Magical Paths

I am writing this post from a magical chateau in France, a fairyland of inspiration. I am in an artist residence at the Atelier Chateau Orquevaux for 2 weeks and we had a bonus week in Paris to get our creative juices flowing. You all know that I think travel is the best way to connect with your muse and inspire your artwork. This residency has been in the making for years. We were first accepted right at the beginning of Covid and then I needed to push it until this year so I could catch up with all my other commitments that moved due to the pandemic. I think the timing has proven beneficial.

I titled this blog Magical Paths because I have been holding this creative vision for many years and now the path has led me here in perfect timing. You can see that this is like something out of a story. When I applied and was accepted, I wasn’t aware that less than 20% of applicants get in. What is truly magical about the place is the designated time away from any other distractions (apart from writing this). There are 21 artists, writers, musicians, photographers, filmmakers and performers for the two weeks. We have our own studios but we get to know each other over meals and evenings, have studio visits, and be inspired by each other. It is a luxury summer camp for creatives.

My studio is outside the chateau in the stables next to the original chateau. It is a functional space with two windows that open onto a large courtyard and is next to a roaring stream. There have been many supplies left by other artists over the years, but I brought what I needed for my project. Unlike other artists who are using the time to explore, I arrived with a specific project in mind. My project is a site-specific installation. I had the vision for years, but it has evolved and changed as I walk through the grounds and the forests. Even the rainy weather has altered the location and as the work has been created the idea for installation has changed several times.

I believe that when creatives come together a certain level of energy is elevated and expands. It is magical and essential to feeding the soul of any creative person. I have loved interacting with young emerging artists and others like me who have been at this for some time and have many successful talents. My studio space is next to a couple of the musicians and I love listening to them compose new songs. There will be a big party and studio tour at the end of the 2 weeks. I have been visiting with my neighbors in the stable studios and it is amazing how much work is happening.

I will be documenting the installation of the work and sharing images on my social media. There is also an interactive component to the work and I will be leaving a piece here for the gallery. I wanted to let you know what this residency is about since I have been asked about artists’ residencies. There are many different types, but this one is the best. It is listed as one of the 10 most beautiful residencies in the world. I have done residencies that were at the opposite end of this one and others that are ok. This one will be hard to replicate, but I will be applying to more. The community, connections and magic that evolves is what the magical path is about. They have just opened a new call so be sure to apply. www.chateauorquevaux.com