek, are those penguin mugs I spy? I have some the same. I have a copy of Bringing Down the Moon now off to see the Dear Father Christmas book.
Posted by: Bee | November 09, 2007 at 11:11 PM
I totally missed this post as you have two pages one month - dur!!
anyway this is such a dream of a studio, I absolutely love it! the perfect combo of stylish, messy, organised and just...pretty!
Love S x
Posted by: Sarah | February 04, 2008 at 08:39 PM