I think of typical Artist Residencies as being about isolation and production. This model, evidenced by my time in residence at The Studios of Key West, breaks down when there is a beach just a short walk in any direction- and when you are also surrounded by a culture rich with Cuban influences, wonderful food, other interesting creative people, and friendliness.

I arrived in Key West towing plenty of art supplies, not knowing what I would do. So, I just started looking and listening… experiencing and soaking up the sense of place. I met many kind people and started friendships with local artists, TSKW staff, and the two other visiting artists there during my stay. I am still in contact with both of them, and we are tossing around ideas for collaborating in the future.

I took some photos and made some drawings (like the rendering of the Armory). I didn’t make as many drawings as I thought I would- but That’s fine. I never really resolved how to capture the place in my artwork, and actually do it justice. On my drive home, I realized that for me, the Key West residency was about slowing down, listening, watching and appreciating the details that are easy to miss in one’s own environment. I returned to South Carolina with an addiction to cafe con leche, and with my eyes opened wide in search of the small places and experiences in my own life and town that have the character of the places and experiences I was so drawn to in Key West.