“The garage is mostly used by me as my art studio. Unfortunately it is also used for storage, which is crammed in wherever it can fit.”
“Art for me certainly is a form of therapy and has unearthed my need for solace.”
“The Campbell’s soup cans marked the 51st Anniversary of Andy Warhol’s iconic series ’32 Soup Cans’ and only four designs were available for a limited time a couple of years ago. I was using them as bookends inside the house for a while, but I think they definitely belong in the studio.”
“Having my succulents in here inspires me. They are like living sculptures and I never tire of them.”
“I try and hit the studio around 9am or earlier to check over what I’ve been working on and then usually take the work outside to see it in natural daylight. Sometimes I end up spending the whole day in the studio. If I have a lot of work to do I block out painting days in my diary and commit that to that. It would be nice to have set studio days, but that doesn’t seem to happen. There are so many distractions when you are working from home like housework that never seems to be done, emails, phone calls, coffee breaks…the usual stuff I guess,”
“It is my creative zone; I don’t have to clear the space when I’m finished for the day. It can be left untidy and it doesn’t affect anyone but me.”
“I have a small collection of Audrey Hepburn films that I watch at least once a year. Such incredible poise and timeless style. Breakfast at Tiffany’s has to be my all-time favourite, I adore everything from that era.”
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What’s the room and who uses it?
The garage is mostly used by me as my art studio. Unfortunately it is also used for storage, which is crammed in wherever it can fit. On the odd occasion it becomes a workshop for my husband.
What do you do for a crust?
I worked as a psychiatric nurse for about 15 years before quitting to become a full time artist – www.carolynoneill.com.au . I have a sneaking suspicion that this might contribute to the emotional aspects of my work. Art for me certainly is a form of therapy and has unearthed my need for solace.
What goes on in the room?
Good question! This is my space where I get to hang out with no interruptions so I can just let go and create. Sometimes I even turn up the music and dance. It is a place to slow down, contemplate and focus. I often use my emotional energy as part of the creative process in here. It becomes chaotic if I’m working towards an exhibition, with canvases, pots of paint and brushes scattered everywhere. Quite a bit of coffee gets consumed in here too.
Favourite piece in the room and why?
I don’t think I can pin point just one favourite piece, but having my succulents in here inspires me. They are like living sculptures and I never tire of them. Oh and the sea grass matting that my sister gave me when she renovated.
Anything on your wish list that you would love to add to the space?
I have a big long list! Insulation, decent heating and cooling for a start and a glass sliding door to create a more professional entrance would be nice…
Describe the room in three words.
Creative, messy, energizing.
Why do you love this room?
It is my creative zone; I don’t have to clear the space when I’m finished for the day. It can be left untidy and it doesn’t affect anyone but me. There is no need to drive to my studio, so I can paint in my pj’s all day if I like and have done so on several occasions…
What’s one lovely memory you have whilst being in the room?
A couple of months ago I had a wonderful team of commercial student photographers come and do a photo shoot here for their university assignment. They were very professional and had all the lights and gear. It was a brave step to open my door because I have always been embarrassed about having to use my garage to paint in.
That was when I really started to see this room as a studio. It motivated me to get organised, tidy it up and add some personal touches. It was a great day and the photos look brilliant.
The Room Illuminated 
Hi Kate,
Thank you so much for coming out and featuring my studio. You do such an amazing job and the photos look incredible!!!
Kind Regards,
Carolyn
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Darl..i can’t open any of your emails!! Couldn’t see the Houzz one you posted the other day either. When i press on the normal “read more” on your posts, it comes back with Page Not Found!! xxx
On Thu, Nov 19, 2015 at 7:55 AM, The Room Illuminated wrote:
> The Room Illuminated posted: ” Follow The Room Illuminated on… > > > “
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Thanks love. Should be working now…the Houzz one wasn’t meant to go out I’m afraid..my bad!
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