Artist name: Debrah Block Krol

Location: New Jersey

Website: www.dbkdesignarts.com
Blog: http://dbkdesign.wordpress.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dbk.design.arts?created
 
Do you have a dedicated studio/artistic space?  
I have a table and storage cubbies in the area that I call my studio. I used to work on the dining room table, so it is actually an improvement for me. I do my photography in a sunny den on the first floor of my house that has great light.
Where is it located?  
In the basement/ family room. During the day and late at night, I have the space all to myself. I have 2 sons who have lots of friends over so timing is sometimes an issue.

Is it a large or small space?
Not big enough!  I think I am like water, if there is a space available, I will flow into it.

What medium(s) do you work in? Do you have a separate area for each?  
No separate space for me. I like to have everything all together.
I work with gemstones, ribbons, copper mesh, wire and textiles. I knit and also paint, lately watercolors. I have a degree in painting, and that training helps me fuse everything together. It is like painting with the materials.


What one word would you use to describe your studio?
Cluttered and seductive (to me anyway).

What do you think is the best feature of your studio?  
All of my lovely supplies and my comfy chair.


What would you change if you could?
I would love a room to myself, where I could close the door - and set it up the exact way I want it!

Can you share an organizational tip?  
I use small, stackable clear containers from Ikea’s kitchen section to hold all my gemstones—it is practical and so nice to look at!

Describe the usual state of your work table?
Always has a project on it. Organized disorganization….I do know where everything is. My actual work space is really quite small.
Does your work table face out into the room or toward the wall?  
 My table faces the wall and my corkboard.

What's one drawback of your studio/artistic space?
Not enough space or privacy.
 

Do you have any studio mascots (pets, mannequin whatever)?  
I have a mini poodle named Picasso who is my buddy, and a headless, armless mannequin named, what else, Venus.

Do you have an idea wall or inspiration board?
Yes I do
Do you listen to music in your studio? What kind?  
I listen to classical music while I work. I find it soothing, passionate and inspirational.
 
Do you display your own work in your studio?  
Not really, just what is out on my work table. I do bring customers into the studio area to see works in progress or for custom orders. My customers like to see where the pieces are made.
 
What's one quirk or unusual feature of your studio?
Probably me.

How long have you been working at this business?
I started this endeavor in September of 2010, right before I had my second knee surgery for a broken patella…my first surgery did not work---so I knew what the recovery was going to be like…no fun! Having this business helped my recovery, I am sure of it. I also had the time to email galleries all over the country, and now I am represented by over 20 of them!  It really is a dream come true for me. But I have always been involved in art and creating. Prior to this business I had a home accessory business that featured pillows I hand knit and made from vintage barkcloth. Love the colors and textures.