It has felt like im making crazy slow progress this time spent in Orquevaux. Yesterday however, it struck me that whilei I'm not feeling as productive by volume, I am very happy thus far with the quality of work and the direction it has moved. Attached here is the base layering of asmall work happening now.
My goal is to update here each day but as I mentioned before, connectivity/ wifi isnt as reliable as I hoped. It seems that usually only the image or the text uploads. Please forgive this detail and enjoy as much of the process that does make it through. I'll mostly post an image or two from this point until I make it back to the states. Commentary will be posted later. In the mean time, feel free to add your thoughts below or email me at anytime. Happy art loving friends!

This is the state of the studio: a bit chaotic, definitely messy, lots of pieces in various states of completions. The large piece on the panel easel is what I am loving most. It is currently at disaster point. I am excited about thos stage because the only way to progress is without sentimentality. Past layers are available but to not dictate the future. Choices are best made without nostalgia.

Artist residencies offer a lot of opportunities. There is a chance to go on a adventure, see new places, focus on art process and idea development. So far, one of my favorite results of artist residencies has been meeting other artists and developing relationships with other creatives. Each time I jump into this live/make/learn/ breath art experiences, I come out with the pleasure of knowing new humans that are exciting and funny and interesting. These new friends are a joy to know and interact with. They ground and elevate the whole experience. I spent today with two such people but the good human experiences have been vast in the short time I've been in Orquevaux this year. Added here are a few shots of great people and good times from this France trip so far.

To be honest, I wasn't really looking forward to open studio sessions today. I was set to dive right back into my own mess and keep working out the pieces in progress. Instead, I tidied up the space and helped my little studio mate organize her presentation. Too quickly, three o'clock came and all of the artists crammed into the first studio. We visited each artist studio in the Chateau and heard two readings by writers before we headed to the stable studios for the final presentations. We ended the event in my shared studio with refreshments of fruit, cheese, and pink Champagne chosen by Gracie.
\nIt wasn't what I would have chosen for this specific day but the studio visits really were what I needed. Talking with other creatives, hearing and learning about their work and objectives is encouraging and inspiring. It opens possibilities and offers new perspective. For me, I especially enjoy the results of talking about my own process with people that have a glimpse into what it takes to make art. They appreciate the effort even when the produ t ow so different from their own. That type of respect is not commonplace. It is also helpful to talk through process and voice ideas. I often find that through this verbalization I am reenergized and refocused for my next work session.
\nIncluded here is a snapshot of my session in progress. The photo was taken by Ziggy Attias.

Connectivity has been a challenge this week. Wifi is not stable in my studio so sharing my documentations has not been easy. It has been a good thing for acclimating to my space. Currently I have three series of work in progress. Today it hit me how I should best proceed toward my goals. In fact, I also clarified a few goals for myself. I work in my head a lot. Talking with other artists here, at Chateau Orquevaux, over the last few days has helped me find my way out. Below are a studio shots from today. More later! Peace, love, art, fire!

As many of you know, I am very lucky to have my family join me for art and travel adventures. My little studio mate is not just on vacation this time around. She is working hard to get paintings ready so she can participate in the week,s open studio event. This will be her first time showing in France. Also, she is excited to organize a plein air event with other artists, here at the residency, tomorrow afternoon. She had plans to fully participate in this artist residency this go around and she is following through for sure. Watch here for updates on her creations and events! Happy Saturday!

Time passes at a strange, inconsistent rate during the holidays. Travel seems to work in a simimilar way. It is hard to believe we have been in Orquevaux for five days already. Meeting new people, working as much as possible, not much sleep for the best reasons, all happening in an exciting yet comfortable place. Good things are happening. This is the studio, along with a few shots of Orquevaux this morning. More late tonight. Love and art to all!