A peek inside the Chicago studio of artist Jessie Smith-Larson

"I use this studio to make most of my art that requires assembly, or involves welding or heat in its creation. Because working with molten wax is incredibly toxic, I do most of that type of my art in this space. It exudes an energy that is incomparable to anything I have ever experienced. The artists who reside here are generous, collaborative and very helpful when a hand is needed. What's there not to love?

"On the other hand, I also love my Ravenswood studio, with its wall of windows, exposed brick and inspiring view of the Chicago skyline. It's hard to leave. What I love the most is the serenity this space exudes.

"I usually have four projects going at once and it's a pleasure to leave everything scattered about: organized chaos. I collect old cigar boxes and wooden crates for storage. My two desks are high wooden tables made of discarded doors and saw horses. I have rounds of cork trivets hanging on the walls, which I use as bulletin boards– an idea I borrowed from Design Sponge a few years ago. Of course, I was too lazy to paint mine pretty shades of colours.

"I have a fondness for old pitchers and pottery, where I store my paint brushes. Oversized Altoids tins are homes for pastels and charcoal pencils. A friend handed down an old Pepsi crate which I use to store and display my encaustic wax bars. It is a great space for thinking, painting and just plain old quiet.

"Two studios. Two loves. What's a girl to do?"