Santa Fe Mixed-Media Painter KATE RIVERS' two-story studio is a stunner and when you combine that with the wondrous vista that surrounds it, you are in for a treat even before you step inside and see an artist's dream studio come true.
According to Kate, she visualized this studio as a child and recently,
with the architectural skills of her husband, Jon Stern -
Lead Architect at Palo Santo Designs in Santa Fe -
it became a magnificent reality. But before I take you inside with
my photos, here are a few details - still in progress - from the outside patio walkway...
Jon with shovel about to head outside to do a bit of landscaping...
T H E S T U D I O
High ceilings flanked by windows brings in lots and lots of natural light and
large work tables on casters allow Kate to work not only on her on-going
gallery work, but with her experimental work as well. As you step inside.
a cozy sunken room, dubbed the pit, is the perfect spot to meet with friends
and collectors or where Kate can take a break and read or
contemplate her next project.
A clever, hand-built bookshelf works as a functional
divider between the spaces; books reachable from either side.
Every small detailed designed well...
Just off the main studio is the print-making studio replete with a brand new
TAKACH press and all the necessary equipage that goes with. When Kate is
working here, she can roll additional tables in from the main studio.
The bathroom, between the prints and the large calendar - adds
another convenience - replete with a tiled shower; another of Kate's talents.
Jon's domain is next to the print room.
What was essential in creating this space, explains Kate, was the
window since Jon sits at his computer all day long.
Just behind Jon's desk is a spiral staircase leading to a loft space that
serves both as storage and a guest bedroom with a sweet balcony
that takes in their private vista.
T H E W O R K
Kate is known for her swirling mixed-media 'NEST PAINTINGS' that she says represent "HOME". What a great gift for newlyweds!
But her work is now going beyond nests to 3-d ceramic sculptural pieces
and mixed-media incorporating found materials - old maps, postage stamps, handwritten letters, and books - torn or cut then glued and stitched
onto canvas. Ephemera representing moments in our lives, notes Kate.
3 images above courtesy of Artist.
AND, Kate's constant companion - STUDIO DOG - GABRIEL!
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