Artist in Residence
I never dreamed that one day I’d make art in a hotel lobby…
I pass the sundrenched glittering waters of the Gulf of Mexico on my way to set up shop, meaning set up a mini studio and art gallery, for ten days as an Artist in Residence at the artsy Art Ovation Hotel.
welcome
… to my Artist in Residence experience.
Local art is the focus. And all art. Visual and performing, an array of musical genres, and artful food and drink presentations. Hand-painted ukuleles are available in guest rooms with lessons offered in the lobby. Restroom stops include the usual amenities along with a classic audio book piped in. These are but a few of the inspirational treats offered at the hotel.
It is into this creative culture that I unload my paintings, kimonos, scarves and bags translated from them, the recent book I wrote, and my art supplies.
Setting up with the cultural curators was not only fun but expanded the scope of my vision. We began with a sketch of my plan for the display. Brainstorming and playing around with placement with these creative curators ignited my creative juices. Then, voila! With the curator’s genius the empty space beautifully transformed into my gallery and studio.
When I paint my signature swirl designs, it’s done on paper, flat on a table. (see blog) These are the paintings translated to clothing and accessories. For this Artist Residency I chose to create a collage on canvas. I’ve made countless collages over the years but always on a flat surface.
Wanting to try something new, I’d experiment for the first time making a collage standing up at an easel. And in front of strangers, locals passing through and out-of-towner’s staying at the hotel. Feeling strangely unselfconscious, I began the collage making process.
Instantly, I entered the no-mind zone. No plan. No goal. All play.
I loved the way the easel invited me to move around it, the way the canvas could easily be turned to work on and view. Applying tissue paper, mixing acrylic paints both on a plate and the canvas, layering with gold foil, and moving in circular patterns, the process flowed with ease.
Being so fully in the present moment - with no concern for the finished product - released me from any worry, fear, or anxiety.
Enter passerby’s interested in the collage. I easily set aside the creative moment and engaged with them. Others went straight for the clothing or the book. It was all good to me. Stepping away from the easel or seated next to it, the flow simply switched from creating a collage to creating connections with intriguing people.
Time lapse of painting/collaging. During the pauses in the video, I'm chatting with passerby's.
Nine days flew by...
On the tenth, I set myself to complete the collage during the hotel’s featured Brunch & Brushes in the Overture Restaurant. Live music along with the ambience of the setting, interested and interesting patrons, and dear friends seated near me, I felt supported, inspired, and quite happy.
With just over an hour to go before the close of my Artist Residency and the brunch, I was approached by an engaging local extended family. They were joyously celebrating the milestone birthday of one of their loved ones, Seth.
Apparently he, and they, had been observing the collage process unfold. Not only was Seth intrigued, he loved it! So his wife purchased it for him as a remembrance of this special day. When I asked if he had any preferences about the finished piece, he responded in a way that was music to my ears: No. Seth totally trusted my process. He and his wife were thrilled to hang the collage in their new home.
With a light and happy heart, I loaded out the mini gallery and studio with ease. My magical Artist in Residency ended on the sweetest note possible… a beautiful couple celebrating life, love, and art.
With a creative spirit,
Lisa L.
Lisa L. Frechette