Artist Residency 2025
L.A. Studio Art14 Residency
Patton, PA
About the Residency
This past April I traveled 11 hours by train to a little town called Patton, PA. For 3 weeks I stayed in a 100 year old refurbished catholic school building turned apartment and art studio. I shared space with Artists from North Carolina, the Bay Area of California, and even the UK. We shared meals, meaningful conversations, late night laughs, and lots of wine! (one of the hosts David, makes his own wine) Some highlights from my days spent here are visiting the state park with 2 of my residency mates, although it rained the days prior, we traveled through thick mud, slippery grass, and my shoes were ruined to my socks, when we reached the lake we spent time snacking, talking, laughing, skipping rocks (badly) and being girls together. Chloe, from the UK, would bring over a pot of tea and we’d have tea and cake. We also rented the Wizard of Oz and I forgot how much I loved the film. We stayed up till 2am drinking and laughing after the pub, and we watched videos of strange UK traditions, like the Jack in the Green festival and Copper’s Hill Cheese Rolling race (look it up). When I wasn’t bonding with my residency mates, I was spending my time cooking meals, taking walks around the neighborhood, making trips to the local market, and most importantly, painting.
While in Patton, I felt a tranquil peace that was often accompanied with discomfort. I recognized the unfamiliarity, being away from home, my partner, and feeling lowkey trapped in a new place that was so different in both atmosphere and culture. I felt out of place, and I felt like I was missing a part of my creative process entirely. I am a city girl born and raised. I find solace in loud neighbors, busy streets, loud car speakers, children playing until streetlights come on. Queer people. Black people. People in general. My inspiration lies in life experience and human connection, so I was really feeling like I needed to cling to something to get me through the 3 weeks I signed up for. Entering Patton on the Amtrak, I felt regret. I felt like, where the fuck am I actually going right now? As we rode along, passing by decaying houses, anti-abortion propaganda, and Trump Shrines created from garbage, scrap wood, and flags. It felt like the edge of civilization, and it made me afraid to be black and gay in this part of America.
-
In the Studio
Trying New Things
