Welcome to the 261st installment of A View From the Easel, a series in which artists reflect on their workspace. This week, artists toggle between graphic design, painting, and tattooing, and savor the power of sunlight filtered through a studio window.
Want to take part? Check out our submission guidelines and share a bit about your studio with us through this form! All mediums and workspaces are welcome, including your home studio.
Pamela Gonzalez, Miami, Florida
How long have you been working in this space?
One and a half years.
Describe an average day in your studio.
My day begins softly, around 9am or 10am, fulfilling my responsibilities as a graphic designer for a contemporary art museum. I juggle several projects throughout the week and incorporate a couple of evening tattoo appointments for close friends. I utilize this space fluidly, allowing for versatility between my digital work and more traditional creative practices; painting, drawing, collage, tattooing. I fluctuate between listening to podcasts and watching movies, shows, or YouTube. I’m currently binging Six Feet Under!
How does the space affect your work?
It allows for complete freedom to dive into whatever I’m feeling in that moment. Before renovating it, I knew how important natural light would be for me. I chose a window size large enough for the day’s light to completely take over. Experiencing the light shifts throughout the day allows me to feel connected with the outside world while I’m working or creating.
How do you interact with the environment outside your studio?
Because it’s a home studio, I’m able to see directly into our side yard. It makes me feel more connected to our home and what we’ve built together. Outside of this, there’s definitely an art community. It’s gotten pretty large-scale and impactful in Miami, but lately, I prefer more intimate settings. I’ve started a small series hosted at my house called Art Club, where I have some friends over for different activities with wine and snacks!
What do you love about your studio?
It’s completely homegrown, custom, and my own! It was an unfinished garage storage before I designed the space and had it renovated. Each aspect of it is intentional and curated to reflect my style sensibilities. I was also fortunate enough to hire an insanely talented artist friend, who works as Haste Works, to design custom furniture for the space. They created the wood shelving wall, seating bench, and modular table. These pieces have completely defined the space.
What do you wish were different?
It’s pretty perfect to me!
What is your favorite art material to work with?
Gouache, collage, tattooing!
Massiel Mafes, The Bronx, New York
How long have you been working in this space?
I recently moved to my new home studio in The Bronx, but before this transition, I maintained a home studio on the Upper East Side since 2022.
Describe an average day in your studio.
I prefer to work in the mornings and continue until late afternoon to maintain a routine. My process is very methodical; I focus on one piece at a time and set deadlines for when each step should be completed before moving on to the next phase. However, recently, I’ve been working on four pieces simultaneously, and so far, it’s been enjoyable.
How does the space affect your work?
Having a home studio has taught me to make the most of my resources and stay organized with all my materials in a limited space. Two key elements are essential for me: natural lighting and a decent-sized wall where I can pin up my works and make compositional decisions.
How do you interact with the environment outside your studio?
I often take walks in my neighborhood and observe the landscape around me, which helps me find new ideas for my work.
What do you love about your studio?
I set up a home studio a few years ago primarily to avoid the long commute. I love that I can easily get to my studio. This allows me to work long hours and concentrate without worrying about when I need to leave.
What do you wish were different?
I would love a bit more wall space, but I’m happy with my current studio!
