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White Walls and a Welcome Title, My Artist Residency has Begun

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When I walked into my new studio at Harcourt House for the first time, I was startled to see the previous Artist in Residence had white washed the walls. I really appreciate the thoughtful gesture but the stark white shocked me. It was almost like the terror of a writer faced with a blank page or an artist with a virgin canvas.

 

I had a moment of panic thinking, “Oh God! Can I do this?”

 

Photograph copyright Alexis Marie Chute

 

Then I noticed that the blinding white walls were not perfect. At the base were a few inches of paint drips remaining untouched. Who knows how many individuals and previous artists in yearlong residencies mixed the colours that flowed from beneath the white down the wall and onto the floor.

 

That little bit of imperfection was (and is) my saviour. As an imperfect person on the cusp of a dream opportunity, I know there will be failures and successes, good days and bad. The imperfect walls and floor give me the breathing space to not worry about mess, to get my hands dirty and be a brilliant experimenter of creative thought.

 

Photograph copyright Alexis Marie Chute

 

I am overflowing, literally running over with joy and thankfulness for this opportunity, for my (imperfect) white walls and my welcome new title. Artist in Residence. I’m so ready.

 

Check out my Alexis Marie Chute website for more blog posts about my artist residency. Here is a post called: “Moving into Harcourt House, Artist in Residence Studio”

 

Photograph copyright Alexis Marie Chute

Empowering Belief

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In preparing for my MFA application, I sought out references to write letters on my behalf. I was having a morning of self doubt a few days ago and wondered if I should even put the energy into applying. That afternoon I met with one of my professors of creative writing from my BFA days.

I hadn’t seen my professor in over six years but she said she remembered me and agreed to chat over coffee where she ended up holding my two week old son, rocking him to sleep.

She gave valuable advice and insight and the encouragement I needed to believe in myself. Before parting, she said, “I support you in this” and agreed to write me a reference letter.

Belief. Having people in my life that believe in me makes all the difference – especially on days where it seems difficult to believe in myself.

When someone believes in you, self confidence can flourish and anything seems possible. Having a strong support system, a mentor, a source for encouragement is needed on the artist journey. The people who fill these roles in my life are my treasures (thank you!).

I feel empowered to follow my dreams and also be this same positive force in the lives of others. Choosing to believe in someone is free but can be the greatest gift you ever give.