13 april 2022, Oscar van Gelderen
The studio of... Nadia Naveau
What does the ideal studio look like? How much time does an artist spend in his studio? Is it a sacred place? This week in ‘The Studio of’ it’s Nadia Naveau (age 46)
Do you go to your studio every day?
When I'm working towards an exhibition, I go every day. Other times it may be less regular. After an exhibition or busy period I need to relax and do nothing for a while.
What time do you leave for your studio, and how: on foot, by bicycle, public transport or car?
I leave by bike around 11 am. Not before, I'm not a morning person. I prefer to work in the evening or at night, when it seems as if I am alone in the world. I wouldn't be able to work from home. In my studio I can close myself off from everything and everyone, which is an enormous freedom.
Do you hold on to certain rituals in your studio? Do you put on music or do you prefer silence?
I put on music, open the window and drink coffee. I unpack the work I left in the evening and wet the clay to better read the material. Then I stare from my chair for a long time. It doesn't always look as good in the afternoon as you thought the night before.
How important is light to you?
Very important, especially for my mind. I notice that I get a lot of energy from sunlight. Yet, it also keeps me out of my studio. That is why it is so nice to work outdoors in France. Nick (Andrews, my husband) and I bought a house in the Auvergne about ten years ago. It is the perfect place for contemplation, many ideas arise there. In my studio in Antwerp has a mezzanine in which the light enters beautifully.
What does your work process look like? Do you work everywhere and all the time or does work only commence the moment you enter your studio?
Forms, colours and objects form the basis, which I take with me when I am on the road. I remember everything I see and create a collage in my mind. The work indeed continues everywhere, you link everything to it.
How much time do you spend on average per day in your studio?
If I am concentrated at work I can go on for hours, then I spend twelve-hours there every day. But there also days that I only go for a few hours and I mainly watch a lot. On aver age, I think about I spend around eight hours in my studio every day.
Is your studio a sacred place?
Yes, I guess it is. It is my place, a place where anything is possible and where the greatest wonder happens. It’s also the place of the biggest doubts and frustration.
Do you receive visitors there from collectors, curators or fellow artists?
Yes, if I am specifically asked to, but I'd rather have no one visiting my studio. It's a place where everything is still in process, where I have no need for different views. If I need other opinions, the only one I am interested in is my husband’s.
What is the most beautiful studio you have ever seen?
The studio of Frida Kahlo and Diego Riviera in Mexico City, of Georgia O'Keeffe’s in New Mexico and Aristide Maillol’s studio in Banyuls-sur-Mer. The replica of Constantin Brancusi's studio and that of Émile-Antoine Bourdelle also remain inspiring.
What does the ideal studio look like?
A large building with lots of windows and light, with a desk/drawing space, modelling studio, ceramic oven and glaze facilities, moulding space to cast the sculptures in various materials, storage space and a presentation room and a large gate. All on the ground floor. Also, it would be nice if there would be an adjacent outdoor workshop / garden. That is if I was given the choice, eh.
