In a Room is a conversation series where we ask our friends to share their favourite domestic spaces. For this edition we’re joined by artist DAVID BOOTH.
David Booth is a Hobart-born, Naarm-based artist with a diverse practice which spans printmaking, drawing, street art, sculpture and other multimedia experiments. He likes to visit ideas of space exploration, cosmic scale and the super future. David’s visual worlds invite ideas and questions to methods of seeing beyond our own existence scale and atomic configuration, through the concepts of curiosity lead science and quantum physics. He is represented by Hugo Michell Gallery and Black Art Projects.
Themes of space is obviously important in David's work, but here we bring things down to earth, venturing through his studio, home, and a very special architectural residence in the wilds of Lutruwita/Tasmania.
David Booth in his Abbortsford Convent Studio
Photo by Tatanja Ross
Which room are you in today?
I’m in my studio. It’s at the Abbotsford Convent in Naarm. On a bend in the river surrounded by kind trees, various animals and good vibes. I’m working on a set of big marker drawings for a project next year. I’ve got a little pile of cardboard scraps that I’m using as test sculptures to make some new wooden things when the weather warms up and I can work outside a little bit more.
Which room is the most active in your house?
Our home is an apartment with an open plan kitchen and living area, so we’re always in this space. It’s modular and cosy and has everything for snacking, working and chilling. We also have a young puppy who guards the space. The record player gets a lot of use and it’s a good spot for a nap. My favourite time is sunrise when the space is full of glowing light. It feels warm and bright and it’s the best way to start the day and look out to the horizon literally and metaphorically.
Which room gets the least amount of use?
We live in a pretty small place — which I love — so we try to use every room. The area we use the least and should use more is the shared roof top space. We have a nice balcony that we use a lot, but often neglect to take advantage of the larger roof top space. It can be a bit exposed and cold, but at other times it’s perfect for a friend gathering or good sky watching.
Which is your work-from-home room of choice?
I like to sit in the sunny window facing the balcony of our apartment at our dinning table. It’s bright and I love it when birds visit the plants there. Otherwise I’m iPad-ing on the couch, drawing up a storm feeling really comfy in drawing drift-time. Flo (our puppy) has a favourite spot on the couch where she can nap and rest her head on my shoulder. Usually I try to do more admin or organising and planning work at home and leave the creative play for the studio.
David Booth in his Abbortsford Convent Studio
Photo by Tatanja Ross
What defines a great room?
Natural light and uniqueness. I like to see lots of objects and trinkets. I like the perfect blend of chaos and calm. A great room could be enjoyed alone or full of top shelf friends and feel good in both forms.
What is your favourite type of room?
I’ve been really lucky to spend a bunch of time in Japan, and I’ve always really enjoyed visiting traditional tatami rooms in homes. I like all versions. They are endlessly fascinating. I like the calming qualities and the modular nature, moving from a big shared dinner space to sleeping on a futon and transforming back again by morning. I’m really into modern houses that still include one room that is traditional tatami design. From the low tables and cushions to the shrine items, I really like how there’s always so much uniqueness within the rules. The space changes your behaviour and mind and makes you feel good.