I think I have wanted to do something like this for as long as I can remember - having a self -contained space to sit, reflect, draw, paint...... A Studio. Budget constraints, space constraints, life constraints have made this totally unattainable. For the last 5 years I have been living in Reservoir in a late 50's weatherboard with a sizeable backyard. The garden and renovating have been a priority over that period and working inside in 'bedroom 2' has been practical and more comfortable than the previous 'studio' incarnation, also 'bedroom 2' in a brick veneer house in Croydon South but darker, colder and with carpet.
The image of this writing hut is readily accessible on the internet and I think is attributed to Dylan Thomas (probably a myth), it has a similar scale to the space I will create. I like the general chaos/simplicity of it.
I really had no idea how I was going to do this despite giving it much consideration. Convert the garage? Build a free standing, totally illegal structure? Work with something else? I took some measurements to work out what the footprint I currently occupy is. It turns put that its not that big, around 2.4 x 2.4 metres. The scale of my artwork affords me the luxury of a small space and seeking inspiration from 'writers huts' means I could have a solution. Convert the potting shed that measures 2.3 x 2.3 metres, has a roof height (at the apex) of 2.3 metres and no window. All I need to rehouse the huntsmen, move the chook food and tools into the garage, get rid of the pots and clutter, and turn it into a cozy place to be creative. Simple!
Inside of the shed, hole cut out ready for the window. I really should have taken a photo of this before clearing it out - It looks a lot more approachable and habitable already!
The inside of the shed remains relatively watertight and dry, basically the deciding factor that this very small space could actually be a place to work and be comfortable. This is potentially going to be amazing and I will want to live in this space, or be a complete disaster.
The window is in, some materials in the foreground for use later.
Outside the future workspace - I'm already wondering if I need another window next to it. Light is potentially going to be a problem . I want plenty of natural light, this window faces south west so it gets killer afternoon sun in the summer. A very young ornamental pear (hidden from view behind the fig in the foreground) will screen this in the future.
So things are moving. Lets see how they progress.......