Final French Thoughts

I’ve been trying for a couple weeks now to put into words how profoundly affected I have been by my time at Chateau Orquevaux last month. It’s been difficult to sort it all out and reintegrate into my everyday life here in North Carolina. There is still not a day that goes by without me thinking about, and often making reference to, something that happened there, or the fabulously creative souls I met and became friends with. I’m sure my husband must be tired of hearing about it, but he’s patiently indulged my nostalgia.

A little down time between studio sessions

More impactful even than the beauty and history of the Chateau were the gifted and generous artists I shared that time and space with. I didn’t go to art school. I have never before had the leisure to spend so much uninterrupted time doing what I love to do without thinking about what to cook for dinner, or which kid had to be picked up when and where.

Being immersed with twenty other skilled and talented writers, performers, painters and photographers, doing nothing but working at our craft for two solid weeks created an environment like I had never before had the opportunity to experience. Here I must mention the incredibly helpful and supportive staff who fed us, cleaned up after us, and basically attended to our every need.

The entire experience was a gift I will cherish for years to come. Even my contracting Covid was made as easy on me as possible, with my meals delivered to my room on an actual silver platter! Fortunately, I was not very ill and was able to continue working in my private studio every day.

By the end of the two weeks, I had been able to complete eight (8!!) 12x12 pieces for my upcoming solo show in Wilmington, NC, opening in March. Here’s a sneak peek:

“Three Sides to Every Story” (below) stayed at the Chateau and will become part of the Permanent Collection of Chateau d’Orquevaux International Artists & Writers Collection. This collection will eventually be displayed in the Galerie Diderot Chateau in Orquevaux.

Three Sides to Every Story

This was my first residency experience, and wow, it not only lived up to my expectations, but presented me with perspectives, feelings and new friends I had not imagined. Now my hope is to weave all those learnings into the fabric of my everyday life and continue my creative journey. Thanks for being by my side as I do.

Saying au revoir to our fantastic hosts: Beulah Van Rensburg and Ziggy Attias

video of our last goodbye by @manonpaints