Tag: growth and development

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An Art Residency in France

Today I’ve been working on what will likely be the last painting I create at my Art Residency at Chateau Orquevaux. As I painted, the last in what has become a connected series, I began to examine why it was important for me to do such a thing. Here they are, in order of importance for me.

1. Connection

I’ve been painting in relative isolation for the past years, in my home studio, and loving it. I realize now that I applied for the residency not just for the place to paint but for connection with like minded people. I love the artists I’ve met; they are my extended family. We share ideas, philosophies, dreams, and aspirations easily and without judgement. We see the world as possibility in colour, shape, line, texture and design. Picasso’s wordless book of bridesmaids has a storyline we can interpret easily together. Between us, there is only support and sharing, competition just isn’t a thing here. We laugh together when we could be crying and we cry together when we could be laughing. Everyone here is whole and rich and perfect because that’s what we notice about each other first and foremost. We just generally get each other.

Having a tribe, a tribe that I’ve lived communally with for a month, that I’ve shared meals and wine with and created with, who come from all over the world, who are a variety of ages, who have distinctly different styles and experiences, who came with the same awe and excitement I came with, who have the same reverence for art and creating, well, that’s as golden as it gets in the work world. And yes, making art, creating, is work. Important work. Valuable work. The French get that.  Connection is belonging.

2. Learning


I’ve loved the studio spaces just above the bedrooms, the rhythm of each artist’s working days, and the chats about creations and processes when studio doors are open. Learning is one of my drivers. When I’m learning, I feel alive. Yesterday, I found out about the brute art movement in broken English. My heart was filling up as I listened. I’d already viewed the exhibit. I knew how it made me feel. Yes, I feel art. At lunch today, while articulating how my painting morning was going, I generally like to paint uninterrupted from 9:00-2:00, I understood how much more exhausting it is for me to paint a series than it is to paint completely intuitively. Intentional painting, for me is less enjoyable. My bucket gets filled when I feel free. April, a writer in residence, understood this feeling and expressed how she noticed it come up for her in her practice as well. Having an opportunity to discuss our inner observations really helped me to consider freedom as one of my basic human needs even beyond art.

3. Change


I have new rituals that I will integrate into my home practice. Eating breakfast, slowly, as well as drinking coffee every morning, is going to happen everyday even without the croissants. I will put more attention into line and into learning about the New York art scene and emerging artists. Opening my home to artist gatherings and work stays will be on my radar. A residency or two every year will become a regular part of who I am and what I do.

4. Joy

I always say, gratitude paves the road to joy. I feel it here x’s 10. This place, Orquevaux, is beautiful. Discovering it and each other; I am so grateful. This is magic and coincidence at its very best! Thank you Ziggy Attias, for your vision and your invitation.

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Chateau Orquevaux Artist Residency

After Paris, I rented a little car. Doing this from home, before I left, was much more economical than doing it as a walk up. I used sixt and this was what was waiting for me when I arrived. A brand new Citroen.

The Chateau is a dream! It’s the vision of Ziggy Atticus. He’s an artist, originally from New York, who is now creating an oasis for artists in this beautiful French hamlet.

A family of coypus are what create the dirt piles in the foreground.

The bedroom I’m in is just gorgeous!

It looks out over and beyond the scene above.

There are chickens for fresh eggs and goats for cuddling. (They smell exactly like goat cheese)

When I’m not enjoying the little village and the grounds,

I paint! That’s why I received the scholarship to be here, after all!

Ziggy jokingly said that he changes the locks after every residency but I think he actually might have to. It’s a perfect spot for anyone who loves to create!

I’m so grateful to have been chosen to attend while also receiving a scholarship to do so!

If you are interested in the residency you can apply through Instagram. Just post your work and tag Chateau Orquevaux. Dreams can come true.

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Books and Movies and Trees

My Father and His Father
be Love

The influence that adults caregivers have on a child’s life is undeniable. We have all heard the expression “the apple never falls far from the tree”, I’ve often referred to “apples and trees” to describe the similarities I’ve seen between parents and child without the ‘never’ cynicism.

Two pieces of media I’ve enjoyed recently that hit this message home again are Wab Kinew‘s book, The Reason you Walk, and Hunt For The The Wilder People, directed by Taika Waititi. Interestingly, both are presentations of a strong male to male bond. and both include an aboriginal perspective. While I didn’t seek them out for that reason, I do enjoy the coincidence.

I picked up Wab Kinew’s book because I used to enjoy a TV show he hosted. He had wit, he was honest, he was charming, and he was an advocate for his aboriginal culture. I had no real idea what the book was about but it was a prize finalist, it felt good in my hand, and so, I purchased it. As his personal story unfolded, I was awed. True to form, he had invited me into his life, with complete vulnerability. I admire vulnerability because of the growth and courage I know it takes to put away bravado and just be honest about who we are.

Wab’s story is biographical telling from the perspective of his life intersecting with his father’s. His father, Tobasonakwut, was a residential school survivor, an inspirational cultural teacher, a sun dancer, a man who navigated trials of racism, trauma, and life, but who’s final dance was with cancer. Through the book, Wab philosophically explores himself as he comes to know his father as a force of love and grace. As I read, I had the sense that the son was growing into the shoes the father would leave behind once cancer finally took his life. It was an excellent, recommendable read, that is not only about apples and trees but also a glimpse into the healing Aboriginal identity in Canada.

Hunt for the Wilder People was an accident. We share a Netflix account with family members and my daughter had it listed as a recently watched. It can be a good technique for finding something worthy of the limited time I share with a TV set. This is a story out of New Zealand that features a confused child being raised in the foster system and the unlikely, perhaps last resort couple that welcome him into their home. It is told with wit, honesty and creativity. The relationship between the child and the male role model is again, loving and again very deep. As it ended I felt both happy and satisfied, just as I had when I finished Wab’s story. Perhaps he needs to seek out the directing services of Taika Waititi?