2 - 10 August 2019
The value of the Nyon residency for me lies in its openness. It could be anything. No expectations. I came here to get some distance from my studio practice, hoping for some perspective. Although a short residency for me it has nevertheless been of great value having to feel the weight of days unstructured by my usual displacement activities. One of the most useful things for my practice is being able to turn it around and see it in different ways. Coming to Nyon lifted me out of my comfort zone and enabled me to reflect on what I’m doing through a different lens.
I’ve been very fortunate with the weather, the warm sunny days helped me quickly establish a swimming routine in the lake. The mornings started with a long slow swim in beautiful still clear water. I very much enjoyed the slow unravelling of thoughts as I would drift along watching the scenery. Huge mountains on one side; a backdrop on clear days revealing a snow-covered Mont Blanc, distance expanding and contracting; near and far, swimming past people’s lawns and boat houses. The space and stillness a wonderful contrast to the hemmed in familiarity of my London life.
Another highlight was the walk Rosanna and I did from St. Cergue to La Dole finishing at La Givrine where we caught the train back down to Nyon. The spectacle of cows spread out in the valley below La Dole, their bells chiming and filling space with a musicality that proposed much; a history, sounds unchanged for generations, still present. A real privilege to have witnessed and rich with possibilities for future work.
I am very grateful for the opportunity Trelex residencies have afforded me and am sure that the fruits of it will be revealed as I get back into my studio and explore the insights I’ve gained here.
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