Where We Work: Art Studios in San Francisco and Los Angeles

Dozens of artists find and share art studio spaces every week on Listings Project. These artists are the lifeblood of our communities, keeping us connected to and engaged with the things that matter most. In our Where We Work series, we showcase some of these art studios.

An Art Studio with a Big Table in San Francisco

Photo by Mário Pires Cordeiro

Mário Pires Cordeiro is an artist working out of his art studio in San Francisco. You can also find him on Instagram.

“I always keep a large table handy in my studio. The one that I have was given to me, and is the only part of my studio that’s actually permanent. It’s heavy and extremely difficult to move. I love its dark color, as whatever I place on top of it immediately stands out. There’s something about the energy of a big table that brings me excitement and makes me feel that my ideas and thoughts are free to float. It's an invitation for collaboration with other artists, designers and makers. It’s also connected to Mediterranean culture, of which I am originally from. I was born in Lisbon, Portugal, where the kitchen table is the heart of the house and the family.” - Mário Pires Cordeiro

A Flexible Home Art Studio in Claremont, CA

Photo by Brenna K. Murphy

Brenna K. Murphy is an artist working out of her home art studio in Claremont, California. You can also find her on Instagram.

“My work space is in my home, which is both a blessing and a curse. Like many artists, I don’t have the resources for a fully dedicated, beautifully furnished studio. I work with what I have, and I’m proud of that scrappiness. This spirit is also reflected in how the space is used. I create my work there, of course, but I also hang dry all of my laundry there, and when we have guests, it becomes their bedroom. And when my partner began teaching remote classes during the pandemic, he started using the space as well. We sometimes jokingly refer to it as our “guest stoffice.” In the end, though, all that really matters is having some kind of space to work. My favorite time is in the late afternoon / early evening when I get to bathe in the golden California light.” - Brenna K. Murphy

A Photography Studio with Natural Light in Los Angeles

Photo by Ariana Page Russell

Ariana Page Russell is an artist working out of her art studio in Los Angeles. You can also find her on Instagram.

“The studio is small, but I make it work--and it's all mine. My desk is a door on folding horses so I can easily take it down and put it aside for a photoshoot or studio visit. Everything in the space is movable in case I need to rearrange it. There's a great window so I use natural light for shooting. My desktop also doubles as a giant reflector to cast even more light on my subject (which is usually me because I do a lot of self-referential work). There's also plenty of wall space to hang work and help me visualize how it all goes together. It's helpful to get the image off of the camera/computer and into my physical space. I love this studio so much! And I actually found it on Stephanie's List four years ago. I've been on the list since 2008 and also found my awesome Brooklyn apartment that way! It's nice to feel like a piece of New York is here with me in Los Angeles.” - Ariana Page Russell

Feature Photo by Brenna K. Murphy