A View From the Easel

Welcome to the 354th installment of A View From the Easel, a series where artists share insights about their workspace. This week, Oswaldo García, a printmaker and photographer, reflects on his studio setup.

García moved from Mexico two years ago to pursue an MFA at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Since then, he has been working in the Grad Studios building, alongside his work in the photolab studio and The Riso Room. His day often begins in the evening or at night, as he juggles teaching, class attendance, and creative work. He handles a multitude of tasks simultaneously — collecting materials, drafting ideas, researching, making proofs, printing, folding, and binding — before returning to tackle new projects.

The studio's environment plays a significant role in García's creative process. While he appreciates the natural light of his previous space, the current studio offers more room for projects to breathe and explore different arrangements. The shared art environment of the building also fuels his inspiration, particularly from ceramics and fibers, which have recently ignited his interest in new practices.

García cherishes his studio as a blank canvas, where he can experiment with books, prints, projections, and installations. It serves as a sanctuary where he can focus on his work, materials, and archive. The only wish he has is for taller walls, to accommodate larger creations. Despite this, he is content with his current setup.