GREEN DOOR STUDIO --- BY PARIS GERRARD

Currently, I share an art studio with my artist mother, Jill Barton. Our studio is housed in an old brick building erected in the 1920’s by Nathaniel Baldwin -- a colorful inventor and local polygamist. The building, now called Flynn Artipelago, has been renovated and turned into 26 artist studios under the direction of proprietor, Kevin Flynn. The building has a rich heritage, and it is even rumored that Philo T. Farnsworth fabricated the world’s first television here. (Talk about a flash of creative inspiration!)

When we first moved into this space it was in pretty bad shape. We went to work and began repairing the ceiling , rewiring the electricity and running new heating ducts. We scubbed, patched and painted for weeks. It was worth the effort. We love the beautiful old exposed brick walls, high ceilings and ample north light. We have enjoyed this studio space for about two years. My mother and I, definitely inspire and influence one another. Working together in the same space ignites high creative energy.

Ideally, I love creating art for arts sake — bringing into form, something in me that wants to be born. I agree with Gustave Klimt when he said, "Paint to please yourself, not the masses". If you try to please everybody . . . well, you can imagine how quickly that would dampen the magic. The precious thing about art is that it is a personal vision and statement.