The Studio

Pictured Above: Paul Behnke Artist in his Studio Memphis Tennessee. Photo taken by the artist.

Story by Artist Contributor, Gary Giordano

Contributor & artist, Gary Giordano asks fellow working artists about their studio process and mindsets, while weighing in with his own experiences.

John Cage once said “When you start working, everybody is in your studio- the past, your friends, enemies, the art world, and above all, your own ideas- all are there. But as you continue painting, they start leaving, one by one, and you are left completely alone. Then, if you are lucky, even you leave.” Philip Guston adding “and a third hand comes out and paints the painting, it’s as if the painting paints itself.” Thinking about this I asked several Artist about their thoughts on working in the studio. – Gary Giordano

Paul Behnke

Pictured Above: Original art by Paul Behnke. Photo Credit: PaulBehnke.net.

For me, the studio has always been more than just a workspace. It’s been somewhere I can go to process, reflect, and work through both personal and creative challenges. Over time, my relationship with studio spaces has changed significantly. While earlier studios felt more like solitary retreats, my current space has become a place of connection, collaboration, and growth. That shift has deeply influenced not only how I work, but how I see myself within a creative community.

In the past, I approached my art practice in a more private way. My studio was a space I kept closed off, both literally and emotionally. It served as a kind of safe zone, a place where I could dig into my work without external input or distraction. That solitude had its benefits. It allowed me the mental space to experiment, to reflect, and to engage with my ideas in a very personal way. At the time, it was exactly what I needed.

But things have changed in my current studio. The space itself is more open, and so is the atmosphere. I share it with three other artists (Lisa Williamson, Jodi Brewer and Pam McDonnell), and that sense of community has become a crucial part of my process. We talk, we share, we offer feedback, and we support one another in ways I didn’t expect but now deeply value and rely on. These relationships aren’t just social, they influence the work. Conversations spark new ideas and collaborations, casual feedback leads to breakthroughs, and simply being around such stunningly creative people helps keep the energy and momentum going. This environment has helped me let go of the idea that artmaking has to be a solitary pursuit. I’ve come to appreciate how collaborative spaces can fuel creativity just as powerfully as alone time can. There’s a kind of creative generosity that develops when people share space like this one that encourages risk-taking, vulnerability, and growth. That said, I know that if we ever had to give up this space, it would be a major shift. I’d probably go back to working alone, just by default. While I could still make meaningful work, I’d miss the energy and support that this current studio provides. The friendships, the shared experiences, the creative conversations. Those are things that can’t easily be replaced. In many ways, this studio has redefined what “studio practice” means for me. It’s no longer just about having a place to make art, it’s about having a place to connect, to share, and to evolve both personally and professionally. It’s where I’ve learned that creativity can thrive in community, and that the space around us can shape the work in ways we don’t always expect.

Paul Behnke is an Artist currently living and working in Memphis Tennessee. Paul is also an Instructor at Memphis University. Website: https://www.paulbehnke.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulbehnkepaintings/?hl=en

Pictured Above: Gary Giordano in his Juxtahub studio Lehigh Valley. Photo taken by the artist.

Gary Giordano

I guess it’s an Italian thing because to me respect is everything. Italians stand when an elder enters a room, kiss relatives and friends on both cheeks, and tip hats as a greeting. It’s not just etiquette; it’s ingrained in our DNA. This respect thing is carried over to our workspace as well. It is very important to have respect for one’s work and their workspace. Showing little or no respect can be taken very personally. In this sense it is a very sacred and personal place for me. Although I allow visitors, it’s a very private space. To enter my studio and show no respect or even worse disrespect my work is unforgivable. You do not have to like the work, but you should understand it is very serious business.

The studio is also a sacred space in another sense it is a private quiet place where I can think focus and shut down the outside world. I allow myself to meditate on creativity and channel energies internal and external. My studio is a place to practice and to play. It’s a place to rest, a place of reflection and a place to find time to be with my private thoughts and dreams. A space to connect and find my voice. The voice that shares and speaks to the outside world.

Pictured Above: Paintings by Gary Giordano. Photo Credit: GaryGiordanoArtist.com

I’ve had studios in different locations over the years New York, Philadelphia, New Hope and now in The Lehigh Valley, but I have come to realize that the studio is not a brick-and-mortar location it is internal in my being. The studio is an extension of myself and without it I find it hard to breathe.

GaryGiordano is an artist currently working in The Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania and resident at Juxtahub. Website; https://www.garygiordanoartist.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garygiordanoartist/?hl=en

Glenn Harren

Pictured Above: Glenn Harren in his Bucks County Studio. Photo taken by the artist.

It is my sacred space and my safe space. A place for quiet meditation and reflection. A place where I frame paintings and stretch canvases. I go through periods when it becomes cluttered and come up for air and try to get organized.

Pictured Above: Paintings by Glenn Harren. Photo Credit: HarrenFineArt.com

Glenn Harren is an Artist currently working in the Bucks County area with a recent exhibition at SFA gallery in Frenchtown New Jersey. Website: https://harrenfineart.com/

& Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glenn_harren/?hl=en

Dave Ohlerking II

Pictured Above: Dave Ohlerking in his Doylestown studio. Photo taken by the Artist.

Is it a sacred space or safe space?

Reality is sacred to me, but my studio is more of a common space. The working conditions are probably a bit profane. It’s a toxic mess that smells like backwoods cigars, mineral spirits, liquin, and kamar varnish. The only people safe there are models and visitors. The uncooperative paintings hurt my feelings all the time. The cooperative ones lull me into a false sense of safety.

Is it a workspace where creativity takes place?

It is exactly a workspace, and I love work. Creativity is all in the mind. The work of translating ideas into reality happens there. More creativity happens in the mind when the materials refuse to comply with my wishes. That is the best part.

Is it personal space?

It is very personal. Every bit of that mess is mine, made by me. And everything in there serves my purposes.

Is it clutter or organized?

It makes Bacon’s studio look clean.

Do you allow or like visitors?

I like and allow visitors. Everything I paint looks very different to me if someone else is in the room also looking at it.

Dave Ohlerking is an Artist currently working in Doylestown and the Bucks County Area. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidohlerking/?hl=en