24 Artist in residence
Art really is life when the artist works where they sleep… take a peek into the single room creative life
Michael Manomivibul knows about creative living: the artist works where he sleeps. He shows us around his studio.
Welcome to my studio, in my studio apartment! For two years I had the honour of sharing a studio with illustrator and creature designer Brynn Metheney. When we decided to move our spaces back home she really helped me rethink my setup. Most of my days are spent in this single room, so I’ve put a lot of thought into making this great live/work environment.
The walls are stuffed with art and inspiration from colleagues and heroes. I mix in pieces of my own work to help keep things in perspective, placing myself in the context of the creative community that I’m a part of. These narrow shelves are great for easily rotating the collection without the hassle of rehanging each time I want a refresh. I get great natural light and keep plants around to keep the things vibrant.
I don’t spend all day in the studio: good art comes from experience and life. You’re just as likely to find me brainstorming at a local coffee shop or riding along the waterside on my bike. My best ideas have come while out and about on my bike, so I try to get outside and be active every day.
On the other hand, some of the best work sessions happen between 9pm and 3am, a habit I picked up when I had a day job. There’s something magic about working late, when the world quietens down and I’m a little too tired to constantly second guess myself. I put on a podcast I’ve listened to a million times before and just paint. When I’m done I stumble backwards, fall into bed and do the whole thing over again the next day.