“Afloat” Image. Ceres Gallery. New York. Solo Show.
Salt water taffy wrappers and Frito cut-outs make up this abstraction. I did this collage at the Hambidge Center for Creative Arts And Sciences, an artists retreat in the North Georgia mountains. It is a lovely place for artists of all disciplines. Where each of us has his or her own cabin equipped with a studio. There is even a huge “cabin” with a piano and a dance floor for musicians and dancers. A truly wonderful place where isolation and quiet bring surges of creativity. The only contact with other people is at the evening meal at a central dining area, where a gourmet chef prepares the artists’ food. Being with the other artists is an exchange of ideas and a relief really, before we each go out into the dark, dark night back to our own isolation again.
I began the series of one hundred collages there, where things are quiet. No cell coverage, no reception to the outside world. I worked at a surprisingly rapid pace. I did not complete as many as I had thought I would, but the ones I finished came easier than the ones I did at my studio in town where the sound of buses gasping and exhausting outside is the backdrop.
Sounds like a wonderful place to re-invigorate your creative senses, Hollis. I’ve just checked on Google Maps and see it is quite close to Toccoa, where my son visited a couple of years ago while researching the 101st American Airborne. He went to the top of Currahee Mountain, and spent time at the museum in the town, dedicated to WW2 memories.
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I asked my daughter today if she had responded to the “sofa loafer” and his website. She said no but she wants to; just a little shy. I think it is fascinating that he came all the way from England to see this Air Force base. A pretty part of the country. And certainly one for the inspiration I talked about. Writers there too! You could apply! Amazing what you can get done without the outside world infiltrating!
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I wish!
The website is in need of a little updating, apparently, but I think the book is taking up his time at the moment. Ditto with the shyness…
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I like it that you told us this was where the series of 100 started. This one in particular is so bright and confident that it’s nice to think about the creative process behind it – that it needs time and quiet, and isn’t just an instant thing.
The collage feels quite retro to me. I think it’s the colours, and maybe the font on the wrappers.
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Yes, Denise, it is a unrushed process. Even in my studio in town, I feel like it (my studio) is a sacred space. But at Hambidge, it is more so. There must be a vortex there or something. To get out of us all that good stuff. You should apply!
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The area around Hambidge is quite beautiful. Really like the picture, colors and thinking about different textures.
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Marjie, it is so good to hear from you. All the way from Australia! Yes Hambidge is special. They had a wonderful Fall Festival today, but we could not go because my daughter needed so much for her dance! Dress alterations, jewelry, shoes. (Silver) And all the excitement about her birthday. Lots to do.Thanks for keeping in touch even though you are so far away!
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