Early days in the print studio at KALA were all about familiarising myself with the lovely staff members, observing how the studio works and getting to know some of the fellow artists in residence and printmakers that use KALA regularly as part of their practice. The studio is an extension of many of the artists’ studios, arriving with specific objectives to achieve in the day, or night (the studio is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week). Over the past month, I have used the studio at different times of the day and night, with the flexibility of being able to get access without regular time restrictions (except if I need technical support), it has meant that I am able to go and explore an idea or test out a process at the drop of a hat. This is something I am unused to, from my experience of print studios in the UK. The fact that as a key holder at KALA you are trusted to use the studio at your own discretion, at whatever hours suit you best has been hugely freeing to me creatively.
I often find, like many other artists, that I work best in the afternoons and evenings, leaving the mornings free. The early evening light, here in the Bay area totally captivates me. The light in the studio, which is both east and west facing, floods into the space, illuminating everything in its golden glow. This, for me, is the best time to be in the studio. Most printmakers seem to leave between 5 – 7pm, leaving behind only a few artists working the late shift. I find I can focus more and have better productivity when it is quieter in the space. This has meant that my daily routine has had to adapt to accommodate working later. When leaving the studio, often around 11pm, I fall asleep processing the days’ work, contemplating the following days’ plan.
