A release from mass distraction

[romance]

Recently I've been suffering a considerable amount of distraction and have been considering investing in some studio space, (if I can find some). I am hoping this sort of investment will yield a cure for my dilemma. I was wondering what I should look for in a studio space, IF this is the answer to my problem?

A little background on my situation.

I have recently moved across the country to pursue work. I am currently unemployeed and trying to get my shit together to apply to studios. My Aunt and Uncle have kindly set me up with work space and sleeping arrangments for free (and for which I am very greatful).

Unfortunately, the price I am paying is distraction I get from being in a house with 3 busy, barking dogs ALL day long. Leaving the house to draw is fine, but renders me useless if I need a reference or if I have to paint something digitally. I can't put the dogs outside as it's Alberta AND Winter. Headphones are great until I have to turn them up till my ears bleed. Shooting the dogs is not an option, as living on the street will not help the situation.

It also doesn't help I've been under alot of stress trying to 'perfect' my portfolio. Unfortunately, sometimes when I'm under alot of stress, I get easily irritated. Perhaps I'm just blaming the dogs for my own problems.

Basically what I'm trying to ask, is, do you think I should invest in some studio space, or is there an alternative solution right under my nose that I just can't see?

Thanks for listening,

-Rob

[Zord]

I'm not at the level of professional or need my own studio by any means, but what if you invested in some earplugs? They're cheap and definitely won't make your ears bleed. The worst that could happen is you'd miss a phone call or two because you couldn't hear them. Cheers!

[Idiot Apathy]

Mmm, yeah your not going to get anything done if your stressed out. But how can you afford a studio if your an unemployed artist living with relatives?

Why are the dogs barking? Go buy them some rubber bones or something to shut them up if it will help. Or, invest in some noise canceling headphones!

But honestly, you just can't let it get to you; it will only make it worse.

[figure2]

I don't know if Canada is similar to the U.S. in that a lot of manufacturing companies initially moved out of the northeast and ultimately overseas. This has left a lot of industrial complexes vacant and many of them have been converted into artist's studios and spaces for small businesses. Often the studio space in these converted buildings is quite cheap though you may have to share a bathroom with other tenants and your space may not have a sink for cleaning brushes or running water of any kind.

I would ask around to find out if any of these converted factory complexes are nearby and if they rent to artists.

[romance]

Zord - Earplugs? Dammit. I can't believe I forgot about those things. I'll try that out.

Idiot Apathy - How's it going? Been a while since I've talked to you. To answer your questions: I can afford cheap studio space as I'm getting unemployment insurance. The dogs are barking because they think every little noise is either an intruder or their owners (my Aunt & Uncle) coming home. I've tried bones, they work for about 5 minutes. I've even cranked up the radio to try and drown out any noises they might hear, but that too has failed. But I've realized, over the past day, that the dogs are the least of my problems...

I've also come to the conclusion that I may be stressed and irritable because I'm cooped up in the house ALL day long and sometimes I don't get fresh air or natural light for days, and when I do, it's only a little at a time. I won't even start on the lack of exercise.

Before I moved, my days were fairly structured. I think having a job gave me a reason to go out and do things and got me out of the house. Since being unemployeed, I've lost all structure, allowing myself to laps into the stress coma that I'm currently in.

I could find a job, but that would result in a major delay in portfolio completion and a major burnout. I think my ideal answer would be to find studio space, and treat it like a place of work. It would give me the daily routine I need, allow me to work on my portfolio, access to sunlight and maybe even other artists.

Figure2 - Good idea, I'll have to look into this. I think I have found a place with spaces, but I'll have to inquire as to whether they have any vacant.

Even after just answering some of my own problems, I am still very open to suggestions.

[darth massacre]

Romance, I agree that you need to get away from your current place and get a decent studio space to work.

I also believe the most important thing is interaction with other artists. Its thru this interaction, exchange of ideas, methods, new discoveries, and critique that helps an artist grow. I really hope you get a studio of your own and preferabily with a small group of artists so you guys can kick each other's butts.

Good luck with your situation. Give them 3 dogs a rub on the head for me.

[Idiot Apathy]

I'm good mate, having fun in school and learning a lot. Really been enjoying your ~of the week entries. Sad to hear your not doing so great :(

Yeah, I'd do it man, get a place to work. Just make it cheap and make sure you use it. I think I might have a hard time keeping myself at it though, so I might go with darth here and find some other artists; maybe you could even share studios? Take an ad out in the paper and you might be surprised!

Maybe you could enroll yourself in a local art school or community college? I know I not only learn a lot in school but am both inspired and motivated a lot more than usual.

Good luck mate! Hope you find your sanity!

[romance]

Darth Massacre - Thanks man, sound advice. Dogs heads... rubbed.

Idiot Apathy - Schools definitely not an option, although, I am going to take a few weekend workshops and get back into lifedrawing. I hope this will allow me to meet so more artists as well as learn a thing or two. Glad your Peer Project is gaining momentum, I check it out every so often, I hope to get back into it once I finish my portfolio and get things settled around here.

Thanks for your support and advice peeps, you've been more than helpful!
:yayca: :yayca: :yayca: :yayca: :yayca:

[romance]

Good news everybody. I've found a sweet little studio space to keep me from my distractionsand give me access to other artists. I move in on the 1st of March!

Thanks again for all your help.

-Rob

[egerie]

Hey Romance, post pics and stuff okay ? :)

[romance]

Will do. I'll post it in the "Show Your Studio's" thread in the first week of March.

[Zord]

Very cool, man. The thing is, since you have a studio to work in, that you have to show us some work. That's just policy. K Thnx.