Etsy's Handmade Blog
Open Studio Tour: selflesh
Story by FrucciDesign, selflesh
Published on July 22, 2009 in This Handmade Life 		Photo by

selflesh

In this Open Studio Tour series, we'll be snooping around Etsians' creative spaces to find out the story behind the drawing table. We want to know all about our artists, and in the process, perhaps get a bit of inspiration for our own workrooms!

For today's post, I found selflesh's research-friendly workshop through the Etsy Open Studios flickr pool. Add your images to the group to join in on the community inspiration!

What's your name and what kind of craft do you do?
My name is Shannon Rankin and I am an interdisciplinary artist living and working in Rangeley, Maine.

I create embroidered map collages, small paintings and drawings, as well as intricately detailed site-specific installations. I incorporate the use of a variety of materials such as vintage maps, thread, paper, gouache, pins, and vellum.

For my Etsy shop, I typically create small affordable originals, and I also offer archival prints. My focus lately has been on creating simple, graphic pieces using anatomical and bird forms cut from vintage maps that are hand embroidered. For these pieces I create patterns of each form (for example, heart, head, bird, etc.) in various sizes out of a heavy paper, and then trace and cut the maps by hand and glue them in place. I use vellum to map out the lines for the embroidery, and then pierce each hole and stitch away!

What are you working on right now?
Right now I am in the midst of creating some small originals for a few map collage subscribers, some commissioned pieces, a series of small originals for the new Craftland store, a 5’ x 5’ “Germinate” piece, a series of 20” x 20” abstract map collages for an upcoming exhibition, and preparing for a couple of large site-specific installations that I will be creating at the end of August. In addition to all this, I’m attempting to create A Handmade Moment video for Etsy!

When did you decide that you needed a studio and how did you set it up?
I have had a studio ever since college. Once, I even lived in my studio for about a year, which is where I met my squeeze, artist Justin Richel.

Justin and I moved here in May of 2007, and when we first arrived we lived in a shed while we helped build a woodshop for his dad, with a live/work space above it for the two of us. So, we’ve shared this studio (which is also our living space) for almost two years now.

Did the studio set-up have an impact on your crafter budget?

I have had a variety of studios over the years so I have places for most things, which makes it easy to keep relatively tidy. I keep it pretty simple by using a hollow core door with a couple of sawhorses so things are somewhat modular if I need to move stuff around. Since I’ve settled in a bit, I now have a light table, drawing table, bookshelf, and a small table (where I keep my maps). Many of these pieces were either found, or were very inexpensive. Carving out a small studio space doesn’t have to break the bank. Keeping it simple works for me!

How big is your studio?
My portion of the studio measures approximately 12’ x 10’.

Which is your favorite tool in your studio?
I don’t think I could choose any one tool as my favorite simply because I love them all! I will however, tell you what tools I use the most: pencil, scissors, x-acto knife, ruler, awl, and a needle.

Do you want to share with us one secret of your studio?
One secret about my studio is that I still haven’t painted the floors, and it’s been almost 2 years! Shh…

How many hours do you normally spend in your studio?
I spend anywhere from 4-12 hours a day working in my studio. It all depends on how busy I am, what else I have to do outside of the studio (emails, packing and shipping, listing items, etc.). It also depends on what the weather is like, because if it’s nice out I should be out there gardening!

Is there anything you would add to your working space?
The one thing that I want to add to the space is a wall, and that is currently in the works. The wall will divide the space into two separate studios, and offer much needed wall space for finished pieces, sketches, as well as installations.

 

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?
Atelier or library — it’s a pretty serious place in there where I try my darndest to maintain focus. I use the space to make art as well as research, but there are definitely times when the space feels more like a playroom. It all depends on what’s going on in my head at the moment!

 

 

And last but not least how often do you clean it?
Because everything has its place (for the most part) I tend to keep it pretty tidy. I have a ritual of getting things back in order once the day is done, or at least at the start of a day. Otherwise, it’s total chaos in there, which leads to a foggy head.

 

 

 

 

Thank you, until the next studio snoop, ciao!

