Handmade Spaces: Mati Rose

I've gotten so many wonderful, wonderful submissions for the handmade spaces column in the last few days that I've decided they'd be a nice bookend to each week- so every Monday and Friday, I'll feature a new space for you to get a glimpse at, so check in and check them out! 

Today's peek is at the incredible studio space of the even more incredible artist, Mati Rose McDonough! 

What do you create in this space? 
I create mixed-media paintings and illustrations. I sometimes paint at my desk when I'm doing smaller detailed work, or at my easel when I'm working on larger more foundational and abstract work or on the floor on pillows when I'm brainstorming and collaging.

Can you describe your space a bit?
It is behind my home in a separate building that I share with 8 artists called Compound 21. It is amazing to have a space to create that is so close, yet removed enough and built for spills (ha! i love that band "built to spill"). We also have a shared garden, outdoor sink and roof deck for eating lunch when the San Francisco weather permits. I routinely, perhaps seasonally, change my inspiration board, which is now my wall. I cut out pictures of magazines, artwork (mine and others), swatches of color like beads and fabric samples, disparate notes and found objects and create a collection of images to keep me inspired while I paint.


How do you feel when you enter your "handmade space?"
Depending on where I'm at with a creative project, I alternate between feeling calm, anxious or excited! I make a lot of messes and then have to spend time cleaning the mess before the next big project or show, but sometimes I don't have the time between things, and that's when I feel overwhelmed and anxious. There is a fine balance between feeling inspiration and chaos. Usually good music and a ten minute purge can change that! Right now I'm dreaming about creating my space more like a welcoming lounge with a great plush rug, new curtains and containers to hide the mess!

Thank you so much for letting us get a little glimpse into your beautifully colorful art world, Mati!  I love love love the light coming in, the closepin hung inspirations and the beautiful tin cans above to hold your brushes!  For more info on Mati, visit her site at matirose.com or her Suspect Shoppe to take a look at the prints she has available for purchase.

What do you think about Mati's space?  How would you do sharing a space with other artists?  Would it make you feel more inspired, or more distracted?

Comments

[Vanessa]

Ohhh wonderful working place! I wish i had something like that!
I think sharing with other artist does inspire creativity and having a great place to work does too.

[kristen]

I knew this post would be about Mati by just seeing the colors in the pictures in my peripheral vision. =) I love that girl and her work so much. Good pick Jena!

[planetjune]

Loving this Handmade Spaces idea, Jena - it's so inspirational to see other people's workspaces!

[modish]

I know, her space is so colorful and inspiring, like her work! I'm glad ya'll are liking the new column, thanks for checking it out!

[Jessica]

I love to keep all my inspiration out around me while I work. It can be hard for other people (my husband) to understand, but it's nice to see others who do the same.

[kelly rae]

i've a lucky girl to know mrs mati rose and to see her studio up close....very cool. i love this idea of showcasing studio and creative spaces - so important and intriguing all at once.

[modish]

I know Jessica, isn't it nice to know sometimes that "we're not alone?" That's why I love this blog thing- if people around us don't understand, someone here will! :)

And thanks Kelly, I'm glad you like the handmade spaces column- I hope you'll come back and check out other's spaces too! (and maybe you have one to share?? :)

[Heather Gill]

Just gorgeous work! I love all the color! Great post Jena, thank you.

[kelly rae]

jena, i'll be back for sure (and would LOVE to share my space!).

[Kate]

I love the detail of the design-ey cannisters for storing paintbrushes. Those are wonderful!

[stephanie dosreis]

so SO inspiring! I LOVE seeing other peoples work space and hearing their process. Mati is a wonderful artist, so glad you chose her to spotlight.