Post 1 from the Studios of Inspiration Series
Let's kick off a new series today that I will call Studios of Inspiration. I love to peek into people's interiors. The home is an extension and reflection of the self — a tapestry for your most innovative and creative self, but also a place to fit your specific needs and desires. My favorites are the creative homes, handbuilt homes of the 60's and 70's, collector's homes, and maximalist ones. I love to see what treasures, art, and items adorn a person's daily life. Of course, I love a good art studio too! A studio liberates you to make the space utterly your own, and making the space your own is how you resist conformity. I daydream of a large studio with huge windows, antique charm, and hardwood floors. I buzz with inspiration when I see photos of great artists in the spaces where they create.
So to start this series off, let us dive into the studio of Tove Jansson.
Tove Jansson was a Finnish artist, author, novelist, and illustrator.
Jansson was a daughter of artists and a queer woman at a time when homosexuality was illegal and classified as an illness throughout much of the world. In 1946 she wrote to a friend, "I’ve fallen madly in love with a woman. And it seems to me so absolutely natural and genuine…I just feel proud and uncontrollably glad.” Even at the risk of criminal convictions, Jansson never hid her identity and lived with her love for 45 years.
She was the author and illustrator of her children's books. The most famous series is The Moomins. Her characters were empowering to young people and taught them important lessons in bravery, confidence, and acceptance of yourself and others.
Despite her success with The Moomins, she saw herself as an artist and painter first. So now let's take a look at a few of her self-portrait paintings and, the reason for this post, THE MAGICAL STUDIO!
Jansson's studio is so dreamy! The high ceilings, arched windows, sculptures, bookshelves, and murals...ahh!! I love that she has created cozy spots to lounge with a book or sit by the windows. Take me there!
It's a studio that seems lived in and cozy, yet expansive and inspiring!
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