If you have an interesting studio or workspace and some tips to share, comment below or add photos to the flickr group, and you may be next in our Open Studio Tour series!

Tags artist, atlas, FrucciDesign, Maine, maps, Open Studio Tours, organization, selflesh, sellers, Shannon Rankin, THIS HANDMADE LIFE, working spaces, workroom, workshop
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122 comments     Login to add your own!

July 22, 2009 at 4:11 p.m. PragyaK

Very interesting!

July 22, 2009 at 4:15 p.m. NanLawson

lovely! reminds me of my space a little (:

July 22, 2009 at 4:15 p.m. klacustomcreations

very cool, love seeing behind the scenes of other artists!

July 22, 2009 at 4:16 p.m. jamieribisi

Woot Maine!!!

July 22, 2009 at 4:24 p.m. PookieLovesOlives

Nice to see your studio,I love your work!

July 22, 2009 at 4:28 p.m. tldgrainwear

Nice studio, very inspiring! Great work, congrats!

July 22, 2009 at 4:31 p.m. christinetillman

What a great feature Shannon! Congrats! As always I love how down to earth you are when talking about your work and process. High Five!

July 22, 2009 at 4:31 p.m. janellelile

Shannon, thanks for sharing your studio! It looks a great space to work in and I love your budget-friendly tables and storage :)

July 22, 2009 at 4:35 p.m. michelemaule

Great article. I love seeing other artists studios!

July 22, 2009 at 4:36 p.m. BrazanDesign

Oh, how I long for 4-12 hours a day in my studio. You lucky, lucky girl. Thanks for sharing your art and space with us. And congrats on your success!

July 22, 2009 at 4:37 p.m. kaylovesvintage

very nice , I really like it

July 22, 2009 at 4:39 p.m. BeadinBabe

Love it! Thanks for letting us all see your creative space ;)

July 22, 2009 at 4:40 p.m. odiliafu

Cool! Interesting work! Love this studio series to learn more about the artists behind the scene.

July 22, 2009 at 4:41 p.m. JewelsofSaraswati

Sooo impressed with the work (and the tidiness)!!

July 22, 2009 at 4:42 p.m. steinschmuckdesign

Thank you!

July 22, 2009 at 4:43 p.m. reiter8

Great work - I have always loved the color combos in maps. Lovely to get a peek into her studio. I admire her tidiness and focus.

July 22, 2009 at 4:43 p.m. BabbidgePatch

fabulous! it is such fun to see the studios! thanks for sharing your space ~ a fellow Mainer

July 22, 2009 at 4:49 p.m. crownofrue

Inspiring! It really makes me want to rearrange my house to make a dedicated space. Thank you for sharing!

July 22, 2009 at 4:50 p.m. Beesnetta

Love this post, so great to see other peoples work spaces!!!

July 22, 2009 at 4:57 p.m. ParadiseBodyShop

That is some really interesting work!

July 22, 2009 at 4:59 p.m. clubviv

very creative stuff...
Great work!

http://www.clubviv.etsy.com

July 22, 2009 at 4:59 p.m. lovelygifts

Love the Atlas envelopes!!

July 22, 2009 at 5:02 p.m. RockPaperSilver

What a lovely work space...it is great to have a space entirely devoted to doing what you love, makes everything seem so "real" and "business like".

Oh, and your secret on the non-painted floors is safe with me:)

July 22, 2009 at 5:03 p.m. shopgoodgrace

So interesting! Great studio! :)

July 22, 2009 at 5:06 p.m. Morado

Very inspirational! Thanks for sharing.
http://twitter.com/MoradoShop

July 22, 2009 at 5:09 p.m. StormsHandicrafts

It's so interesting to see this studio! Great place to create!

July 22, 2009 at 5:21 p.m. worksofwhimsy

I love peeking into artist's studios!

July 22, 2009 at 5:28 p.m. PrimaryRedux

Great piece, thanks for inside look into our studio and work.

