The first task of the Creative Studio module, TMA1431, was to read a chapter of a book entitled, The Transdisciplinary Studio by Alex Coles. The chapter takes us through Coles visit to Olafur Eliasson’s studio. This was followed by a talk by Alex Coles and a crit session on the chapter.
The chapter to me gave an intriguing insight into what a large studio environment is like, for example, the layout of the building itself, the types of people and roles that work within it and the type of environment that is fostered in the space. As a graphic designer, the studio becomes one of the most important parts of the creative process and practice.
One concept that I found interesting from the chapter, was the concept of Eliasson having smaller studios, a micro-studio in Copenhagen and a mobile studio that was spoken of as a “camper van with a bubble on top”. The idea of the multiple studios does not intrigue me, this is common for many of the large design studios such as Pentagram and Massimo Vignelli’s studios. However, the concept of the uses for each of the studios, including the largest Berlin studio, is what piqued my interest. Each studio has its own function, they are not simply copies of one another, albeit on varying scales. The most peculiar being the mobile studio. This is where Eliasson goes alone to take pictures of the landscape and to paint, this concept to me feels like an escape for Eliasson. Although a productive escape, this small studio may have become a mindful retreat for him, allowing him to step away from the hustle and bustle of the two studios and its many staff for a while.
This made me reflect on how, through the Covid-19 pandemic, areas of my home have become my own studio, albeit a casual set up. With the process of undertaking the university modules from my home, I have had to adapt part of my home to accommodate this new normal. A desk featuring two storage areas and a middle shelf allows for the storage of books, a plethora of notebooks, sketchbooks and implements to use with these. Atop the desk features a desk light and small house plants. This wouldn't be out of place if not for it being in my kitchen. This micro-studio must not only be a place for learning and creativity but also must not become a hindrance or an eyesore in what is one of the main rooms of the home. Multi-functionality. This multi-functionality can be a blessing and a curse. For example, preparing or grabbing food and drinks between sessions and tasks becomes a time-efficient task with little disruption in my workflow, however, this workflow can often spill over into other rooms of the house such as the neighbouring living room. This often blurs the line between work and leisure, meaning the mind can often struggle to switch off. The micro-studio owned by Eliasson feels much like an attempt to escape, not in the negative sense, but in a sense that allows his mind to stop. To allow for a rather hard line of work and leisure. As designers and artists, our hobbies become our jobs, which is yet again a blessing and a curse. Does the formal studio set up, as described by Alex Coles, provide this separation between home and work? How many of its co-workers head home to work on their own creative projects that are stand-alone from the Eliasson studio projects? How many take the Eliasson work home to their own micro-studio?
References:
Coles, A. 2012.The Transdisciplinary Studio. Berlin: SternbergPress, pp.61-76.
Comments