Studio Visits

One of the most unique parts of this trip is the opportunity to visits working artists in their studios. We have only gone to two this far this term, but the staple for every year must be Ray Smith's studio and there is a good reason why. We are always welcomed warmly and his studio is amazing.

Ray's studio is one enormous factory with high ceilings and plenty of space to display his work - which can range from past pieces to current projects. His current work revolves around the idea of 'exquisite corpse' and creating characters that in reality create themselves. This started as drawings but have evolved into paintings and sculptures of various mediums.


When asked about his next aim he replied that he isn't really thinking about where he is going. He is just kind of 'screwing around and seeing where it takes him' making 'seat of you pants inventions', though the idea of exquisite corpse does seem to be the underlying theme. He is looking for that 'first time you've done that' kind of look to his art - something he experienced when he went back and looked at his work.

Of course, taking in his work, process and studio was not all we took away from his visit. He did leave us with some good advice as well. He told use that one of the most fundamental parts of art is life and participating in it. Art is about life and if one can integrate it into their life then it will be a place of comfort. This is definitely a crucial idea since once we leave the course and assignment driven haven of a collegiate setting we will need our own way to motivate ourselves. Finding solace in making art and having a driving force in achieving happiness is an amazing way to achieve that.


This visit and all we saw and heard is sure to be something we all take away from the trip and hopefully there will be some more awesome visits to come!