Artist in residence
Brynn Metheney’s studio space is full of natural wonders, plant life and dead things.
I’ve lived in my apartment for 10 years and my studio has moved around it in that time. After about six years of working from home, I made the leap and moved it all into a space outside of my apartment.
I shared the space with illustrator Michael Manomivibul for an amazing and inspiring two years. After our residence together, I moved back home, this time to my bedroom where I currently work. It’s nice to be back. I like a cosy studio where I can drink lots of tea and wear my slippers.
My bedroom gets great light in the morning and I keep curtains up to control heat and light for my computer set up. They do an excellent job of keeping the place cool but bright without risking hardware being damaged. In the afternoon I open the curtains so I can look up at the sky and see the trees outside. My eyes usually need the break by this point too. I painted one wall of my bedroom a dark matt grey. I think it makes the space look more finished and ties it all together. It feels comfortable and lovely this way.
My cabinet of curiosities, above my drafting table, holds my most favourite treasures, references, books and models. All of these things are items I genuinely love and use in my work. Plants are a big deal in my space, too. I love having them around to brighten up the space and help purify the air. They add life and drama to the room.
Of course, studio mates Bartleby the cat and Mesa the (potato) dog keep things lively, too. I usually play podcasts or music while I work. My neighbourhood is relatively quiet but there’s a definite pulse to it. Familiar sounds and people outside keep it interesting. Brynn specialises in creature design and visual development for film, games and publishing. She’s worked with Wizards of the Coast, Disney, Dark Horse and more. See her art at www.brynnart.com.