In May, I spent two weeks at an artist-in-residence program by Lake Michigan. The Lakeside Inn, having provided residency from 1968-1994, revived the process three years ago. It is a beautiful place with a spacious painting and ceramic studio, perfect for artistic exploration.
During my residency, I shared the space with two fellow artists: Isabel Almeida, a talented ceramicist, and Dawson Knipp, a multidisciplinary artist. We had inspiring art conversations, often in the kitchen, discussing our creative practices and future projects.
The painting studio was large, with skylights and windows on both sides. Looking out onto the woods and a small pond, I enjoyed the sounds of birds in the morning and frogs at night. With ample room for my paintings, I had the freedom to fully engage in my physical painting process.
My days followed a simple routine: breakfast, painting, a late afternoon walk on the beach, dinner, and more painting. I can't stress enough how simplifying my life during this time brought me clarity and allowed me to be fully present. Immersing myself in the creative process helped me find my peak flow.
Artist-in-residence programs are important because they offer a change of environment, a new perspective, and plenty of time, which can greatly influence an artistic vision. By trusting my intuition and letting go of preconceived ideas and plans, I experienced significant breakthroughs in my work. I managed to create 14 paintings during my stay, and I'm genuinely excited about them.
The residency experience is just the beginning; the lessons and growth continue over time. I'm grateful for this opportunity, a gift that nurtures my artistic journey and enriches my life.