Everyone's Like: Artist In Residency? What's That?

Right. Good question. I think there are lots of possible answers and variations. But what seems to be the common theme is that an Artist in Residency program is a place and space for an artist (of any genre) to focus on creative processes, inspiration and working without daily distraction.

There are varying constructs for an artist in residence: from a solo retreat that one organizes oneself, to a structure program of learning and critique, or something in between.

Arts Letters & Numbers falls on the organized spectrum in that there is an application process and a dedicated physical location for the pursuit of artistic ideas and work. Collaboration, sharing and critique are encouraged but not formalized.

What I particularly loved about my time there was the welcoming community, both within the residence and within the larger Averill Park, NY community. 

Upon arriving, I learned of certain weekly rituals: the Monday afternoon t-time (tequila time that is), the Tuesday evening ping pong and potluck, the Friday liver and onion brunch, and some fluid activities, such as visiting musicians putting on a concert, or a film screening night.

But within the week of being here, the calendar filled with programs hosted by the residents. Everyone contributes.

We were lucky to preview a theatre piece, set to premier in Estonia later this year. And to hear a piano performance by a composer working on a musical piece to be performed by the Sydney symphony this summer.

I learned how to transfer photos onto wood blocks (but perhaps also on to canvases) to create layered collaged pieces that can then be painted (the sky's really the limit after learning the technique). I'd also been promised a beer bread baking class and I promised a yoga and meditation session.

Crusty warm bread rolls that were delicious and so simple I may actually stand a chance of recreating them at home!

Learning how to take photographs and transfer them onto wood (or perhaps canvas!!!)

While there, I was able to pull out themes and threads from the paintings I created and put them out for critique and criticism.

And I'll be sad to miss, but excited to see photos, from a collaboration on nature by two residents who will be here after I've left.

So what is an artist in residency program, then? Simply a time and place away from life (it can be a day, a week, a once-a-week time) to research, reflect, create and collaborate. Looking forward to continuing the journey!

Back in the Wedding Business?

As many of you know, I used to run a wedding dress shop in Ann Arbor Michigan, which was completely staffed by volunteers, where the dresses were donated, and where the proceeds were used at the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor.  It was a fun and fulfilling endeavor and sometimes I miss being around brides and their families in their happy moments.

Last weekend, I felt like I was back in that world, while collaborating on a styled wedding photography shoot with Clare Mullins Photography. Clare pulled together her vision for a Monet-inspired watercolor and gold theme and brought in her sister to model. I painted a 9.5 ft x 5 ft backdrop in shades of white, green, gold and pink, and Meg Burrell created a clean and modern stationery suite.

It was the first time I had created a work this large or created a backdrop of any kind (save for maybe those huge clothes we made for sorority skits haha) and it was a challenge but fun!

Quick: Google "how to make a backdrop!" That's what I did! I ordered a few rolls of the biggest canvas and heavy duty paper I could find. But not wanting to buy poles and such, we decided to go with paper that could be hung directly onto the wall of the room Clare had rented for the shoot.

In my tiny apartment, I unfurled the longest length possible and painted, waited for it to dry, rolled it in from the end and unfurled another section, working to integrate all the parts seamlessly. 

When I was finally able to unroll the whole thing across the room on the shoot day, I loved the way it all came together!! We chose to hang it vertically for the shoot, but I would love to see it framed hanging horizontally behind someone's couch. It definitely has a watery/Monet-y quality to it.

From the 90s pop soundtrack to elegant beaded wedding dress Clare had chosen, the shoot was perfect and so much fun. I had never met Clare or Meg in person before but I was in awe of how well we worked together and got along. It was such a fantastic experience, and I cannot thank these ladies enough. 

More photos coming soon, and the painting will be listed for sale here shortly.