During certain periods, Greene’s studio contained great piles of things other times just a few objects were placed in the space. Charles created the objects seen in the photos others were things he collected: family mementos, local finds, a hodgepodge of visual delight and clutter that only an artist could gather. Archival photos of the main room show that it was always in transition objects would come and go, as would people. I think Charles would tell you that his studio has never been a static, defined space. And the architecture-because it’s good-feels fully alive simply because you’re present within it. The space is either old or new and neither old nor new at the same time. When you’re in them, especially when alone and doing very little other than experiencing the moment, there’s virtually no perception of time. Charles Greene intended for his studio to serve as a salon for what he hoped would be a growing Bohemian Culture in Carmel I’m motionless, struck with the notion that Charles has just stepped out to fetch more firewood. The atmosphere suddenly feels charged, as if now and then and tomorrow are all occurring at the same time-a circle. The tiny creature circles the room in silent determination, its shadow growing and shrinking on the walls and ceiling in the undulating firelight. I study the patterns Greene carved into the two large beams spanning the ceiling and the decorative impressions his children helped to stamp into the wet plaster nine decades ago, then a shadow races across the mantle it’s a bat. This diminutive oculus is the only window in the main room that faces the street-a choice that Charles Greene may have made to protect his privacy and that of the many kindred spirits he welcomed inside during his time here. The small, circular window, high on the wall near the upper-left corner of the chimney, is open. A large fire in the fireplace banishes the autumn chill, and its flames generate the best golden light in the darkened space. I’m lying on the floor, on my back, in Charles Sumner Greene’s studio in Carmel. CHARLES SUMNER GREENE STUDIO, CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
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