Revist, Renew, Restart

It has been a long time since I have updated this blog. Much has happened since the fall of 2023. Last summer Slough Studios hosted artist Cindy Giesbrecht who is a textile artist. During her month long residency she explored the topic of human migration which has been largely forced upon people due to violence or economic hardship. In addition to a large textile map which was hand stitched onto foil mylar (a material often used to warm immigrants upon landing on shores), she participated in a community felting project.

Since Cindy’s residency, I took a hiatus due to health issues relating to mobility. After a successful hip replacement, I am now back on track. In addition, the residency has taken on a new more intimate structure. By that I mean the residency is now located in a newly completed studio, adjacent to my own home, which is still on lacation in the Columbia Wetlands and Valley. The new space is built for one or two individuals. I am excited to see what his more intimate offering brings. I will continue to facilitate the experience for the artists and an ongoing responsibility for reciprocity is being maintained. Perhaps more than ever, we as a culture need to foster creativity for it is in this space where we explore unknown territory and perhaps find new solutions to systemic problems.