Artists' Spaces: 16 Studio Visits

“Artists’ Spaces”, edited by Merilin Talumaa and Annika Toots, consists of visits to the working environments of 16 young Estonian artists and exposes through interviews and photographic material the conditions that shape and influence their creative processes. The book is also published in Estonian.

Where does the young generation of Estonian artists work? What aspects are affecting their working spaces, and how is this reflected in the artists’ practices? In cultural memory, the artist’s studio arouses an image of a magical and lonely place where much is born out of inspiration. The interviews in this book draw attention to the practical aspects of studio spaces – revealing that they are mainly places for the production of new pieces – and at the same time engage with the image of the working artist. The different characteristics of studio spaces highlight the versatility of contemporary artistic practices, which include working in large production spaces as well as at home or even carrying the studio around the world in a single suitcase. The selection of a studio space often depends on practical aspects – the requirements of the medium, economic possibilities, collaborative arrangements as well as random coincidences.

Artists: Kris Lemsalu, Laura Põld, Timo Toots, Flo Kasearu, Ivar Veermäe, Karel Koplimets, Kristi Kongi, Tõnis Saadoja, Jaanus Samma, Edith Karlson, Jass Kaselaan, Anu Vahtra, Paul Kuimet, Laura Toots, Mihkel Maripuu, Maarja Tõnisson and Mihkel Ilus

Interviewed and edited by Annika Toots and Merilin Talumaa
Photography by Kristina Õllek
Graphic design by Jaan Evart
Copy editor: Neeme Lopp