My perfect working space, for reading, writing, painting, drawing, making, playing music, even working out would be an old windmill, or oast house or some such. Asked this question as a student at the School of Communication Arts I drew up plans for an hexagonal space, at each there would be a workstation as follows:
1) A writing space (computer, reference materials), even my old typewriter, a supply of paper, files of unfinished drafts and a whiteboard for planning.
2) A drawing/painting station (paper, pencils, charcoal), as well as my current interest in printmaking (can I have a small press), and watercolours, with an easel and canvas ready for oils,. I’m always thinking big so each of the six exposed walls, where there isn’t a window, would be space for a mural.
3) A kitchen worktop, with gas stove, herbs and spices, chopping board and tools (I enjoy cooking and like to dip into it from other activities);
4) A digital art/video production (computer, two large MAC screens, iPad pro), iPhone as camera, but also a digital SLR and 360 camera;
5) Carpentry tools (just enough to create picture frames and display boxes, perhaps a bird box or two! And clay – so the space for 3D creation. Or a space for mess with chickenwire and papier maché.
6) A music station including guitar, music stand and sheet music, iPad for lyrics and on the cuff of the moment chord sheets, webcam to sing along with others, microphone for recording. A keyboard … and access to samples and a drum machine!
I find I am describing The Linklater Pavilion, Lewes. It is part of the Lewes Railway Land Wildlife Trust. I use it often, for courses and meetings. It isn’t available for me to indulge unless I want to hire a section of it a bit at a time. I rather think I need a garden with a collection of garden sheds around a central hub. How I pay for it is another matter.
Mind Bursts 