Two weeks have passed since arriving at the residency space in Iceland. www.listhus.com/
Acutely aware of time and how fast it can pass us by, I am determined to stay focused and disciplined to make the most of the stay and create good solid research material for later development.
Everybody is different but this is what works for me. I have yet to pinpoint the thing I am most interested in here but some things come to mind. The shadows that the great mountains which surround us cast constantly change and the attempt to catch these shadows in “shadow drawings” has been a part of this.
The colours here too – be it the natural shades found on the hills and sky and sea or the flat bright colours of the houses and buildings. The great contrast of rugged mountainous landscape and the small man made town with its great evidence of human occupation.
Before arriving, I was recommended to look at the artist Roni Horn – her work has been greatly influenced by her frequent stays in Iceland – I am reading her volume Weather Reports You – collections of weather reports and stories from an area in Iceland.
In most places in the world, people talk about the weather a lot of the time, if even just for short conversation. How the weather affects our lives is maybe not measurable but visible. More so in a place like this. Reports of extreme weather amaze and mystify whilst the day to day reality of living somewhere where your everyday activities either rely or are dependent on the weather can change your outlook and ultimately your life and how you live it.
Looking at an artist working with something so connected to place and experience is inspirational and opens up ideas and different ways of thinking.
I encouraged the other artists staying in the residency to take part in a presentation of their work – so that we could all gain some insight to each other’s practice. Although informally done, it’s a great exercise to follow – the more I can talk my ideas through and see others, the more I can shape my own practice and ideas.
At the end of the residency period, in just 2 weeks, we will host an open house to show what we have worked on to a wider audience. Although it seems like a short time left, it’s enough time to get some ideas down and explore them a bit more, before returning.
