It's Monday, and what does that mean? Time for handmade spaces! I think it's nice to brighten up bitter Mondays with a little studio inspiration, hmm? Today I have a great one to share with you, Stephanie Levy's! Stephanie is an ex-pat based in Germany who creates some stunning, original collage pieces that have been featured on tons of design blogs, (including this one! :) She's also just had a new baby, congrats Stephanie! Let's see how she runs the business of being artist and mama at the same time! (I've added some new questions to the handmade spaces mix too!)
What do you create in this space?
In my studio, I create mixed media collages and paintings using a
variety of materials including Japanese origami papers, handmade
papers, ink, acrylic, glass beads, gold leaf, and many other beautiful
things I find.
Where is it located?
My studio space is in my apartment in Munich, Germany. I live in the
central part of the city in a historic building with high ceilings and
lovely hardwood floors (which creak when you walk but do give the place
lots of character). At some point I would like to have a studio space
separate from my apartment, but my two daughters are still very young
(ages 2 years and 7 months), and that makes it more convenient to work
out of my home studio right now.
What sort of tools/equipment do you use?
I mostly use my scissors and my paintbrush, and also permanent ink to draw.
What inspirations do you keep nearby?
My children inspire me (when they aren't driving me crazy), and
music is always a great source of inspiration. I browse through vintage
magazines and catalogs, and books on modern design. Many of the artists
who are showing their work on the Internet are inspiring. Walking
around my neighborhood in Munich helps me come up with new ideas too.
What do you like to listen to/watch while creating?
I like to have music on while I am creating. I listen to a huge
variety of music - everything from Django Reinhardt to Aretha Franklin
to Johnny Cash. A friend sent me the soundtrack to "Broken Flowers"
recently, and I've been listening to that a lot. And sometimes I listen
to contemporary German music. Some of the German/European musicians
like "Stereo Total" and the "Lassie Singers" write really ironic, witty
texts that are fun to listen to.
How do you feel when you enter your handmade space?
When I have time to work undisturbed in my space, it is a
wonderful feeling. I can really get into the creative "flow" mode and
that is an almost spiritual experience.
Thanks for sharing your home abroad with us, Stephanie!
Be sure to check out Stephanie's beautiful creations on her website and in her new etsy shop, and keep up with new projects and inspirations on her blog!
