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 painter Denise aka Deelind. She has just recently started what seems to be a very fun new craft experience: explore her plushie world!
 
What's your name and what kind of craft do you do?
My name is Denise Lindquist, aka as deelind. I've been a painter/muralist most of my life.

I make plush now. My inner textile artist made a surprising emergence in October of 2007 when my grandmother’s 1920 Singer sewing machine had been refurbished, and I wanted to take it for a spin. A fleece blanket was sacrificed on that day and the first RodoZoo plushie was born.

I'm working towards making the plush Eco-friendly. Recently I was able to switch the fiber-fill to from 100% recycled plastic bottles and hopefully all the fabric will be as well.

Soon I will be launching a Lush Plush Octopus collection where the material used will be beautiful faux fur and cashmere with Swarovski crystals and beading around the eyes.

Ari and Stella are my little muses (Stella is the bigger dog).


When did you decide that you needed a studio?
When my house started turning into one big studio with supplies in every crack and crevice. Morning melded into night with artwork blurring into housework and seemingly neither one ever got done. So my live-in boyfriend of 10 years, Yiannis, and myself started designing a simple addition for a studio. When the plans became so complicated and expensive I just broke down and got this great studio in Pawtucket, RI that's about a half hour away, which can be a bit inconvenient at times but the distance keeps me there. I also wanted to be around other creative types. There are several outstanding artists in my building, Pawtucket Open Studios, that are always an inspiration to me. Providence is such a cool little city.

When and how have you set up your studio?
When I moved into my studio 3 years ago, it was just for painting, so I set it up to be very homey and clean, always keeping one wall blank for new ideas. Room dividers are used in one corner of the room to hide all of the supplies and clutter. During open studios, it acts as a gallery. If I need some alone time it serves as a home away from home.

Did the studio set up impact your crafter budget?
I would have to say that while the cost of a studio would seem to dig into a crafter/artist budget, the increase in productivity has definitely offset the additional costs, as well as my protecting my sanity.

How big is your studio?
400 sq ft with 15' ceilings.

Which is your favorite tool in your studio?
Right now, it's my new sewing machine, but I have been ogling on of those electric bobbin winders.

Do you want to share with us one secret of your studio?
One of my large Octopi comes alive when I'm not there and makes all of the many cloth liners that go into the tentacles of the octopus plushies, which is by far the most tedious task.


How many hours do you normally spend in your studio?
Wednesdays and Thursdays are 9 hr days, other times are sporadic depending on available time.

Do you share your studio with someone or would you like to do so?
I just rented half of my studio because I will be traveling for 2 months this summer. 

Is there anything you would add to your working space?
I'd love to get a new Mac for the studio to leave there. I'm forever forgetting my notebook and/or its power supply. I'd also like to get a nice photography set-up as well.

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?
Sanctuary! Definitely. There's something about exposed brick walls, high ceilings and wood floors that speak to an artist's spirit.

And last but not least how often do you clean it?
I stop and clean my studio when valuable time is lost searching for tools. What a beautiful disaster it can be sometimes. That's when I stop and get it together because my patience is wearing very thin.

Anything else you'd like to add?
I was accepted into Fenway Studios located in the back Bay area of Boston very close to Fenway park three years ago. The jury process was very difficult and I anxiously await an opening there. I miss being in the city and even though I love my yard, I find it very boring and culturally dead living in a suburb!
 
Thank you Denise, 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!