When I set up my first studio at Root Division in San Francisco, I went through several alterations due to light, dust, space, and flow.
It was important to imagine how I would use the space, as well as how visitors would feel walking in and out. There were some areas that felt heavy - and seemed to accumulate dust and clutter - more quickly than others. The dust bunny energies were strong!
Some areas I gravitated to naturally. I set up my working tables or easels there, aligning and arranging materials to optimize areas for prosperity, fame and wealth. Areas with no light was where I stored my paints and materials (this was just common sense).
I was not fond of my first space, which was downstairs at the end of the gallery. A lot of energy accumulated there, as it was right next to the exit. When I moved upstairs, I had natural light, and I used that to my advantage when painting.
Lastly, air circulation was very important - there should be windows or doors opposite each other to ensure air flow so toxins do not “hang” in the air (as paint evaporates, chemicals are released). Note that while this is a problematic arrangement for your front and back doors (wealth flowing in and out), it’s easily mitigated with a ba gua mirror.
What is Feng Shui?
Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice that seeks to balance the energy, or qi, in a space to promote health, wealth, and harmony. Applying feng shui principles to an art studio can help create a peaceful and productive environment that supports the creative process.
I have taken some courses with Anjie Cho’s mindful design school and highly recommend them for learning more.
Apply Feng Shui In Your Art Studio
Have you watched the movie Totoro, or any Hayao Miyazaki film for that matter? Many heroines start their quest by cleaning a studio or castle. I find this such an important practice for the arts, as clearing out dust and clutter can be very grounding.
Here are some tips for arranging an art studio using feng shui.
Use Ba Gua directionality to arrange work areas
Ba Gua is a feng shui map that divides a space into eight directions, each associated with a specific element, color, and life area. By aligning different work areas with the corresponding Ba Gua direction, you can enhance the energy flow in the space and support different aspects of your creative work. For example, the north direction is associated with the water element and the career life area, making it a good place to set up a desk for administrative tasks or business planning. The southwest direction is associated with the earth element and the love and relationships life area, making it a good place to create romantic or sentimental artwork.
Be creative with storage to minimize clutter
Clutter can block the flow of energy in a space and create mental and physical obstacles to creativity. To minimize clutter in your art studio, you can use creative storage solutions that keep your materials and tools organized and easily accessible. For example, you can use shelves, drawers, and cabinets to store different types of materials, or use hanging racks or pegboards to store tools and supplies. This is so dusting or vacuuming is easy and efficient. Dust is atrophic energy, the ultimate creative block-builder! Make sure to periodically declutter and remove any items that are no longer necessary or useful.
Work with qi to ensure the studio "flows"
Qi is the life force energy that flows through all living things, including your art studio. By creating a space that supports the flow of qi, you can enhance your creativity and well-being. Some ways to promote qi flow in your studio include:
Maximizing natural light and air flow
Using plants to purify the air and bring nature inside
Avoiding sharp corners or angles that create negative energy, or sha
Adding water features, such as a fountain or fish tank, to enhance the water element and promote relaxation. Note: I use prisms, which create a watery effect when sunlight shines on them.
Where Can I Learn More?
Applying feng shui principles to your art studio can help you create a space that supports your creativity and well-being. By using Ba Gua directionality to arrange your work areas, being creative with storage to minimize clutter, and working with qi to ensure the studio "flows," you can create an environment that nurtures your artistic vision and promotes your success.
Here are the top 5 websites to learn more about feng shui:
The Spruce: This website offers a comprehensive guide to feng shui, including tips for applying feng shui principles in your home, office, and garden. I love Anjie’s tips and have taken some of her trainings too!
Feng Shui Tips: This website provides a wealth of information on feng shui, including articles on feng shui basics, feng shui cures, and feng shui products.
Red Lotus Letter: This website offers a range of feng shui resources, including articles on feng shui basics, feng shui for wealth and abundance, and feng shui for love and relationships.
Feng Shui Beginner: This website is designed for beginners and offers easy-to-understand articles on feng shui principles, as well as tips for applying feng shui in your home and office.
The Feng Shui Society: This website is the official website of the Feng Shui Society, a professional organization for feng shui practitioners. It offers a range of resources on feng shui, including articles, courses, and events.
Do you use feng shui in your studio? Let me know!