Proposal 2: Artists in their Studios

Purpose



The artist studio is an intimate place where objects and ideas are forged and technical and creative hurdles are overcome. I want to see the creative process in progress in the space that the artist has chosen for that purpose. I am interested in seeing the routines, “off-task” and seemingly mundane or meditative practices of artists in their studios. This project seeks to uncover the relationship between artist and room, artist and materials, and artist and his or her creation. The images of the dirt, grime, order, obsessive-compulsive, caffeine, nicotine, the steady and unsteady hand guiding the work that we see.

Techniques

A.   I will be using a Nikon D40 to shoot and the project and display it as prints.

B.    I would like to both frame the artist within the space by using the ceiling height and walls, as well as more detailed images of the artists and their work to decrease the scale and capture the intimate moment when idea goes through the hand and into the medium.

      C.  I have access to photograph at least 3 artists in Tucson and more in Phoenix.

Significance

The process of making art can easily be overlooked when presented with the final product, I would like to capture artists at work and their unique way of inhabiting their space and their relationship with their materials.

History

No history exists thus far with the project, I have thought before about photographing artists who live in warehouses and their need to make the space ‘personal’ by adding ‘homey’ touches to the otherwise barren, out of proportion, generally dark world. 


Plan of Work: 



I will ask permission to photograph artists in their studios, I would like to begin with at least five artists and then select the most favorable, or perhaps juxtapose the different experiences of creators in studios. I will be able to start working on the photographs immediately and work evenings after five, Sundays, and three mornings a week starting in a month. I believe that I will end up working mostly with Tucson artists unless I have the ability to drive down to Phoenix and photograph the artists I know in their warehouses. 

Expected Results


I expect a body of work that explores the emotions and actions of artists in their creative havens. My concerns for the project are that artists may feel uncomfortable at first with another person being in their studio, they may act unnaturally or not feel the urge or ability to work normally.  


Budget

I only anticipate paying for gas money to get to the studios, and the occasional compensation for the artist in the form of coffee, cigarettes, or food.