July 22, 2009 at 5:33 p.m. selflesh

Thanks Etsy and FrucciDesign!
+
Thanks to all of you for taking the time to read, and leave such kind comments. I'm so glad this has inspired some of you. It really doesn't have to take much to carve out a little bit of space to work in.
---
If you're interested, I have a facebook fan page where I have frequent giveaways! http://www.facebook.com/selflesh

All the best,
xo
>s

July 22, 2009 at 5:37 p.m. BranchandBirdie

I WANT the cloud photos! BEAUTIFUL!!!

July 22, 2009 at 5:40 p.m. TheCottageCheese

What a fantastic studio! So interesting, and oh-so-tidy (how do you do it?!)

July 22, 2009 at 5:45 p.m. 1AEON

nice!!!

July 22, 2009 at 5:46 p.m. SurrenderDorothy

Lovely!

July 22, 2009 at 5:50 p.m. quenchmetalworks

Sprinkle some of that tidy dust this way, please!

July 22, 2009 at 5:55 p.m. artfulife

She has a lovely space. I'm a huge fan of her work, so fun to see how other artists create.

July 22, 2009 at 6:04 p.m. jodieflowers

Neato!

July 22, 2009 at 6:08 p.m. GreenTease

Thanks for sharing love to see other artists creative spaces!!! Awesome!!!

July 22, 2009 at 6:10 p.m. modernfigurative

Fun! I love seeing other peoples space! Mine is a 2000 foot barn heated with a wood pellet stove. there is no tidiness, and the floors are definitely NOT painted..now i am inspired to try to put some images of it on flikr..

July 22, 2009 at 6:12 p.m. simplydoodles

Fantastic thanks for sharing!

July 22, 2009 at 6:27 p.m. spacejam

wonderful!!

July 22, 2009 at 6:31 p.m. MinceCo

thanks for sharing your space ..neat

July 22, 2009 at 6:31 p.m. blueberryshoes

maps are such art pieces. i feel so guilty cutting them up-on the other hand its so worth it!

July 22, 2009 at 6:35 p.m. Crafterall

Awesome, awesome, awesome! Great space, terrific talent, and marvelous maps! J'adore.

July 22, 2009 at 6:54 p.m. TheFancyLamb

I love this series. And thank you for introducing me to selflesh. She does incredible work!

July 22, 2009 at 7 p.m. SimpleJoysPaperie

I really enjoyed this article and the selections!

July 22, 2009 at 7:58 p.m. moonovermaize

How nice to learn a bit more about you! You work is amazing and I'm going to continue entering your facebook contests until I win something!

July 22, 2009 at 8:09 p.m. livingstonandporter

One of my favorite things...Peeking in on someone's workspace...LOVE IT! thanks

July 22, 2009 at 8:40 p.m. SunshineandRavioli

Love peeking into artists' spaces...thanks for letting us visit, selflesh! The map related items are all awesome as well...have always been drawn to the colors used, particularly in vintage maps...

July 22, 2009 at 8:52 p.m. PipocaHandmade

Beautiful work! Thank for letting us take a peek!

July 22, 2009 at 8:56 p.m. sarahearn

this is fantastic! love the studio sneak peek and the maps! thanks!

July 22, 2009 at 9 p.m. blackbirdtees

Love the NY on a stick. That's usually how I prefer my states.

July 22, 2009 at 9:15 p.m. vintagejane

Loved the studio!!!

July 22, 2009 at 9:17 p.m. ecoglo

wonderful studio, thanks for sharing! :)

July 22, 2009 at 9:24 p.m. OwlandMouse

every artist i know longs for wall space...i'm glad you'll be gaining a little more :)

July 22, 2009 at 9:38 p.m. asundrynotion

Enjoyed this. Thanks for giving us a peek. Ditto on more wall space.

July 22, 2009 at 9:44 p.m. simplyshay

I enjoyed this article. Great tip to get organized.

July 22, 2009 at 10:46 p.m. saintesmariesjewelry

very organized i like it

July 22, 2009 at 10:49 p.m. artwithallie

Great studio and original artworks selflesh!! Also loved your 'squeeze' Justin's shop. Never before have I seen Abe in neopolitan!

Thanks for the tour!

July 22, 2009 at 11:09 p.m. goldenaftrnoon

great studio!

