Welcome to the 331st edition of our series ‘A View From the Easel,’ where artists share insights about their creative environments. This week, artists find inspiration in the hum of industrial fans and the serene landscapes of the Italian countryside. Interested in participating? Review our submission guidelines and tell us about your studio using this form! We welcome all mediums and studio setups, even home studios.
Antonella Gandini, based in Monzambano, Italy, has been using her studio since 1980. She describes her workspace as a haven of quietude, where the silence of the countryside sparks her creativity. The studio’s ample space allows her to leave works scattered around, waiting for inspiration to strike. Antonella engages with local artists across various disciplines, fostering collaborative opportunities and organizing exhibitions focused on gender themes. Despite wishing her studio was closer to a city, she cherishes its tranquility and the chance to work with peers.
In contrast, Diego Zarraga from Purchase, New York, has occupied his studio for a year. His studio days start at 11am and extend late into the night, filled with observational drawings and small paintings that evolve into larger pieces. The communal space, shared with Purchase College seniors and MFA students, buzzes with activity, occasionally interrupting his flow state. Despite feeling somewhat disconnected from the local art community, Diego appreciates the vibrant colors and quiet that inform his work in this setting.
Both artists express a deep connection to their studios, each offering unique advantages. Antonella loves the peace and collaborative opportunities her space provides, while Diego appreciates the natural light and atmosphere of his studio. They both express minor wishes for change: Antonella desires proximity to urban areas, while Diego dreams of a larger, more private space. Their favorite local inspirations are Palazzo Te in Mantova for Antonella and the Neuberger Museum of Art for Diego.
Regardless of their differences, both artists find their studios essential to their creative processes, embracing the unique characteristics of their environments to fuel their artistic endeavors.
