Why a residency? Why uproot yourself from everything you know to go to a new studio and work with strangers? Those are reasonable questions, however the answer is also in those questions. The idea of a residency is to get out of your routine and to challenge yourself. Working with different artists, professors, and directors takes you out of your comfort zone and into the unknown, which is where the magic happens.
During my Bachelor of Fine Arts studies, I watched others apply to and attend internships and saw the value they received from their experiences. Leaving Alaska in the summer is not for the faint of heart, as it is “one” of our best seasons. I thought long and hard about what would be worth leaving the beauty and grandeur of Alaska for and the only place that came to mind was the Beatrice Wood Center in Ojai, CA. I called and left a message at the Beatrice Wood Center expressing my desire to apply for a residency. Kevin Wallace, the Director of the Beatrice Wood Center called me back. We spoke for close to an hour discussing why I had an interest in a residency, my experience, both our expectations, and details about the Center. The call ended with his request for me to send images of my work, artist statement, and artist resume. I sent all these off to Mr. Wallace within 12 hours and let it go, figuring that I would not get the residency. A week later I received an email accepting me as a resident. I told no one for several weeks, except Rex (my husband), as I waited for Mr. Wallace to realize his error and call me back letting me know that it was simply a mistake and I was not chosen. The call or email did not come and I slowly started letting friends know of my acceptance to the residency. I was informed that this is imposter syndrome where you don’t feel like you are good enough…Google it! and (if you want) read Art & Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland.
The semester flew by quickly and the next thing I knew I was packing to leave for my residency. I had a whirlwind of family visits that I made on my way to the residency.
My first day in Ojai, CA, I settled into my little slice of Airbnb paradise where I would wake up to the sound of a rooster crowing, mountains in my front yard, fresh eggs, fruit orchard and fresh squeezed orange juice all from my little slice of heaven that housed me during my residency. I did a quick introductory stop in at the Beatrice Wood Center to meet the staff and get a tour of the studio and grounds. I also received a key to the Beatrice Wood Center Studio for the duration of my residency. This was a fan girl moment!
For those who don’t know, I applied for this residency knowing full well I would not get it. Plot change. I got it! I was immersed for a month in clay with phenomenal ceramic artists and directors at the Beatrice Wood Center. I live by the belief that my answer is already no, so if I apply to something I really want, worst case scenario is that I will have the same answer. It is phenomenal and life changing when the answer is YES!
I hope you continue with me on the other blogs of my experience at the Beatrice Wood Center.
