A View From the Easel: Allan Wexler

This week, Allan Wexler shares insights into his workspace, a studio he built himself in the woods of Long Island. Wexler, based in Southold, New York, moved to the North Fork of Long Island decades ago and eventually purchased four acres of wooded land in Southold where he built his studio in 2006, followed by a house in 2009. As an architect by training, Wexler, like many creative individuals, had long aspired to create a unique living and work environment.

His studio, where he also maintains a small space in Brooklyn, serves as both a creative and personal sanctuary.

An ordinary day in Wexler's studio begins with a morning coffee, prepared using his La Pavoni Espresso maker. At around 9am, he embarks on a one-minute walk through the woods to reach his studio. From Monday to Friday, and throughout weekends, he dedicates his time to painting and working on various projects. The studio is filled with both previous and ongoing works, along with numerous items collected during yard sales. This environment is instrumental in sparking new ideas and maintaining creativity.

Music plays a significant role in Wexler's work routine. From the early morning until 2pm, he listens to public radio, which he transitions to Spotify in the afternoon. He refrains from conscious listening, but the background sound remains a consistent companion. When he encounters difficulties, stagnation, or questions about the relevance of his work, he alters the music he has been listening to.

Changing his music, whether from Bach’s "Goldberg Variations" to a Mozart opera, often leads to new directions and reinvigorates his creative process.