It has been a month since I wrapped up my residency at Arts, Letters & Numbers in upstate NY, and I am just now finding words to describe everything I learned.
First, don't borrow your studio mate's scissors and forget to put them back. #mybad
No, really. Working in a shared studio space was an experience in collaboration and methodology. I got to see other artists--abstract, drawing, woodworkers, etc.-- and consider how their materials might work well with mine. Previously, I'd been working only with glue on canvas, but I remembered fixative after watching a charcoal painter. After that big aha moment, I've started playing around with epoxy instead of glue and original limited editions of works already in exhibition.
I also had the pleasure of doing my first group show in the U.S. Showcasing a few new pieces side-by-side with other artists' work was really cool. After all, there's aesthetic continuity in everything, if you're open-minded enough to look for it. From that, I got more excited about textiles and weaving. That hasn't yet made it's way into my pieces, but who knows -- maybe it will in 2026.
Now that I'm back in my studio in Mozambique, that short stint in ALN is paying big dividends in terms of enhancing my practice and leveling up with high-quality materials that still maintain the textural elements of my art.
With a few private U.S. sales under my belt, there are 9 original pieces still left in the U.S. that I hope to offer for sale or exhibition later this year.
Reach out if you're interested in the catalogue of available works!