July 22, 2009 at 11:15 p.m. cricicis

I have artwork by both Shannon and Justin Richel hanging on my walls. I love the process, and the studio!

July 22, 2009 at 11:33 p.m. hazelandhunter

i love getting a little peak into lovely studio spaces! thanks for the tour!

July 23, 2009 at 12:16 a.m. Lunatiger

Very cool! ^_^

July 23, 2009 at 12:22 a.m. themefragrance

we like clips and clipboards too for organizing! love the pincushion...

July 23, 2009 at 12:27 a.m. bylynnkrestel

i love seeing how and where others create! thanks for sharing!!

July 23, 2009 at 1:23 a.m. ElegantSnobbery

Very cool shop, and what a lovely work space! Thanks for sharing with us!

July 23, 2009 at 1:47 a.m. mireillemanuel

cool!!

July 23, 2009 at 2:25 a.m. Tina669

Woot Maine!!!

July 23, 2009 at 2:55 a.m. thetexturedleaf

Now if you had covered your books with vintage maps I think I would have just given up hope. Loved your organized space!

July 23, 2009 at 3:12 a.m. Iammie

Very unique shop, love it.

July 23, 2009 at 3:28 a.m. evihan

love it....thanx for sharing:-)

July 23, 2009 at 5:30 a.m. rafya

Thanks for the tour. I love to see other studio.

July 23, 2009 at 6:06 a.m. thewren

What a lovely space. Thanks for letting us in. :)

July 23, 2009 at 6:34 a.m. yaelfran

wow
congrats both of you, selflesh and frucci, always wonderful articles about great artists!!!!

July 23, 2009 at 6:40 a.m. squidandthebird

Cheers for the sticky beak.

July 23, 2009 at 7:25 a.m. BluePumpkinCorsetry

This was very interesting, thanks for the tour!

July 23, 2009 at 8 a.m. LittleWrenPottery

Everyones workshops look so clean and tidy, I'm a naturally messy person I can't help it!

July 23, 2009 at 8:16 a.m. inwiththeold

How fun are all the vintage map items! I am loving vintage maps lately- the colors and graphics are so great! I actually just listed some in my shop yesterday that I now wish I would have decided to keep!

July 23, 2009 at 8:16 a.m. bomobob

Proves that if you're well organized, you don't need a ton of space. I love these glimpses into people's little private creative spaces!

July 23, 2009 at 8:40 a.m. solsticehome

l o v e selflesh's work...now also love her studio!

July 23, 2009 at 8:46 a.m. TalulahCoco

My studio is my desk in my bedroom. I envy you! :D

July 23, 2009 at 9:15 a.m. baconsquarefarm

Wonderful studio neat and tidy~ enjoyed the tour. Love your work as well. My studio work area looks like a tornado went thru it.

July 23, 2009 at 9:24 a.m. CrowBiz

Awesome! This is what my studio could look like with a magic wand and a lot of elbow grease. Love your work ~~

July 23, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. TreeHuggerStudio

Congrats on your success.And maintaining a lovely studio.

July 23, 2009 at 10:12 a.m. DalkullanJewelry

Cleaning up your studio on a daily basis is a great idea. I spend too much time looking for tools and supplies.

July 23, 2009 at 10:20 a.m. bndesigns

I'm so excited about this series. My little studio needs some overhauling and love to see how other creatives make the most of their space!

July 23, 2009 at 10:23 a.m. SpringtreeRoad

wow! that's one great looking studio. so tidy. i love it. beautiful art too - very inspiring.

July 23, 2009 at 10:29 a.m. MalviMart

Nice studio!!

July 23, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. Tina669

Very interesting!

July 23, 2009 at 10:34 a.m. thestapeliacompany

I love these studio tours! This artist is practically my neighbor and I didn't even know. Studios definitely inspire.

July 23, 2009 at 10:38 a.m. VixVintage

Thanks for sharing, I love your work.

July 23, 2009 at 10:56 a.m. lucky0girl0racer

Your work is awesome! So unique!

July 23, 2009 at 11:02 a.m. rowenamurillo

That is a wonderful studio. I love her work, and seeing her space gives a new depth to it. Not to mention this article is and inspiration for a studio of my own.

