Taft Nicholson Artist Residency

Self Portrait 

Self Portrait 

A mere five hour drive from Salt Lake City, two of my peers and I took a road trip to join some fellow artists from the University of Utah to spend a couple weeks at the Taft Nicholson Artist Residency in Centennial Valley, Montana. It was a positive and energizing experience that left me feeling rejuvenated and creatively fulfilled.

Real Life Benefits:

  • Fresh Montana air and an open landscape for creative thinking.
  • Unplug! No internet or cell service except for emergencies and a few phone calls to say goodnight to my one and only. 
  • Wide open spaces, trails, lakes, and mountains to explore and get inspired by.
  • Time! Day after day of endless creativity and good company.
  • Fellow students and friends to share new ideas with, and get feedback on works in progress.
  • Cyanotype alternative process. Just add sun and water! My two favorite things.
  • Early morning sunrise photoshoots - for when you can't sleep.
  • Birding! Owls, bald eagles, hawks, cranes, and more!
  • Daily group hikes - don't forget the bear spray!
  • Rooming with two awesome ladies- one made a bird coffin and the other speaks to the cows.
  • Delicious meals with the gang. Don't forget the potato donuts!
  • Evenings sharing works in progress, playing games and sharing stories.

Studio Magazine: the place where diligence and excellence become influence

This year I worked with artist Mark Brest van Kempen during the Warnock Residency at the University of Utah. Studio Magazine featured my photographic work in the article all about the residency experience.

Read more here:

http://issuu.com/uofufinearts/docs/studio__16/31?e=11380039/35758556

Working with Mark Brest van Kempen taught me to create works of art from new perspectives. We explored ideas such as "place as art" or using the documentation of movement or weather as the final representation of art or performance. Working with Mark was a once in a life-time experience. He is an incredible example of using place to inspire his many known works of art shown all over the world. 

At the end of the residency we exhibited our work in the Miri gallery in Salt Lake City. 
 

Top: Language of Light 36" x 144"Bottom: Celestial Transformation 36" x 144"

Top: Language of Light 36" x 144"

Bottom: Celestial Transformation 36" x 144"