November 2024 artist residency at Chateau Bouthonvilliers, in Dangeau, France
A chance to get away from it all and create, create, create…
2024 was a crazy year for me, I was able to participate in so many opportunities but the November 2024 residency was definitely my favorite!
I was fortunate enough to be selected into a worldwide residency program Atelier Artist in Residence with a residency in France (about 1.5 hours southwest of Paris).
There were 8 artists in total, all with different backgrounds and specialties so it was a well-rounded experience, allowing us the opportunity to learn from each other. I’m happy to say that I made some awesome friends during this time and we will keep in touch for years to come!
During my time in this residency, I primarily focused on patterns that I will incorporate into beadwork designs when I get a chance. I also worked on an art nouveau watercolour portrait, drawing inspiration from the Chateau’s artwork, history and natural beauty outside.
August 2024 artist residency at Jenni House, Whitehorse Yukon
A photographic and digital exploration of the Yukon, incorporating digital illustrations into the landscape in a fun and sometimes magical way.
I had such a great time during my very first residency working on this project that I had on my mind for months beforehand. Getting the time to create and realize this was an amazing opportunity and working alongside the Yukon River was so welcoming and healing. There have been almost 200 artists that have worked in the Jenni House which made me feel like I was part of this creative chain of people and made the empty cabin feel like it was filled with people supporting my efforts.
For about a year before the residency, I went around and snapped photos whenever possible of places that I love, places with fond memories and some places that I thought would just be funny to include. Only a small handful of photos were used, but I hope to come back to the project again and work on some more.
Sometime in the future I also hope to expand on this project with creating digital illustrations of the Whitehorse in my dreams. A hot spring surrounded by crystals that give off a healing energy and spiritual ancestors bathing the pool that envelop you with love and warmth. The Yukon River by the Riverdale bridge that is actually a sandy beachfront with access to the ocean and you can hear the waves lapping at the shore on a moonlit night. Or perhaps the small island with a copse of trees where you feel safe and secure.
