Several months before we entered the Twilight Zone of Coronavirus, I was blessed with a month long residency from Kingsbrae International Residency for Artists (KIRA) in St Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada.I arrived there with a rigid plan to write so many words every day. On Day 1, I met my five fellow artists, all very talented, but all actual artists. It was a bit intimidating, but a wonderful challenge.
On Day 2, I trekked my way through the backyard of our generous benefactor, then through the magnificent Kingsbrae Gardens to my studio in the woods. For the next three days, I marched to that simple little cabin and stared at the blank walls surrounding me. I couldn't write a word. I stared at the walls, out the window, and at the floor from 8 am until 5 pm. I cried. I waved at the garden's visitors through the big window, I counted the log pile just off the front porch and cried some more. Evenings and breakfast were spent with my fellow artists. We talked about our insecurities, our processes, and our dreams.
By Day 5, I realized what a gift I had been given. A quiet place with no distractions. A group of crazy, fun-loving artists that accepted and encouraged each other, and time. And so I began to write.
Every day thereafter I wrote and wrote. And I grew. I listened to the other artists and began to explore doing picture journals. There was beauty in how I was learning to put primitive pictures of my thoughts onto paper and then add my thoughts to make a journal page that enhanced my experience.
Thirty days later, I emerged from that gift of time with 46 new short stories, 30 picture journal pages, a community of friends, and a sense of self worth I realized I had been missing. Now, it's months later and I am just beginning to learn what this residency was all about. I have now been gifted with another residency this fall. I am more prepared already. I learned I don't have to put pressure on myself to create.Instead, I just need to explore, listen, laugh and love the moments I am given to breathe.
So, when offered that tiny bit of time to renew your work, your faith, your family, or something you love, take it. We have so little time left.......
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