Studio Channel Islands inspires creativity for local artists
At Studio Channel Islands, local artists have different motivations as to why they create their art. Elana Kundell, Peggy Pownall and Micheal Rohde are just some of the many that found their artistic home at 2222 Ventura Blvd in Camarillo, Studio Channel Islands.
Kundell’s art career started when she was just a child, as she wrote and illustrated her own picture book. After growing up and moving out she eventually stumbled upon items from her adolescence, which included the old picture book. “There was so much emotion and expression in it. It actually scared me so much that I threw [it] away,” Kundell said. “The deep well of being human brings deeper truths to the surface. So lots of different motives connect with other human beings.”
Kundell creates various different colorful, abstract and expressive paintings. Her work is displayed in numerous different galleries, showing off her talent. Kundell even shares her love for art by teaching classes.
A graduate of Newbury Park High School and then UC Santa Cruz, Kundell went on to study in Bologna, Italy and then live in San Francisco. “A lot of creatives and artists and my parents were telling me about this art studio called Studio Channel Islands down here, and they just encouraged me to try it out,” Kundell said.
Pownall’s artistic expression started when she was just a child. “I always loved art as a kid. That was one of my favorite things. I think it was just something inner, something that was in me that wanted to express feelings. I think it’s just everything around me and my emotional being,” Pownall said.
Pownall works with a variety of mediums. Her most popular pieces are paintings, ephemera, loose threads and orbs. Pownall likes to combine these colorful mediums, often working with more than one in a piece.
After Pownall’s trip to Italy, she found a turning point in her artistic journey. “I came back and just, I have to get a bigger space. And I knew about this organization that had studio space, and so that’s how I arrived as part of the group here, and became part of this community. It’s just kind of inspiring, as you can tell by seeing the other students [in] some of the other studios,” Pownall said.
With his many different talents, Rohde decided to pursue his artistic journey. He started his career over 50 years ago. Rohde was drawn to and continues to create art because of his curiosity. “It’s curiosity about what I can do differently than I’ve done before,” Rohde said.
Rohde primarily works with woven pieces and flat fibers. The majority of Rohde’s work is focused around different color combinations and how color can convey meaning.
Prior to discovering Studio Channel Islands, Rohde had a studio in his own home, but found a richer community when he was surrounded by other artists. Rohde is inspired by artists that have drive and dedication. “You just keep doing, just keep doing it,” Rohde said.
Studio Channel Islands offers a rich setting for all artists to create and inspire.“It does take a village. For every artist that you see here, there are so many people who have supported us, to be able to have the courage as well as the means to be able to continue developing the work,” Kundell said.