July 23, 2009 at 11:05 a.m. girltuesdayjewelry

I love to see other people's workspaces! They are always so interesting!

July 23, 2009 at 11:23 a.m. beachhouseblues

Great studio!

July 23, 2009 at 11:32 a.m. nightcloud

liked it from the etsy beginnings, still following with interest and pleasure!

July 23, 2009 at 11:39 a.m. StudioCherie

Great article. I will look forward to more in this series.

July 23, 2009 at 11:57 a.m. lunedesigns

Looks cozy! A second floor studio area sounds very appealing.

I have multiple studios-home studios, portable studios, even a Mobile Studio. Check out my blog post: http://cerebraldilettante.blogspot.co... There's photos and everything.

July 23, 2009 at 12:08 p.m. paramountvintage

shannon rankin you are wonderful!

July 23, 2009 at 12:53 p.m. EJPcreations

I do love studio tours!!! Thanks so much for sharing :)

July 23, 2009 at 1:12 p.m. liliswan

my studio is a mess, clean but messy, and that's how I like it! I can't think in a clinically organized area! but, that's me......

July 23, 2009 at 1:13 p.m. alexkeller

i think everyone that appreciates art is in a constant wall space battle,even when i circulate pieces, i have trouble finding places to store them!

July 23, 2009 at 1:14 p.m. patspottery

Amazing space!!
My pottery studio could learn a lot from yours:>)

July 23, 2009 at 1:18 p.m. nomivintage

very cool!

July 23, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. selflesh

xxxooo

July 23, 2009 at 1:31 p.m. JoannasPhotography

thanks for sharing- really nice!

July 23, 2009 at 8:04 p.m. 1022SeaShellAve

Thanks for letting us take a peek, really enjoyed the artical :)

July 24, 2009 at 1:12 p.m. littlemoandfriends

so inspiring, thanks for sharing:) beautiful beautiful creations!

July 24, 2009 at 1:31 p.m. janicej

Thanks for the insight. I look forward to the next in the series!

July 24, 2009 at 1:47 p.m. voleurdebijoux

i love open studio tours! it really inspires you to create. :)

July 24, 2009 at 2:14 p.m. EsoMeliae

I don't think I would be able to choose one of those adjectives, I'd have to say, all of the above.

July 24, 2009 at 2:16 p.m. babook

Wooooooooo, I never know it could be like this .... so good map creation ! In my also have good creation http://www.babook.etsy.com/ joying : )

July 25, 2009 at 4:54 a.m. riorita

Lovely studio tour, I saw many Bioloy books there...

July 26, 2009 at 6:20 a.m. gretchenmist

thanks for the tour ~ it's so interesting to see how people set up their work space :)

July 27, 2009 at 10:06 p.m. JingjingHandmade

I really love it, very interesting!

July 28, 2009 at 2 p.m. Colourshoppevintage

Wow! I love selflesh's art so much! I've always admired her eye for color as wellas design! Its obvious she spend a lot of time on her work! Thanks for putting my map jacket in too!

July 29, 2009 at 4:23 p.m. 26olivestreet

oh, selflesh you are our hero! all those maps and threading and hole poking AND a great studio to do it in. cheers! love your work!

Aug. 5, 2009 at 8:38 p.m. luxe

love it. i am a total geek for seeing a good workspace, although the artist that keep their space organised makes some of us look bad:)

Aug. 12, 2009 at 5:33 p.m. MalindasBeadDesigns

Thank you this is interesting. I have a lot to learn
about making a living from my craft.

Aug. 26, 2009 at 8:08 p.m. laurenmdavisart

Great job, very interesting!

Aug. 31, 2009 at 6:39 p.m. SnippetyGibbet

I'm glad that no one is asking me how often I clean my workspace. Saying it is cluttered is an understatement.

Sept. 16, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. FlawlessArt

Great tour.

Oct. 18, 2009 at 12:02 a.m. Beautyinyou

I like you creativity looks like fun and different.
Your studio is kept well.I try to clean my mess a few times a week. Thanks for sharing

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