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A portrait of a creative space: Simon Gunning’s studio

Simon Gunning Studio

Simon Gunning is from Australia. In 1980, he left Sydney and set out for New York City to make it as an artist. On his way there, he stopped off in New Orleans. He fell in love with a beautiful woman from “down in the Parish,” and he fell in love with the City. Like so many visitors, he never left.

He and his wife Shelly live in a creole cottage in the Faubourg Marigny. For the longest time, Gunning worked in his attic. It was hot and cramped, but he made do. And, he made incredible art. He painted the neighborhood, the river, and the surrounding wetlands.

After years and years of schlepping up steep and narrow Lapeyre Stairs, Gunning took over the adjacent shotgun and converted it into his dream studio. It has high ceilings, hardwood floors, tall windows, ceiling fans and plenty of space.

“I love the way the light streams in through the shutters,” he said. “My studio is at the intersection of art and life. I find inspiration inside and out.” And, with his house only an alley away, “the commute isn’t all that bad either!”

Simon Gunning is represented by Arthur Rogers Gallery. The Ogden Museum of Southern Art is having a show of Gunning’s work from October 1 through February 5. To learn more about the artist, go to www.simongunning.com.

Gunning

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