Alright folks, recap and reflection time. This past week was all about settling in and finding that flow. Starting to crank out the work and it feels so good. Here are last week’s top fivers.

1. R H Y T H M : I wasn’t sure how working in the studio for 8+ hours on back to back days would go. Would I fall out of love with making art? Would I get bored? Would I rather be doing something else, somewhere else. Luckily, no. It surprises me still but even after getting in to the studio by 9 I find myself wanting to go back after dinner. I know it is still early in the residency so hopefully this doesn't change by week 5. I love me some check list so that has been helping me stay focused and keep the momentum going on a day to day basis.

2. T R I F E C T A : I’ve found my personal pinnacle trifecta – art, exercise and outdoors. There are free workout classes here so I’ve been doing lots of yoga and spin. Being mostly in my head all day thinking about work or listening to podcast, it is nice to take a break and empty out your mind. Also, I think what has been saving my sanity are the little hikes we go on. We go in groups because it is mating season for elks and bears are a real thing. This keeps me social and gets me some fresh O2. Crucial.

3. P R O C E S S : I’ve found my flow with canvas and am happy to say that I now feel confident with the material. It is crazy to me that it has only been two weeks but I am stretching and prepping and doing my thang. It feels really empowering and I am excited that I’ve found my groove with this new surface so quickly. Still learning a lot with each painting but feels good to be grounded.

4. S O C I A L : Working in the studio in isolation is so important for getting my work to a new place BUT it is really nice to be around a group of like-minded folks who I can hang out with. It really helps balance out the alone time and it’s just a lot of fucking fun. I’ve only felt cabin fever hard once and being around other folks helps chill that vibe out. Praise the fellow wierdos.

5. S P A C E : Having access to such a large studio is really helping my hone in on what I need for my own personal space. We (and by we, I mean Gian) is working on my studio interior while I am gone and it’s been really fun collaborating and brainstorming with him of what I like and dislike. If anyone has recommendations on how to get softer floors please let me know! I work a lot on the floor and my knees are killing me. I know knee-pads are a solid solution but I just don’t think I am there yet.

And then there is this...