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Story by
CrimsonSpark,
FrucciDesign
Published on October 17, 2008 in This Handmade Life |
Photo by |
In this Open Studio Tour series, we'll be snooping around artists' creative spaces, how they set them up, when, why…even how often they clean them! We really want to know all about our artists, and maybe get a bit of inspiration!
Today I knocked on the studio door of CrimsonSpark.
What's your name and what kind of craft do you do?
Hello, my name is Bertem Rene. I partake in the old world craft of leather mask making and create hand sculpted leather masks, suitable for many a gala or whatever suits your taste.
When did you decide that you needed a studio?
The minute I sat down and started making masks and noticed that time had flown by and I enjoyed every minute of it! So then I had to act on this euphoria so I could indulge when I wanted with no interruptions.
When and how have you set up your studio?
The studio was set up a little over a year ago, and I must say there's no definite way of how I have it set up; it's a mish-mash of everything entertaining in there.
How big is your studio?
My studio is an extra bedroom in my home so, I guess, it's standard room size, which is perfect for what I do.
Which is your favorite tool in your studio?
Hands down it has to be my horn hammer. It's my most favorite and least used tool I have. I made this tool myself, but I rarely use it for leather work, my hands do most of that duty. This is the classic leather mask making tool, but for me I mostly use the tip of it to scratch my head. But none the less, every mask maker has to have one just for general purpose.
Do you want to share with us one secret of your studio?
For some strange reason, if I'm working in my studio, the studio itself seems to distract me from what I'm doing and before I know it I'm playing the slot machines, or reading a book, or even shredding paper that doesn't even need to be shredded (don't we all just love to shred paper?). Maybe it's just me not having focus and I'm just blaming the room, but nonetheless, I think the studio made me do it.
How many hours do you normally spend in your studio?
I don't spend nearly enough time in there as I should, but on a good day I can burn about 10 hours, give or take a distraction or two.
Do you share your studio with someone or would you like to do so?
I currently do not share my studio with anyone, but my wife looks at it differently. For some reason I keep seeing things that weren't there the last time I was there, like a knick knack here and there. Slowly but surely she's taking up my space with nonessential mask making studio material, if there is such a thing? But to answer the second part of the question, I don't mind her company at all.
Is there anything you would add to your working space?
Hmmmmm. I'm thinking of a dorm fridge but that would be too easy on me, or would it??
If you had to choose one synonym for your studio which one would you pick: atelier, family room, lair, lodge, nest, playroom, retreat, sanctuary, shelter, darkroom, or showroom and why?
I would say playroom/retreat, just for the simple fact that I'm always goofing around in there playing with this and that. As for the retreat part, sometimes I use it just to get away from things and re-calibrate the re-calibrators in my head, and that's a good thing.
Oh yeah, and I make my masks in there too.
And last but not least, how often do you clean it?
I hardly clean it very much. Everything seems to fall into place; I mean, I do have to take the trash out, and that's only because I leave food items in there. My wife tells me to put a fairy door in there and they will clean it for me..........hmmmm, imagine that.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Remember people.......It's all about your persona. Thanks again for stopping by my studio!
Thank you, until next studio snooping, ciao!
If you have an interesting studio or workspace and some tips to share, comment below and you may be next in our Open Studio Tour series!
| Tags | costume, costuming, CrimsonSpark, FrucciDesign, Halloween, Mardi Gras, masks, masquerade, Open Studio Tours, sellers, This Handmade Life, working spaces |
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37 comments Login to add your own!
sillylittlelady
Oh I can't wait for the day I have a studio! My work travels with me from the bedroom to the living room to the kitchen, to the closet when im sleeping, I need a studio!
VirginiaRoseKane
What a great article! Gorgeous masks! Thank you for inviting us in to your space.
snegoratchka
Love that hammer- I expect it makes a perfect head scratcher :)
dogties
topsyturvydesign
Oh what wondeful wonderful masks! My roots are in mask design, so I can definately appreciate the time & craftmanship that goes into your art!
