Natural Habitat By Sasha Hugly
Ac kn o wledge ments
I’d like to Acknowledge Freestyle Academy, for educating me
in a more unique way and providing opportunities. I’m also greatly appreciative of Oleg Tumasov and all the friends that go to the Art Studio. I’d also like to Thank my parents and friends for supporting me in this detailed project.
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T ABL E
OF
C ONTENT S
Page 6
Foreword
Page 8
Introduction
Page 10
Chapter 1
Page 14
Chapter 2
Page 18
Chapter 3
Page 22
Conclusion
Page 25
Works Cited
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F OR EW OR D When I first started writing this documentary I was unsure of where to go. There was so many things to dabble into and at the same time so little to be said because the Tumasov Art Studio is something that cannot be given justice solely through words. It is best to venture there and experience it for one’s self. My direction was wide and clumsy, but over the course of time and reflection I was able to compress my thoughts down to the most precise way I could think of for naming the purpose of this small universe hidden away from the gaze of most people. At the same time, the art studio is for all people,
but also only for those that have the eye to see that it is different from its surroundings. Since Oleg is from russia and part Armenian, I’ve always shared a strong mentor-pupil connection with him; because of our shared cultures and the way that he teaches people. The style of teaching that he employes reacts well with my personality: I can never follow instructions clearly. While it is a handicap in academics and other tasks that require listening to others carefully, It is precisely the best thing to do when I’m painting at the studio. Oleg never quite tells anyone exactly what to change or do; rare-
ly shows any techniques unless it is completely new waters being sailed. This works very effectively because He never distorts a student’s unique approach or style of art, keeping the creative mind pure and individualist. Even with such minimalist teaching, all students usually make significant progress piece after piece. I’m glad I documented a place very special to me like the Tumasov Art Studio, and hopefully I will inspire more people to take a look inside to see what gem of opportunity is hiding amidst the businesses in Mountain View.
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I NT RO DU CT IO N In the outskirts of the busy downtown Mountain View and embedded between a rug store and a loomery is a hidden gemstone. It is simply known as “Art Studio”, and the world inside engulfs the artistic mind in a peaceful manifestation of the teaching and love of art. The Tumasov Art studio is a mix between an art shop, an antique shop, and a studio all shoved together into a 2 piece shack with an outdoor space and a gazebo. Paintings, sculptures, and all sorts of art crowds around the furniture. Why does this art not take place in another home? why is this gemstone hidden in plain sight? Every aspect, whether negative or positive is connected in a domino effect: Since no one knows about the art studio, no one buys any art. Since most income is from students learning, art continues to fill up every crack and crevice at a faster rate than that of art being sold. Most people who even notice the art studio assume that it is closed, because the front door is always locked; demo artwork and posters block most of the view inside. In reality, it is open and seeping with the creative atmosphere that lets artists unleash their creativity. To those who wish to express their art and develop their skills in complete freedom, Oleg Tumasov’s studio is the ideal sanctuary. Its purpose is to be a portal for all types of people to come and express themselves with art and its different forms, whether already experienced or not. Unlike many other Art Institutions, instead of paying lessons, students pay a certain amount of hours (similar to loading a phone with minutes instead of a monthly bill). Students can do whatever they want with those hours and come whenever they want. With this approach to teaching art, the artist is left with a far more relaxed experience, allowing the time spent at the studio to fit the person’s schedule. This approach also allows the student a more individual experience, because they can learn on their own and ask for help whenever they deem necessary. The most important aspect of this form of teaching is that it allows the student to develop their own style and learn at their own pace instead of being hindered by the constraints of a scheduled group approach. With all these great qualities, why is it that so many people walk by without noticing, even on one of the busiest streets in mountain view? 8
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C HA P TE R 1 This Question can only be ancontinuing to learn art does not swered when obser ved through come back. Oleg explains what the eyes of those who know keeps people coming back once what lies within the Art Studio. they do experience the studio: In some cities, such as Springdale Utah, and “It’s the uniqueness of the studio, because it’s difSan Fransisco, chain ferent from other studios. It’s not structural, which I franchises are banned to think is effective, because everyone is doing what they maintain the identity of want to do, and they will accomplish their goal in this the town and make sure small businesses support field.” the economy (Passey). In Mountain View, however, this is not the case. Peet’s Coffee, Starbucks and other chains plague the streets, leaving no room for independent antique like shops like Oleg’s studio to breathe. For a place as mystifyingly alluring as the Tumasov Art Studio, it is rare that the occasional newcomer interested in learning or 10
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Many other factors distinguish Oleg’s
ment. Everyone feels equal and re-
Art studio from other places, includ-
gards each other equally. As Ryan Lo
ing the atmosphere. Since there is no
simply puts it,
form of rigidity in the time frame, schedule, or really any manor of doing things, the students are set in a completely relaxed and informal environ-
“I think a lot of people are very supportive, even if you’re just starting out, and thats how I felt when I started.”
