Let me tell you about a great experience. I was invited to the Virginia Center for Creative Arts in Amherst, Virginia for a 3-week residency. It turned my head around.
Here is a sampling of the things I saw and did.
The Campus
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the campus is nestled in the mountains
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the walk to the studio barn
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specimen plantings: a bottlebrush buckeye
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the pool, an afternoon oasis
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wildlife everywhere, especially rabbits
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the walk to the studios
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tree shadows outside my bedroom
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sculptures everywhere
The Studio
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the hallway to my studio
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a spacious studio with a napping bed
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fixtures that make it work
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I started with blank canvases
New friends
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seriously creative folks
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great discussions around the outdoor dining tables
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play readings, poetry readings
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open studios, what a delight
My work
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india ink splotches start the work
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I respond to what the ink gives me
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the canvas was over 90" long
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a second piece started with texture
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cutting things up gave me new dimensions
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I had time to make new creatures
There was drama
The result
Surrounded by serious artists of all stripes I could not help but work all day and into the nights. The focus on serious pursuit of the work makes all the difference. We all toiled, we all celebrated each other, we all felt sheltered and honored. Did I mention three meals a day? I recommend this. Find a space that allows complete focus. Find other serious artists with whom to share the experience. Work hard and enjoy the privilege.