In the 344th installment of A View From the Easel, artist Arghavan Khosravi reflects on her workspace in Stamford, Connecticut. Khosravi, who has been creating art in this space for nearly five years, draws inspiration from Persian miniature traditions to craft her surreal assemblages of paint, canvas, and wood.
Daily Routine in the Studio
An average day in Khosravi's studio begins with an espresso shot paired with a news podcast, often from the New York Times or the Washington Post. While listening, she reviews sketches or plans from the previous day. Depending on her phase of work, she either finalizes the panel shapes for fabrication or begins underpainting on primed panels.
Throughout the day, Khosravi may switch from podcasts to music or dialogue-heavy shows while performing repetitive tasks. She finds silence most conducive for brainstorming and sketching, which allows her creativity to flow freely.
Impact of the Studio Space
Khosravi's studio, a small loft above her townhouse, greatly influences her artistic routine. The live/work setup provides her with flexibility, eliminating commuting time and allowing her to dedicate more hours to her craft. Despite its limited size, the studio's configuration accommodates her larger works, which she constructs in separate sections, facilitating exploration of her subjects.
Having a nearby woodshop enhances her ability to create more sculptural and experimental pieces. Khosravi notes, "The space has shaped my daily routine," emphasizing how it fosters her creativity.
Connection to the Art Community
Although Khosravi feels a lack of an artist community in her immediate vicinity, she benefits from Connecticut's proximity to New York City. She can easily reach Manhattan within an hour, allowing her to engage with artist friends and participate in various openings and exhibitions. Social media, email, and Zoom studio visits also help bridge the gap, making the distance feel insignificant.
What Khosravi loves most about her studio is the freedom it provides. She states, "It feels like I am spending my time doing what I love," highlighting the joy and excitement her workspace brings, even amidst occasional artistic blocks.
Future Aspirations and Local Favorites
Looking ahead, Khosravi hopes to maintain the live/work arrangement but desires more separation between her living space and studio. Her ideal studio would feature its own entrance, ample storage for completed works, and a larger woodshop equipped with more tools.
Her favorite local museum is the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, which she appreciates for its support of contemporary art and Connecticut-based artists. She is particularly excited about being included in their first Decennial exhibition.
Khosravi's preferred materials include acrylic paint, canvas, and shaped wood panels. She values the quick-drying nature of acrylic paint, which aligns with her impatience to see results as she progresses through her work.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Hyperallergic. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
