Moving Into My New Studio: A Fresh Chapter for Squorn Artist and Skelly E Ton
In just a few days, I went from discovering a studio space in Hitchin to viewing it, being offered it and moving in. Here’s how this unexpected new chapter for Squorn Artist and Skelly E Ton.
Squorn
8/2/20263 min read
Sometimes the biggest changes happen before you have really had time to process them.
Only a few days ago, I did not know I was about to have a studio in Hitchin. Then, in what felt like no time at all, I saw the space, asked about it, was offered it and started moving in.
It all happened incredibly quickly.
There was no long, carefully planned search for the perfect studio. Instead, an opportunity appeared, I looked at the space and had to decide whether to take a chance on it.
I said yes.
This is the first time I have had a dedicated space outside my home for both Squorn Artist and Skelly E Ton, and I am already excited about what it could become.
Moving in
Moving into the studio took several busy days of carrying things in, putting together shelving and gradually working out where everything should live.
There is already Skelly artwork on display, prints appearing on shelves and supplies slowly finding their places. From the photos, it may look as though everything is coming together beautifully.
Behind the scenes, however, there is still a lot of mess.
Boxes need unpacking, displays need refining and I will probably move everything around approximately 18,000 times before I am completely happy with it.
That is all part of the process.
I have discovered that designing a studio is rather like creating a painting. You begin with an idea, stand back, change your mind, move something slightly to the left, decide it was better before and then repeat the process until it finally feels right.
A home for two very different worlds
One of the most exciting challenges is creating a space that works for both sides of my art.
Squorn Artist is home to my wildlife paintings, inspired by animals, atmosphere and the natural world.
Skelly E Ton is much more playful, gothic and wonderfully strange, following Skelly and his adventures through paintings, prints, gifts and stories.
They are two very different worlds, but they are both completely mine.
The new studio gives me the opportunity to bring them together without either one disappearing. I want visitors to be able to explore the darker, humorous world of Skelly while also discovering my more traditional wildlife artwork.
It may take a little trial and error to find the right balance, but I am looking forward to experimenting.
More than somewhere to store artwork
The studio is not simply somewhere to put stock.
I want it to become a place where I can paint, prepare for markets, photograph new work, meet people and share more of the creative process.
Working from home has allowed me to build both brands, but art supplies, prints, packaging and market equipment have a habit of spreading into every available corner. Having a dedicated studio should give me more room to work and, hopefully, a little more separation between work and home.
It also means people will be able to see a wider selection of my work in person rather than only seeing what I can fit onto a market table.
A work in progress
The studio is definitely not finished.
There are still decisions to make about the layout, displays, storage and which artwork should go where. I also need to make sure the space works practically when I am painting, packing orders or getting ready for an event.
For now, I am trying to enjoy the process rather than expecting it to look perfect immediately.
This is a new chapter, and it is allowed to evolve.
Come and visit
I will be spending several days each week at Shop Small Studios in Hitchin, although my exact days may vary around markets, exhibitions and other commitments.
I will share updates on social media as the studio develops, along with details of when I will be there.
Thank you to everyone who has supported my artwork, bought a print, visited me at a market, shared a post or followed Skelly’s adventures. Every bit of support has helped me reach this point.
The studio may still be full of boxes and unfinished ideas, but the door is open, the shelves are going up and this new adventure has officially begun.
I cannot wait to see what happens next.
Sally Quorn
Squorn Artist and creator of Skelly E Ton
Unique pet portraits and whimsical artwork creations.
View More Wildlife
contact me : squorn@squorn-artist.com
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