28 september 2022, Oscar van Gelderen
The studio of... Gerda Maas
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 Artist’s Studio' it’s Gerda Maas, whose solo exhibition 'Reflections from the Inner Source' opens at Janknegt Gallery on 1 October.
Do you visit your studio every day?
I am there every day of the week. My studio consists of two parts: the physical workspace and the 'real' studio – in my head.
Japanese bel, Gerda Maas
What time do you leave for your studio, and how: on foot, by bicycle, public transport or car?
I usually start early in the morning. In my mind I cross a zebra crossing, my corridor, and enter my workspace every day.
Do you hold on to certain rituals in your studio? Music or silence?
I start and end the day with the ringing of the two most beautiful bells ever – made by Mr. Yamada – that I bought in Kyoto. This sound is so beautiful, it sets everything in motion. It almost never happens, but once in a while I don't feel like it and the bells refuse to work, then I just start and after twenty minutes it always starts flowing. Always with the alarm clock at thirty minutes, otherwise I wake up many hours later in a total cramp. If the work consists of reproductive acts, I listen to various podcasts: Mister Motley’s ‘Kunst is lang’, 'Naakt op een kleedje' or a broadcast of ‘Nooit meer slapen’
When I work on the form, the composition, I do it in absolute silence. Sometimes I notice that with certain music it is easier to work, it can balance the work. I then play that particular piece of music on repeat, until the work is finished. That music will then belong to the work in question. This can be classical music, experimental music, but also movie scores that appealed to me. I made a number of works to Chopin's 'Nocturnes' played by Arthur Rubinstein.
Work table
How important is light to you?
Light is important in the shadowing of the work. My work should give a nice shadow on the wall. Artificial or natural light makes no difference. I manipulate the shadow with all kinds of lamps, to see how I should proceed.
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?
In my mind the work continues all the time. Usually, that’s great. I write everything down and stick to the order to avoid chaos. I keep to the order of ideas that come to my head. If I don't, there will be combinations of ideas and techniques that invariably lead to chaos. Sometimes I can't escape it, and it becomes chaotic. That feels like a cul-de-sac with that proverbial wall at the end. Where that used to feel like a waste of my time and effort, I now know that this too is valuable and can yield something.
If I concentrate extra, a visual flow of images arises. This stream of images is always my guideline. When the stream gets going, it truly is a moment of happiness.
Testing a hanging system
On average, how much time do you spend in your studio every day?
I usually work about seven hours a day, with a walk in between. The best working days are days when nothing else is on the agenda, just work. Then time is infinite and I will be working with even more commitment and patience. Then I really live up to my nickname 'the monk'.
Is your studio a sacred place?
The workspace is not sacred, but it is my happy place. I am very happy behind my work table. I've had many workspaces before; everything is fine, as long as I have a nice work table and a wall for some sketches and attributes that inspire me, then it's good.
Do you receive visitors there, collectors, curators and fellow artists?
Everyone is welcome in my workspace. I only show the work that is completely finished. Unfinished work is for my eyes only. That's still too close. When it's finished, I slowly let go of it.
What is the most beautiful studio you’ve ever seen?
The most beautiful studios I have seen are those of Klaas Gubbels in Arnhem and Salvador Dali in Cadaques, Spain. Gubbels's is a sort of cabinet of curiosities, full of inspiring attributes. With beautiful arched windows with wonderful light and scribbles, sketches everywhere.
Dali's is like stepping into a hallucinatory dream. A studio with the changing light of the sun on the water and very ingenious constructions to get work in and out of the studio. It is living and working together, I like that.
What does the ideal studio look like?
Like I said, the ideal studio is in my mind; a playground, a laboratory with unlimited possibilities.
