re-orientation

The other day my studio neighbor Roy (he makes incredible flatpack, modular furniture, check it out here) was showing me his latest creation, a chair that offers a solid, wall-like back. He explained that it was influenced by his study of Feng Shui...and I'm probably bungling this a little bit, but the design offered a strong surface for the back, giving the necessary support not just physically, but emotionally as well. The backrest of the chair was a supplement (or even replacement) for a lack of support from other people in life: parents, spouse, friends, etc, offering a "backbone" of sorts for the sitter. 

After he showed me the stages of the design and how the piece was made (he's a genius at creating a chair from one piece of carefully cut and scored material), I walked back to my space and was immediately struck by how my chairs were situated at my drafting tables. They faced the window and their backs were to the middle of the space. I texted Roy: 

I'm super concerned I've got my studio arranged all wrong. Bad Feng Shui.

A moment later he appeared in my space and gave me some tips. I immediately felt he was right.

It took me a week, but my space is rearranged, taking his advice into serious consideration (and as of yesterday has art hanging on the walls). This is the thing: I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER in my space. I didn't know I believed in the FS concepts, but it turns out, I totally do. Or at least my interpretation of Roy's interpretation of it.

A big benefit of the new arrangement is that my drafting table for creating (I separated the two tables and put them on different sides of the room—one for computer work, one for analog, art-making work) now faces my art supplies. I love this. I sit, with my back against the wall, and the supplies are in front of me, welcoming, full of inspiration and ideas to get making.