It's been a while since I talked about my soulful collaboration with artist Liz Kalloch called New Ground. A lot has happened with the project but mostly independently these past few months as we've tackled other projects that have prevented us from getting together in person. Since we live 400 miles apart, it's not like we can just bop on over to each other's studios and work together for a few hours. Calendars have to be cleared, plane tickets bought, supplies shipped back and forth. It's an effort. And one we love and find deeply rewarding despite the challenges.
We decided last year that in addition to the week-long visits we carve out every two or three months to work in-studio together, we wanted to commit to being together for a longer time frame. We both felt that at the end of our week-long visits, we were just getting started when we had to part ways. We wanted to build on that momentum and see what kind of wonderfulness could happen when we really allowed ourselves time and space in which to expand more fully. We applied to a few month-long residencies that didn't work out so we decided...scew 'em, we'll create our own residency!
Photo by the lovely Stefanie Renee.
So next week I'll be heading up to San Rafael, Calif. where we've rented a lovely studio with lots of light and a great vibe. It's located in a building with other artists and because the spaces are working studios (and not live-in), when folks are there, they are there to create. And that's exactly the type of environment residencies are supposed to provide. We'll be there for at least two weeks...maybe longer if our schedules can accommodate it!
We both post a lot of photos of our progress on Instragram so if you want to keep up-to-date, hop on over there and follow us! We'd love for you to take the collaboration ride with us!
- Follow Liz on Instragram: @lizkalloch
- Follow me on Instragram: @barbskoog