I love to see the spaces where artists work. This is where ideas are seen at their beginning stages and rough form. I also enjoy observing how artists organize their work and materials. It was with pleasure and envy that I viewed the New York Times' slide show of Walter de Maria's home and studio in New York City. Walter de Maria bought a former electrical substation in the 1980's and transformed it into a home, studio and gallery space. To read more about de Maria who died last July: Artist on a Grand Scale. One of de Maria's most well-known works is a piece called The Lightning Field located in Western New Mexico (art aficionados make pilgrimages to this work on a regular basis). All de Maria's installations and sculptural work have a real clean, minimalist quality that is really reflected in the space he designed for himself to work and live in.

Most of us have less than ideal studio spaces but we find ways to make the space we have work. I have a fairly small space (a small second bedroom) and while sometimes it is frustrating to have so little space to move around, most of the time I am so pleased just to get to the space, that size is my last concern. The way I make my space feel larger than reality, is to make sure I always have one clear surface. I work on a table so before I start any art project, I take a few moments to clear off the surface and freshen things up (sharp pencils, clean water, fresh scrap paper, etc.). Even if I know I am going to be using some of the times on the table, I still take everything off, and then only put on it what I will be using for the project on hand. Its a small thing but it does always make me feel like I have more space. I also have my work table up against a window so I look out on to a courtyard which also gives me a sense of extended space. I do think that studio space has an impact on the kind of work we produce so it is worthwhile to give these spaces some thought and consideration. There is an interesting textbook that deals with the idea of studio space in terms of an artist's practical and conceptual development is  The Studio Reader. And an iconic text on the subject is: The Function of the Studio by Daniel Buren.

For those of you who will be needing some space over the summer, you might want to keep in mind our Summer Studio Residency where you can rent part of a beautiful large classroom space for $150/week (5 days, 9-5pm) or $225/week (7 days, 24 hour access). People who have used the space before have always remarked on how much they get done in a such a short period of time. Space is available from June 23-August 31. Here is a testimonial from an artist who participated in our Summer Studio Residency last year: "What a profound gift to myself it was to let go of everything else for that period of time, and make a commitment to simply immerse myself in art practice. I started out with a week of painting class with Val Nelson which was appropriately called 'Painting Jumpstart', and carried on for two more weeks extending the learning, playing and also revelling in the environment, hobnobbing and connecting with colleagues in art. Pure joy! VISA feels like home away from home to me. It was a very satisfying option for me in a year when I was unable to commit to any classes during term time." Diane Lade