It has been some time since my last update. I initially intended to post regularly during my residency in Sardinia but struggled to find the mindset for writing. While this is admittedly a poor excuse, I did maintain my practice of writing Morning Pages consistently and posted regularly on Instagram. I think it was not laziness but rather the difficulty of accessing the webpage on my iPad and preparing edited photos that slowed me down.
In addition, it has taken me some time to reflect on the experience and find the words to express what it has meant for both my art and personal growth. I continue to revisit my thoughts, hoping to distill a “Big Truth” that encapsulates everything. In reality, however, it is more like snippets of “my truth” that quietly reveal themselves, offering insights in subtle ways.
Residency applications typically require artists to submit a one-page summary of their intentions—what they hope to explore or begin, rather than to finish anything. My intention, which remained consistent throughout, was to focus on "Vessels - Art of the Feminine." This overarching theme guided my work during the residency and continues to shape my artistic development.
What truly surprised me during this time were the unexpected gifts—small moments of inspiration and sparks of ideas that emerged unexpectedly and continue to delight and inspire me.
I had a clear vision of my approach to the theme and took some time to explore the Archaeological Museum in Cagliari upon arriving in Sardinia, before heading to the residency. There, I discovered vessel shapes that captured my interest, which I later sketched and painted onto rice paper I had brought with me.
For me, creating art involves a sense of body memory; it is not just about observing shapes but also experiencing them through the making process. Although my work is three-dimensional, sketching and drawing help me better understand the shapes' flow and movement, both visually and tactilely.
Once settled into my workspace, I began creating what I initially envisioned. While the pieces were satisfactory, they didn’t fully meet my expectations. This initial rough phase didn’t surprise me—it felt like a necessary period of exploration before finding my rhythm. It also revealed what directions were not working for me.
With more research and thanks to a book one of the staff lent to me, I began further sketches (and writing) of early symbols of female goddesses, worship and powers and skills. In fact, Sardinia is rich in goddess worship; wells and water worship played an important part of their theology. Some visits to nearby archelogical sites provided much inspiration! At the same time I wanted to bring the concepts of female symbology forward to incorporate into my vessels. Research into modern symbols provided some ideas but I am working towards creating new and potentially exciting concepts.
As a practical person, I ensured the vessels I created during the residency were small enough to be easily transported home; thus, the prototypes were intentionally kept at a manageable size. The time and space I have now will allow me to create vessels in the larger sizes I envision for the future.
I want to highlight a couple of profound moments that felt like gifts from the universe. During a visit to the Etruscan Museum in Volterra, Tuscany, after the residency, I came across a vessel with an engraving translated as “I was given….” The phrasing struck me deeply, as the vessel, an inanimate object, was described in the first person. While this may have been a common practice historically, it was new to me and sparked thoughts of incorporating such personification into my Vessel work.
Additionally, I saw a series of vessels with unusually shaped lids, designed to lovingly envelop the top opening. They evoked the image of a male/female coupling in an embrace, offering another form to consider—not so much to copy but to consider how I might interpret it in my work.
While I initially considered offering a detailed travelogue, I didnt want to bore you, so stay tuned, as much of my experience will continue to unfold in the future. Thank you for being part of my journey.
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