My Space: Pia Gynell-Jorgensen

Multimedia abstract artist Pia Gynell-Jorgensen shares how her home studio fuels her creative practice

Tell us about your practice

I’m an Adelaide/Kaurna-based visual artist working largely in abstract oil painting. I also make more detailed surrealist graphite illustrations. I really value play in my practice, so there’s minimal planning and lots of intuitive mark-making – that’s where I feel an artist’s integrity is really on show.

What does your work space look like?

It’s a beautiful, light room. The cracked walls see a rotation of oil paintings and illustrations, a print by Jack Marshall, and a messy to-do list. I’ve got a stack of art books, my record player, a glowy red lamp and a bunch of shelved experiments (like a record holder prototype and three papier mâché magpies). My paints are splayed across the floor.

How does the space influence your practice?

It’s awesome to have a room with a bit of scale. I’ve worked out of bedrooms and sheds before, and having a large, bright, dedicated room has really propelled my workflow. I love the immediacy of a home studio – being able to get up and work straight away. I’ve got a little routine when I’m in there: good music, warm light, incense. It’s a hedonist’s playground.

Do you work best in order or chaos?

Some abstract version of order.

How did you find the perfect space for your practice?

Paying a shit-tonne of rent at my house! A housemate moved out and I thought I’d nab it.

What are your go-to tunes while you create?

When I’m painting, I’ve been listening to The Lemon Twigs, Midnight Sister, Frank Zappa, The Beatles and Do Nothing. If I’m doing computer work, I’ll listen to NTS Radio or something electronic. I use that time to hunt for any house/ techno/groove/disco music that I might like to play on my radio shows with Duck! Radio and Closer Closer Closer.

@piapaella