Thursday, October 4, 2007

Creating brain space

Or a reading space. A writing space. A cooking place. A you-name-it place.
A few days ago I stepped outside of my body to make note of the way I was working at home. And quite frankly, I was shocked. Ok, that's dramatizing it. I was sitting on the futon in my living room, indian style (despite being scoulded by my doctor as a toddler that it's bad for your knees...) and to ice the cake I was hunched over a pad of paper. I'm not talking leaning over a bug to check it out 'hunched', I mean HUNCHED. If it wasn't me I was looking at I might have assumed this person had a spinal problem.
Do you do this when you're persuing the hobbies you do at home?
I leaned back, trying to correct my usually proper posture. Anyone here who's sat on my futon though probaly doesn't remember it for it's astounding doctor approved comfort. It makes due, especially since my parents lent it to me for a hardy handshake (or a huge thankyou). Though- it's no substitution for a qualified workspace.
I pulled my futon closer twoards my food network/video gaming station and the rest was pie.

There was just enough room to fit the unused desk, that had turned into a paper scrap holder from my bedroom, behind the futon.
I was surprised at how easy it was to make space. For a sheer moment I felt all of those hours I'd spent with home decoratings shows on in the background had finally paid off. I was smiling. It felt like a commercial in my head.
I'd like to share how it is we are each creating in our homes, since we already know how everyone works in the studio. My hope is that maybe we can learn from each other (if that's what you'd like) or even if you're satisfied with you current methods, perhaps folks like myself could take note from your satisfaction. I've been having a slight lack of motivation recently (hence the need to shift things into a different gear)- and just wanted to throw it out there incase some other birdies ever feel/felt/future tense of feel, the same way.
So my wonder is how does everyone else find they get their work done best at home?

3 comments:

Bob Flynn said...

Fun little story, Allie. Space is extremely important when you're trying to get work done...and everyone has their preferences. I have a Studio room in my apartment---drafting table and all, that works great for me, aside from kind of being isolated from things. I like a personal space where I can close the door and not be distracted. I need music, too.

Its interesting, because I original made the Studio space to help Loren organize all her stuff, but she'd much rather haul all her supplies out into the living room and work on the coffee table...she'll even work on the floor. So I guess it's whatever floats your boat.

Marli said...

I often need changes of scenery when I'm working on different kinds of work - here in the studio you may have noticed I alternate between desk, lunch table, sprawled on the floor. At home I do the same thing. I keep a writing desk in my room, where various stories and writing projects live, for when I want quiet or want to make sure my handwriting is particularly legible. But I also keep a pile of pens on a shelf near the kitchen table for writing with voices around me, and when I'm really brainstorming and doodling ideas I sprawl across my bed, or curl into a corner of the couch. Squishy spaces, for me, make the best brainstorming spots. :-)

I don't know how it would be different if I were drawing; one nice thing about writing is that I'm just recording thoughts as I first mold a story, so I don't need to worry so much about how the words look.

John L said...

No matter how much space I make for myself, it always gets cluttered up with stuff. If I had a desk that was eight feet wide, it would all be covered except for a tiny space where I would push things out of the way. (Using a drawing board, propped up against the desk, is a good way to work big in a cluttered space.)

Not that I like working in a messy area, it just... happens. But when I'm really working on something, and totally focused, it doesn't matter where I am or what is around me. A family of raccoons could be sleeping on my head. As long as my mind is focused, my environment doesn't need to be. (Until I have to search for a pencil -- then I wish I was organized!)