The Tulsa Art Studio Tour: Giving in to Curiosity by Elizabeth Downing
A sampling of painted silk scarves by Terri Higgs
An artistâs studio is the essence of Process (with a capital P). Even though the lightening-in-a-bottle really happens in an artistsâ mind, their space both reflects and inspires the direction of their work. Inhaling those scents, seeing stacks of raw materials, deciding on just the right color, and existing in that space helps many artists get into the flow - that delicious place where ideas come fast and easy and hours slip by without notice. The best studios are the ones that get an artistâs blood moving even though it may not be obvious on first inspection. The Tulsa Art Studio Tour is all about looking at exactly that - other artists molding their creativity into tangible work, whatever form it may take. Thereâs quite the selection on this yearâs Tour: a painter (Cathy Deuschle), a woodworker and furniture artisan (Eric Fransen),
14
p re v i e w
a sculptor in wood (Rusty Johnson), a painter of impressionist watercolors and alternative process photographer (Tommy Lee Ball), a mixed media artist (Sharon Allred), a photographer of pristine landscapes (Michael McRuiz), a fiber artist (Terri Higgs), an installation artist, a painter/photographer/videographer (Tahlia Roper), a performance artist and creator of installations (Mark Wittig), a painter and sculptor (Sandra Langenkamp) and an abstract expressionist painter (Paul Timshel). No matter your expertise or experience, there will be something new to view. After visiting a few of the studios, itâs evident that variety is the watchword this year. Just as an example, letâs take the setting - where are these studios? For Tahlia Roper, itâs her entire living room and dining room. The central