Amazingly, just as the whole world descended into chaos the shell of the new studio was finished. Throughout this strange year the internal fit-out has been taking place. Much painting and installation of hanging systems and workstations got underway. There is space to create, space to sit and contemplate and space to teach 3/4 students. With a separate office I can even close the door on the admin while the creative spirit is in full flow.

Positioning the building took a lot of thought as the best views into the orchard face south but that brings with it solar gain; the west end of the orchard gets very wet and north facing orientation which would produce a consistent light for painting in also meant looking at a flint wall and being in the teeth of the winter storms – not an enticing prospect. A compromise was reached with skylights on the north side and a cosy coffee corner on the south.

Moving from the old studio created more chaos (there was a phenomenal amount of unused grot lurking in corners and a mountain of “it’ll come in handy” stuff to dispose of). An orgy of tidying, labeling and stowing stuff in permanent places means that perfect item for the job is always to hand.

As 2021 gets underway there’s a tremendous sense of anticipation that the made-to-measure workspace will inspire new work and new directions to explore.