Welcome to the latest edition of our series, where artists share their unique perspectives from their creative spaces. This week, we explore the inspiring environments of two artists who bring their visions to life through different mediums.
Pitseolak Qimirpik, Kinngait, Canada
How long have you been working in this space?
Five years ago, I embarked on my journey at Kinngait Studios, transitioning from graphic art to drawings, prints, and stone carvings. My passion for carving began at the age of 14, inspired by my father, the talented carver Kellypalik Qimirpik.
Describe an average day in your studio.
I often work outdoors, shaping stone at a table set up outside my home, equipped with tools and an extension cord. The cold weather requires me to bundle up in winter attire, and when it becomes too frigid, I finish my work indoors. Music, particularly Eminem's albums, fills the air as I create. For drawing sessions, I utilize Kinngait Studios or my kitchen table at home.
How does the space affect your work?
The breathtaking Arctic landscape, local wildlife, and Inuit culture significantly influence my art. I often blend these inspirations with elements from popular culture, such as cartoons and comics. Recently, I expanded my workspace at the studio, allowing me to create large mosaic drawings that will be showcased in my upcoming solo exhibition in New York.
How do you interact with the environment outside your studio?
Being part of a vibrant artist community in Kinngait enriches my experience. I am surrounded by talented artists across generations, fostering a creative exchange that nurtures our artistic growth.
What do you love about your studio?
It provides a stable income and allows me to support my needs.
What do you wish were different?
I truly appreciate everything about it!
What is your favorite art material to work with?
Soft stones like serpentinite and soapstone are my preferred materials, offering ease in my creative process. I also enjoy experimenting with mixed media, incorporating various materials into my sculptures.
Pau Tiu and Felize Camille Tolentino-Tiu (Bad Student), Sunnyside, Queens
How long have you been working in this space?
We've been creating in this studio for nearly eight months.
Describe an average day in your studio.
Our day often begins with a stroll around the neighborhood, grabbing coffee from local shops before heading to our studio. We typically start our work around 2:30 PM, after the daycare center finishes its activities. This allows us to focus on our print jobs and engage with visitors. We also share a YouTube Premium account, connecting with our studio members in the Philippines through music and videos.
How does the space affect your work?
Our studio, located within a welcoming church, provides a sense of refuge for queer immigrant artists like ourselves. It fosters a nurturing community atmosphere that is essential for our creativity.
What do you love about your studio?
We cherish the fact that our studio is part of a church that actively supports community initiatives, allowing us to create art in a space we initially thought we wouldn't be accepted.
What do you wish were different?
We hope to see more spaces like ours in New York, where artists can thrive and contribute to their communities.
What is your favorite local museum?
MoMA PS1 is our favorite due to its proximity and its dedication to showcasing local creative talent.
What is your favorite art material to work with?
Paper will always be my medium of choice.
