I can still hardly believe I'm here, but at the same time, I can hardly believe I have to leave in fewer days than I've already spent here! Time certainly flies when you're creating art, making new friends, and riding a relentless emotional rollercoaster (more on that later.)
Although I had big exciting plans to make pieces for a series I've been working on at home while here, I've come up against a few roadblocks on that plan, so in order to keep myself from dwelling on the roadblocks, I've made sure to do at least 2 shoots - a still life and a light/figure study, each day.
I do the still life in my little third floor studio at the back of the chateau. Here are some behind the scenes photos to give you a glimpse into that process (yes, it does involve eating my 'props' :D )
For the other shoot each day, I'll usually find a different room to use. I've been learning the light at different times of day, in different rooms tucked away in corners of the big old chateau, or even in my bedroom which is in a wee house in the town, just a short walk from the chateau.
The challenges of working without all my usual gear and all of my lovingly collected/created/curated props and backdrops have been frustrating, for sure, but I'm also certain it's been good for me to be pushed outside my comfort zone. I've had to examine a lot of strong emotions as they swing through (and they're a-swinging, ha!) It's really forced me to slow down and figure out a bunch of my 'why's when it comes to making art, which I won't bore you with in this post. But I'll say that I thought I was coming here to be productive in the "make a bunch of finished, polished artworks" sense of the word, and it's clear at this point that won't happen. At least not in the way I had hoped for.
I think that maybe I'm here to be productive on a much less tangible, much more "face your internal demons and admit to yourself (and apparently to the internet) that you have some baggage to sort out" kind of way. Le sigh.
Along with the light and the flowers and the fruit and the studio sessions, there have been a handful of really amazing conversations with the most lovely strangers-turned-fast-friends; there have been a few tears shed; and there have been many walks through this postcard of a place to let it all settle into my bones.
Nearly all of the above are phone snaps. Artwork from the 'real camera' will follow soon. Thank you for being here xoxo
11 Comments
Oct 26, 2023, 1:47:52 PM
Lori Going - Intriguing. Beauty.Raw. These are the three reoccurring words that your pictures and script invoke. 💜
Oct 13, 2023, 2:26:17 AM
Julia Lynx - Fierce grace to you, ennchanted one. Thank you for sharing with us!
Oct 12, 2023, 1:40:14 PM
Carmen - What beauty and what a gift you have given yourself, and now us! Take good care of yourself and cherish what is emerging. Sending you all the love
Oct 12, 2023, 8:35:25 AM
Rhonda Henderson - As just and admirer of your work Alexis I am loving all of this, seeing how your creativity comes about is such a treat! All of it is a part of you....magical!
Oct 12, 2023, 8:31:07 AM
Joy Gobeil - This I find to be an incredibly special entry/post. From my side it looks like you’re creating and capturing beautiful art/life while at the same time sharing what we can see and that’s what’s happening within. Absolutely love that you’re sharing this adventure xxx
Oct 12, 2023, 6:56:09 AM
Ian - "...working without your usual gear..." I've always found that situations which facilitate creative process the most are the ones I would characterize as frustrating and challenging. Only when outside familiar routines, habits, and taken-for-granted-ness are we able (maybe forced) to see the world differently. Embrace and celebrate this frustrating and challenging time! And, in doing so, have the time of your life!
Oct 11, 2023, 10:13:27 PM
Kristy Wolfe - Would it even be worth it if it wasn't hard? Loving following along. And so jealous of the wanders through that beautiful country. Also all of this screams a Merry Peri Party 😉
Oct 11, 2023, 9:08:55 PM
Lilliane Frechette - Alexis these shots are all amazing, it's the most beauty i've witnessed in a long time. And I live in the Mountains and it's fall so that says a lot. I can't believe most of these are iohone shots to top it off! The light series is absolutely magical. Eat lots of cheese and sneak some back for me!!😝
Oct 11, 2023, 6:33:56 PM
Deb Lee - Wish I was there! Beautiful work is being created.
Oct 11, 2023, 5:25:06 PM
Bonny Fox - What a magical place. You will be so well grounded when you return home, a much needed reset.
Oct 11, 2023, 4:43:54 PM
Dane - Oh man, just those phone snaps are wowow!! You're exactly where you need to be sis. So proud of you for getting yourself there, and to hear that you're moving though yourself...i think that's the art really...it's not so much the stuff or the things or the images as much as it is the moving of energy and if we're fortunate, the conversations brought up inside this journey of observation and creation. You love that!! Keep following the light. ;)