Introduction to my studio

I have slowly but surely been building up a studio that is really working for me. Lots was trial and error, and just spending time thinking about how I use my space.

It was a huge improvement when we had real walls with insulation put up in the basement, where my studio is! I remember the days when I first got my wheel and had to wear a winter coat and hat to work.

I had a few things in place before the whole basement was remodeled. Most things I changed when I realized I could use my space better than I was. I originally had my wheel standing alone, but realized I could reach things better and use them in multiple ways if I grouped my tables together.

​I have my slab roller across from my wheel with a basket of tools I would use in both places right in between, so I don't need to get up to fetch a needle tool or a rib. I also have a task lamp from Ikea that I swivel around to use in either place. Throwing tools are to the left of me, as well as my reclaim bucket and plaster wedging block. I LOVE my Skutt wheel with the integrated splash pan where I keep my water bowl and rest my shrink ruler across the top. I have a mirror wedged between my wheel and my slab roller table, so I can see the profile of my piece without craning my neck and twisting my back.

My bats are on shelves to my right. I can reach over from my stool and grab one. After having hurt my back badly, I know that getting up often is good for me so I only throw a few pieces at a time before I get up and move around. I may try to have a standing wheel in the future. I bought a potter's stool that supposed to help with back pain, but it actually hurts my butt after a while! It's shaped kind of like a cushy bike seat, so I get up sometimes and feel like I've ridden for 30 miles. 

I created a damp closet for myself with an old bookcase that has a sheet of plastic I can pull over the front to slow down the drying process. I am happy with that method for pieces I need to flip for trimming or ones that have attachments. 

I try to repurpose or buy used items as often as I can. One very fine thrift store purchase was an old teacher's school desk, with pull out writing shelves. I use this space for painting with underglazes and mason stains. I can work closely on a piece without hunching over. All my little containers of colors are fanned out on the desk in front of me, as well as baskets of lots of paintbrushes. 

That's about all that's shown in the photo, and this is a broad topic, but I wanted to start getting my thoughts down so I won't lose them, as I'm apt to do. :)