Readers' studios: Hynek Martinec

Readers' Studios is a lot like Readers' Wives, except we're talking about photos of some of the most stimulating creative workspaces instead of... well, you know.

Today we're taking a peek at the studio of London-based artist, Hynek Martinec.

In Hynek's own words:

"To me, a studio is not just a space where I work on my paintings; it is also my source of inspiration and ideas. The location – the space and the interior of the place – echoes through my work and dictates the direction I might take in my next project.

I am an artist of change, as reflected in my work, which is concerned with the transition of time between the past, present and the future. Therefore I like to be on the move and use the surroundings I find myself in as my studio, as well as relocate my working space on a regular basis.

I had a great opportunity to travel and work in Prague, Paris, New York and now London. I loved my huge studio in Prague and the beautiful sunny space in Paris but I really enjoy London's metropolitan feel. Finding a perfect spot in the city was really challenging, so I use my house as my studio and work on bigger pieces at my studio at Camberwell. I guess this formed my unique way of planning each day and which pieces I work on.

I start my day by making sketches of my dreams from the previous night and find the best space in the house for that is my bathroom. Its small confined space gives me the focus I need to remember the dreams and concentrate on the details. I guess this is the place where most of us begin our day.

My other studio is the London TFL, where I use public space as my studio, making quick sketches of everyday situations. I love people watching, it’s very inspirational.

Nevertheless, having a private space where I can be left alone with my thoughts and ideas is very important. Having a studio in my house means I have my work and resources for smaller projects at hand and can work on them whenever I feel like it. It is a more intimate space than a big studio outside the house.

Saying that, having to leave the house and go to my Camberwell studio is essential to my working day. It sets me in a different mood and motivates me to work and develop my projects. Here I can work on a bigger scale and it has a more professional feel. I guess here the walls are stripped of my everyday self and you can see the raw image of me as an artist.

Now that I have finished the pieces I worked on for my current show at DegreeArt.com I am ready to make another move. I am very excited at the prospect of moving to my new studio in Brixton. I love the cultural clash the area has to offer and I look forward to finding out how it will influence my work in the future."