From March 29th-April 11th 2020, I was scheduled and anticipating a residency with the Vermont Studio Center. Being a full-time worker in an essential non-profit, I was thrilled to have the time and space to create without other obligations during these two weeks. As COVID-19 changed the world seemingly overnight, this opportunity became much more distant.
In Wisconsin, Safer At Home was scheduled until April 30th, it has now been extended to May 26th. My office moved home as well as my studio. In a home that is being renovated out of foreclosure, this has been a lot to ask from this 100 year old construction. I moved my paints and supplies into the attic. The third floor of our home has space, but no heat or light other than windows. The bulk of my work is being done from this space, however our dining room table has been asked to now become an office, conference center, studio, folding table, as well as a place to eat too.
I decided to make March 29th-April 11th, what would have been my time in Vermont, a home residency. I had planned on working in sculpture during that time, it seemed suitable to continue with this plan. I began using found objects that were thrifted, rather than clay and kiln as I would have used in my own studio or in Vermont. Moving to home opened some material doors for me. I found myself using Liquid Nails and caulk as a material-something we had on hand because of construction, but not something I had ever used in my studio. I began pulling stored toys from my childhood and things from our “donate” bin. This home residency became something of a revelation when it came to material exploration and an investigation into what a “home studio” could really mean.
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