Today we’d like to introduce you to Platform Studios.
Platform, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
15 years ago three artists, Trevor, Mark, and Michael, shared a small studio space in Pulaski Park in which they worked on their different disciplines of furniture making, architectural design, and painting. But one genre of art for which all three artists shared a passion was figure drawing. It became one of the most important aspects of the studio and had developed a dedicated community of participating artists. Soon the increasing number of resident artists and figure drawing group attendees outgrew the little studio in Pulaski Park, and a larger space was found in West Town. The new studio was named Platform Studios Chicago, in honor of the platform on which the models would stand during figure drawing sessions, and to signify the studio as a platform for creative practice and development.
Today Platform Studios Chicago is an art collective consisted of 12 artists and featuring a center space used for drop-in figure drawing sessions, illustration workshops, painting classes, and a variety of other art related events. Currently among our dozen talented artists we have illustrators, painters, graphic designers, a candle maker, sculptors, a comic artist, and musicians.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
Our artists are involved in many different kinds of art and creation. Some are full time fine artists, illustrators, and designers supporting themselves completely through their accomplishments in art. And others come in to pursue their personal passions and interests during their spare time. No matter the circumstances the artistic community and creation of art are important to all of our resident artists.
This same attitude extends to our drop-in figure drawing sessions, where regardless of experience level everyone is happy to take part in the creative process and make art. Attendees range from complete novices coming in for their first drawing session to accomplished professional artists looking for a place to regularly practice. Sessions are non-instructed, low pressure, and casual. While we love the practice of figure drawing, it’s just as important for us to provide a resource and space for art and creativity for everyone.
The sterotype of a starving artist scares away many potentially talented artists from pursuing art – any advice or thoughts about how to deal with the financial concerns an aspiring artist might be concerned about?
Unfortunately, art has become a luxury for many of us due to social pressure and financial responsibilities. But, for a lot of people creativity and artistic expression are a necessary for our happiness. Whether your goal is to elevate your skills and marketability to make a living out of your artwork, or if your goal is to balance your life by incorporating creativity and art you’ll need some level of dedication and discipline. It might be the discipline needed to stop by a figure drawing session after a long day at work rather than plop down on the couch to watch Netflix. Or it may be the type of dedication to effectively take on two full time jobs; the day job that pays the bills and using your personal time to devote to honing your talents and skills for your career switch. No matter where on the spectrum your ambitions are, devoting that time will result in rewards for the artist inside of you.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Come to our drop-in figure drawing sessions! Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7:00pm-9:30pm. Platform Studios Chicago, 1821 W. Hubbard St., #304, Chicago IL 60622.
Bring some paper and charcoal or pencil. We have easels and drawing benches for everyone to use. All skill levels are welcome! For more details check out our meetup.com and Facebook links.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1821 W. Hubbard St., #304, Chicago, IL 60622
- Website: https://www.platformchicago.com/
- Email: platformfiguredrawing@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/platformstudioschicago/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlatformStudiosChicago/
- Other: https://www.meetup.com/Figure-Drawing-Chicago/
Image Credit:
Platform Studios Chicago
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