Kolaj Institute Collage Artist Residency, Scotland

This is a strange and distinctive moment in my life. After the death of my most ardent supporter and husband in November last year I have found it difficult to find the motivation to continue to create any artwork. I have been given the opportunity of a place on the sought after residency program organised by the Kolaj Institute, which takes place at Sanquhar, Scotland. This is the most joyous thing possible, but I need to find the means to support my time there, including time away form other paid work, transport and materials . 

The theme of the residency is Castles as Buildings, metaphors, and Systems of Power. This is part of a year long investigation by the Kolaj Institute, which will also look at the plantations of the German Coast on the Mississippi River. Artists involved will work individually and collaboratively, to explore castles as a way of understanding the systems of power that shape history and contemporary life .The end of the project will result in a book and exhibition.

My part in Sanquhar will see collaborations with other artists, presentations and workshops with local residents, researching the themes and investigating local castles, folk history and eventually creating 3-5 works. These works will then be included in the exhibition at Kolaj Fest, New Orleans, later in 2024. If I