ARTIST IN RESIDENCE EXPERIENCE
Burren College of Art: Artist in Residence
I had the opportunity to spend almost five weeks at Burren College of Art as an artist in resident. The college is located in Ballyvaughan, Ireland and is connected to programs around the world while remaining somewhat isolated.
Close But Never Touching
The installation explores intricate parent-child relationships that contain manipulation, possession, and love. Sheep wool, a natural material, acts as a metaphor for the manipulation seen in strained relationships. The wool is used as an act of taking possession from the animal, questioning the notion of control versus love. Abstract shapes, positioned closely but not touching, depict a mother reaching for her child but the child resists their touch. The struggle between control and love underscores the association with the title mother and the vulnerability of being objectified through control is symbolized in the sheep wool. Emphasizing how those in maternal positions can turn love into possessiveness through assumed power.
MATERIAL EXPLORATION
FOCUSED PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
IRELAND
Metafora Studio Arts: Studio Arts Program
While in Barcelona, Spain I attended Metafora Studio Arts program. I worked with Arash Fayez in a mentorship capacity and had the opportunity to expand the conceptual thinking behind my work. Alongside my studio work I took a number of theory classes and had the opportunity to show my work at Metafora's Open Studios and La Galerie.
MATERIAL EXPLORATION
FOCUSED PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
BARCELONA
As a selected artist in residence, I conceptually developed my practice by immersing myself in both Spanish and French Culture. Having the opportunity to work with four other practicing artists pushed me to think critically and offer advice while balancing the constraints of time. The collaboration of different cultures daily gave me confidence in speaking about my work and the ability to focus on specific verbiage. This residency showed me the importance of experiencing different cultures on an artistic level and motivated me to be exploratory in my practice. Finishing the residency with an exhibition at Yellow Cube Gallery allowed me to manage my practice with limited time. I focused on creating pieces for exhibition while maintaining exploration. The process of showing in a Parisian gallery taught me the impact my work can have on a space and its community no matter where I am in the world. The European Artistic Residency showed me the importance of travel and experience as an artist and I plan to continue this throughout my career because of this residency.
BARCELONA
PARIS
FINAL SHOW
