I admit, I get a bit jealous when I see artists participating in a fabulous residency in a beautiful place. I’ve applied for a few myself, knowing that with my still limited professional artist experience, gaining a spot in one is a long shot.
But as I was unpacking in our new temporary lakeside home in Washington, it occurred to me– I am in a new “residency” every 3-6 months! Every new place brings with it new experiences and new inspirations, so why not treat each one as my own independent residency?
This place especially, has my creative juices flowing thanks to the beautiful little lake on which we sit. Not to mention the trees, the rocks, the sky.. There is so much to take in!
While I’m here “in residence” on Offut Lake, I’ll be working on a new series, ECHOES, inspired by reflections in water. This idea was already germinating at the end of the VENTERS series and when I began to see how the reflections in the lake change throughout the day, I knew I had found my muse.
Image by me.
![This Artsy Life: Weekend 21 [ Roamin’ in the Rain ]](https://artsyforager.com/images/Pier+Regular/This+Artsy+Life%3A+Weekend+21+%5B+Roamin%26%238217%3B+in+the+Rain+%5D.png "This Artsy Life: Weekend 21 [ Roamin’ in the Rain ]")
Frances Louise Rice
September 22, 2016 at 10:43 AMYou are lucky to have a beautiful spot on a lake to hang out and paint! It’s great how adjusting one’s perspective makes all the difference. One day this summer as I was mowing my yard, I realized how lucky I was to be able to get outdoors on a beautiful day and have the time to mow. I had the summer off and most people were still working 9-5 day in and day out. Rather than getting bummed about the chore, it was great to realize I was fortunate to have such a wonderful place to live, and such a nice yard to take care of with my nice, new mower. (Living on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington is hard to beat!)
Artsy Forager
September 22, 2016 at 1:00 PMSuch a lovely perspective, Frances! My hubby and I are both working on being more content in each moment and that is such a perfect example. You’re right, the OP is pretty special, indeed!
Michelle Andres
September 22, 2016 at 11:13 AMIt’s fantastic your creative mind gave an extended definition to “residency!” I once had a mentor who told me to sequester myself in my least used studio (I have 2) for a special project at set hours. She called it a “self-imposed residency.” My view was not nearly as beautiful! Enjoy!!!
Artsy Forager
September 22, 2016 at 1:01 PMIt’s so easy to focus on what we don’t have and not appreciate what’s right before us, isn’t it? Here’s to more self-imposed residencies for us both, Michelle!