Your hammer cracks me up & get that dorm fridge - it is sooo worth it :)
SeaSideSupply
Very cool masks.... Remind of the Vejegante masks of Puerto Rico. Great work!
KanhoroZG
edessedesigns
What a talent! These masks are breathtaking and truly original. I absolutely LOVE this interview!
Thank you for sharing your space with us!
Cryztalvisions
Wonderful work. I've always loved masks. I love the idea of a virtual Open Studio Tour great idea.
FrucciDesign
For me it was the first time to get to know the mask making world, and I found it pretty fascinating!
MeadowbelleVintage
Great idea for a series article! Work spaces are as unique as the artist--so fun to see the personal style and space.
bookwright
I really dig your masks and love that you've carved out a spot for your own workings. Great work!
My "studio" is a split space in a room that has to accommodate multiple uses, so I have to make it work. It requires frequent cleaning and attention, but I've found this helps the process for making books and other artistic endeavors. Since I share the space with school it presents a unique challenge.
Narayanworld
wow i've never seen someone who makes masks before
and they are very special and beautiful!
ARCHIVES
Wonderful to see something truly unique.I know where to come next time i'm invited to a masked ball in Venice..........
mytreasuredheirlooms
theexplodingbag
linguaNigra
great masks! I'm fortunate enough to have my studio in my living room, torch and all. I have an acid pickle in the kitchen. It is sooo nice to not have to leave the house to do work!
LegendaryTigerHero
Wow! Cool stuff! Glad to see people who keep tradition alive!
LiamDesign
I love seeing peoples work spaces since each are like peoples finger prints completely different from one person to the next. I have decided to start a series on my blog http://liammakes.blogspot.com where i will ask some of my fav artists and fellow etsy sellers to tell me about the process and studio environment. Its so interesting to see inspiration from clippings to sketches to materials...
skiingweaver
Beautiful masks! Really gorgeous...
I'm lucky enough to have studio space in a renovated mill building in Lowell, Mass. - along with about 150 other artists! It's really a fantastic environment to work in. Just wish I could spend more time there! (Always a struggle to balance being a mom with being a fiber artist...)
moresassvintage
awesome masks! I wish my studio had as many books as his, mine has walls full of blank shirts :]
DElleJuwelen
I would love my studio to be on here. My mom would hate it I think because I just took over half of the living room. But she's happy when I'm happy ;)
DesignsByLara
Great Craft! Great Crafter! Gorgeous masks! Thank you for inviting us in to your space.
lsad
waltersbeads
nicolelindner
SabreStash
studio2355
Your masks are a very creative.I was asked not long ago,did I have a studio in my home? I replied no, I live in my studio(meaning the entire house is the studio) I need my fabrics to be close to me all the time.
lovemarie
Hi, a former Jersey girl here; couldnt take the cold, fled to Cali ! Oh how lucky you are to have a whole room to work in and a supportive spouse! You have the best of all worlds. I am glad to see a creative brother working, your masks are beautiful. Keep on keeping on.
christiencollection
Loooooove what you do the old world craft and items are classic and need to be pass down for generation I have much respect for someone like you and you pictures of your mask I can't say enough about how breath taking they are. A stand ovastion from this seamstrest to you.
MissKiwisCrafts
Wow nice masks you are truely tanlented. All I have is my kitchen table no studio for Miss kiwi
BirdAndMoonStudio
sassyraggs
Your space reminds me of my own. I also work in front of a large window where I can get natural light and see nature in front of me, and I am surrounded by all the things that get my creative juices flowing. Your masks are fantastic.
LondonParticulars
GORGEOUS! I esp. love the green man and lady oak, beautiful and amazing!
paranoidrachoid
wonderful pieces! will try to catch one for next halloween (or...maybe even sooner...)
TierraPercussion
Those masks are off the hook. Ever work in clay? If ever want to experiment, my studio is huge. Great work:)
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