Two Desks

I don't know that there's a clearer image of the Steadfast project than this photograph - of Tia Kratter's two desks, side by side, in her home studio. On the right is her work workstation, where she produces digital image files as part of the art department for Disney Animation. Delivering that work requires a vast amount of focus, collaboration, iteration. It's work that's structured by deadlines, and constrained by a show's aesthetic - two things that can offer inspiring limitations.

On the left is her personal work station, where she produces watercolors - for personal enjoyment. Through her watercolor paintings - landscapes and still lifes - Tia engages with deep observational skills and continues to develop her technical prowess in a medium that often seems hellbent on creating chaos.

On one side - orderly deliverables designed to move an entire team and a large project forward. On the other, a practice that slows down time, creates a space for what Tia calls her "selfish mode". Given the beautiful art she produces there, and her generosity in sharing it with us at Steadfast Gallery, we wouldn't call it selfish at all.