Where Artists Create - Back Porch Shadows

From time to time we will revisit some of our artist's studios. Today we're visiting the back porch of Kevin Irwin's wonderful studio, built in 1880. It's very small, but offers a view of downtown Birmingham. Happy vines have wound their way up to the second floor and promise a green carpet for the table and two chairs. 

Where Artists Create - Cleo, Art Dog

As I've shared, I"ve been photographing artist Kevin Irwin in her studio for many years. No studio visit is complete without a few shots of sweet Cleo. Like the rest of us, Cleo has gotten older and enjoys longer naps on her studio bed. Kevin woke her up for a quick shoot. I love this photo of the two of them together.  I"m including a few more of older photos that I love.

Where Artists Create - The Studio

Now that you have met Kevin Irwin and gotten to know and appreciate her many artistic talents, I suppose you might want to see where all this wonderfulness is created! Kevin's studio is in an charming old building overlooking downtown Birmingham built in 1880. It started as a saloon and rooming house ( house of ill repute?), and later was a soda bottling plant in the 1920s, then a candy company and later the office for Perfection Laundry. The painted BAMCO ( Birmingham Auto and Machine Company) signage on the outside is still visible. Kevin's eclectic but very organized studio takes up the entire second floor while her husband Paul's Irwin Brothers Remodling occupies the ground floor. As a photographer, it's one huge photo op. The exposed brick and original wood floors, along with windows commanding some nice views of Sloss Furnaces and downtown Birmingham make for an eclectic space for Kevin to work and exhibit her art.

What is the inspiration for your work?  "My heart.  What hurts me and what heals me.  What inspires me and what makes me rage.  But what is most important is what makes me laugh and inspires me to appreciate the joy and humour in life.  HOPE,  always. " 

Where Artists Create - Glass Beads

Today we explore artist Kevin Irwin's beautiful hand sculpted glass bead work. For a photographer, the array of colorful glass rods, all artistically arranged by glorious colors is enough, but watching her light the fire and begin the intricate work of making her magical beads is challenging but fascinating. When this process is done, she begins creating her unique bracelets and necklaces.

If you work in more than one medium, which one is your favorite?  "I love glass work,  but my body could no longer do much of it… so I would say the clay work because I still get to use glass( glazes)."

Where Artitsts Create - Working With Clay

It's really hard to say what artist Kevin Irwin is "known for". If I had to narrow it down, I'd probably say her whimsical ceramic sculptures. Whether it's a sleeping dragon, an alligator with Noah's ark on his back or those rascally squirrels that terrorized the Wiregrass Museum of Art in Dothan, Kevin's menagerie is loved and collected by many adoring followers. Of course she can't leave it at that. Nope. She crafts lovely plates, planters, and even the tiniest of clay beads to add to her amazing jewelry. You'll have to wait for that.

How would you describe your work?  "My story in clay.  A love note to myself,  A healing potion for myself and those that have my work.  A love note to all that share my journey .  It is a language that some can understand."

City Sunset

My talented artist friend Kevin Irwin's studio looks north towards downtown Birmingham. I liked the reflection of her studio in the window.

Today I again join James' Weekend Reflections right HERE. 

Afternoon Sun

Loved this chair in Kevin Irwin's studio.

The Writing on the Wall

Looking out from Kevin Irwin's studio window on 2nd Avenue South.

Chloe and Her Human

My talented friend and artist Kevin Irwin, will laugh when she reads my title today. Chloe is her constant companion and comes to the studio every day. Let's just say Chloe has several cushy beds and an abundance of toys to keep her happy while Kevin creates fabulous art all over the place!

Saturday Night Bath!

There is so much to love about Kevin Irwin's art studio. I'll bet you didn't expect this step back in time bathroom! For the record, I love the tub but the ratty towel, I loved!

Roll 'em

One thing I've learned as I have photographed many artists' studios over these last 6 1/2 years, expect the unexpected. Artist Kevin Irwin's workspace was one delight after another. Today......proof.

Looks Are Deceiving

They do look a bit creepy but actually these stairs lead up to Kevin Irwin's art studio we visited yesterday. This building was constructed in 1890 and they have kept it in it's original state for the most part.

Color Explosion!

Oh yesterday was a very good photo day. I met my talented photographer friend Kimberly Wilson at Kevin Irwin's art studio. Kevin is a MULTI talented artist. Where to begin: ceramic artist, painter, glass blower, and jewelry maker, and it's all there in one fabulous old building. This was Kimberly's first visit but she is the proud owner of some of Kevin's pieces so she was thrilled to meet her. Kevin's a neighbor and I dearly love her and her work.

Today I feature the glass rods she uses in her bead and jewelry making. I'm including another photo of some finished pieces along with one of her whimsical cats that I dearly love. Not to worry, we'll be back!

Well Worth the Climb

My multi-talented friend Kevin Irwin has a fabulous studio on Birmingham's southside right up these stairs!

Let The Creative Juices Flow!

My multi talented friend, artist Kevin Irwin, has the most fabulous studio. Everywhere you turn you find more of her delightful creations.  Be it glass, pottery, jewelry or paintings, she does it all and WELL!

The View

My very talented artist friend Kevin Irwin's studio is one of my favorite places to shoot. It's located right over the viaduct from downtown Birmingham.  I love the way the window frames Sloss Furnaces in the distance.

Today I will hopefully be arriving back in Birmingham from a  wonderful 7 days in Paris with my dear friend Mary Gilbert from Cincinnati.  I will begin  posting new  photos on Paris Through My Lens tomorrow so  jump over and have a look. Many thanks to all of my guest photographers for sharing their work  while I was gone.

Afternoon in the Studio

We've visited my very dear friend and multi-talented artist, Kevin Irwin's charming studio before.  I really liked this view because the late afternoon light just illuminated her work table so well. For those of you who haven't met Kevin, she specializes in clay, glass, jewelry, and is a fine painter. Almost doesn't seem fair that one person can be so talented!  If you'd like to see more of her work that I've featured on my blog, go here, here, and here.