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C HA P TE R 2 Perhaps the most undermined form
day, like locking the front door (Es-
of theft is the stealing of art. The rate
pecially when he’s outback working
for recovery of stolen art is as low as
sometimes). Adversely, it affects the
1.5% (Gerlis, 2013). While Police are
outcome of business: This is one of
chasing after teenagers, only a mo-
the reasons why so many people who
lecular fraction of art that is stolen is
walk by miss the studio.
recovered. Although art is not stolen often, art pieces are not just objects. they are relics of emotion, they hold the soul of the artist, and have sometimes years of work invested in them. As stated in a portion of Ryan ex-
plaining his first impression, “There
was a lot of art pieces that Oleg himself created and art pieces that other people created.” Oleg takes some precautions to prevent burglary even during the 14
Upon the first time checking out the studio through the window, most people find that the door is locked and assume the studio is closed. Thus this reduces most first time customer encounters to when Oleg or someone else is in the section close to the door. This really affects business because everything inside the shop is for sale, and most customers that are students have found out about the studio from a friend, this really limits the income from actual art items. However, it is a necessary measure taken to ensure safety.
(A valuable painting in progress by one of the
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students)
C HA P TE R 3 The studio is one of the best places for
of being’ more than it is about dem-
Now Ryan comes often; he finds that
those who wish to develop or express
onstrating skill? If so, there is good
“It’s one of these places where I can
their art; their artistic minds. but
news: you are already there.”
just sit down and do my own thing,
who are those people? who is deemed
Ryan Lo is a perfect example of dis-
have a calm mind, a blank page. It’s
worthy of being considered artistic
covering the inner artist that lives
really relaxing.”
and what is it that makes someone
inside of everyone:
an artist? Most people have the misconception that these questions can be answered through the measurement of talent. In reality, we are all born artists, because it art is not about living up to other artists but become in a state of mind where there is pure expression (Fresia). Artist Jerry Fresia asks the right questions to people who are interested in art: “Can you peel back all those layers that now enshroud childhood wonder? Do you 18
know it is about getting into a ‘state
“I’ve always been interested in art, but I never really had time or found the right place to learn until i actually had the need for it creating my portfolio. Thats how i started looking for a place to learn and found Oleg’s art studio.”
“It’s one of these places where I can just sit down and do my own thing, have a calm mind, a blank page. It’s really relaxing.” 19
C o n clusi o n The purpose of the studio is to be a portal for all types of people to come and express themselves with art and its different forms, whether already experienced or not. This purpose has been fulfilled, because many people that have come to Oleg’s art studio have been able to discover art in every form imaginable. Tools are available to learn sculpting, painting, chalk, drawing, woodwork, and even the long lost art of metal work. Oleg believes this is the best way to teach art, because as Jerry Fresia explained, Art is meant for everyone - It is purely about self expression. The accessibility of all these materials to a student is one of the reasons the Art Studio is different from other institutions: It allows for anyone to learn any kind of art. Confirmed by the experience of students Like Ryan, Oleg’s art studio is an essential portal for artistic minds. Hidden in the midst of busy streets, it gathers dust but gathers only those who have the eye to see what is a beacon of artistic expression. This could be anyone - the passerby only needs to recognize the power that lies within every human.
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Wo rks Cit ed Bamberger, Alan. “The Art Party’s Over - Survival in a Weak Economy.” Art Market Trends. Art
Business, 2007. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
Fresia, Jerry. “Art Is Not About Talent.” About.com Painting. About.com, 2014. Web. 20 Mar. 2014. Gerlis, Melanie, and Javier Pes. “Recover Rate for Stolen Art as Low as 1.5%.” The Art
Newspaper. N.p., 27 Nov. 2013. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
Passey, Brian. “Towns Block Chain Restaurants to save Charm.” USA Today. N.p., 18 Dec. 2010.
Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
“Startup Business Failure Rate By Industry.” Statistic Brain RSS. Statistic Brain, 1 Jan. 2014.
Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
Tumasov, Oleg. Tumasov Art Studio, 4 Mar. 2014 Lo, Ryan. Tumasov Art Studio, 20 Mar. 2014
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The author of this book is Sasha Hugly. This book was made For the Purpose of uncovering a sanctuary of art amidst the Backstreets of Mountain view. Sasha enjoys spending his time playing music and Painting. Through freestyle, he has been able to communicate a different way to teach art.
The Art Around us By Sasha Hugly