Attending My First Art Residency
A still from the short film, “Promise and Play,” featuring artist Amy Gowling
Have you ever wanted to hit pause on the hundred tasks you have lined up on your to-do list, escape your overwhelming work week, and spend time in nature to prioritize the things that truly bring you joy? That was me a year ago, feeling burned out and uninspired in my art practice.
In 2024, I got accepted into my first Art Residency in Rutland, Ohio. It was two weeks away from the familiar on a 370-acre property of medicinal plants with freedom to reclaim creativity on my own terms.
What came of it was a short film showcasing the talented women from the cohort in their practice, as well as myself, dancing and experiencing the meadows. This short film is an exploration of promise and play through the flourishing prairies and green valleys.
A still from the short film, “Promise and Play,” featuring Linnae D’Auria and Jolie Neal
A promise to tend sweetly to the land that encompasses our reason and to play for a lifetime into the endless gullies of purpose. Featured is a land rich in biodiversity where nature and art are one; one informs the other, and a symbiotic relationship is made. Gone are the days when we wonder about the salvation of medicinal herbs and instead act upon the reciprocity needed to be a steward. We give thanks to Golden Seal, Butterflyweed, Black Cohosh, Ginseng, Wild Yam, and the many other plant allies peeking out the library window, settled with ease. Here, they are safe.
During the two weeks of the residency and at the United Plant Savers Botanical Sanctuary, I focused on being kind to myself. I rested to reset my body and mind, observed nature with tranquility, and had inspiring conversations with artists.
Getting to know the other artists, an all-female cohort, was a big highlight of my residency. We were in a unique position to not only be practicing artists in visual, performing, and fine arts, but also practicing herbalists with a shared love for ecology, conservation, and medicinal plants. Together, we visited local coffee shops, vineyards, and farmers’ markets during our downtime. Their company and talent left me so inspired, I just knew I had to include them in my short film.
There was just something different about being on open land in the Midwest, away from the hustle of the city. Rutland felt peaceful and calm, but not quiet. Without the noise pollution of cars and crowds, it left room for Mother Nature to do the talking, and boy, does she have a lot to say. You can hear every butterfly wing flapping, the distant hum of secaedas in unison, songbirds whistling their tunes, and willow trees rustling their strands in the wind. With no expectation to be anything other than present, I finally felt like I was able to take a breath of fresh air.
I spent my days documenting the land and being alone in stillness, but never lonely. Not necessarily having a goal in mind, I focused on capturing the now with moments of ease.
During nightfall, I saw my first firefly ever in my life. The soft incandescent glow appeared before me, only to disappear as quickly as a blink. It left me wondering if what I saw was truly there. More appeared in the nearby distance, which confirmed my first sighting. Little twinkles of light illuminated the dark paths, while the sound of chirping crickets and gravel being crushed under each footstep echoed throughout. It felt like an unexplainably magical moment. This moment I will remember forever.
This particular artist residency was self-guided. We had a pretty proactive cohort, so we took it upon ourselves to be in community with each other and share our work. I am grateful for such an eye-opening and grounding experience that allowed me the freedom to explore and play within my art practice.
In the following weeks, I will be sharing more on the topic of art residencies - how they work, why you would want to attend, and how you can create your very own from the comfort of home.
