Q&A: A Conversation About Untamed and In Bloom
Because the concept of a self-directed residency is new to a lot of people, I sat down with a close friend for an interview style Q&A. I hope this answers some of the questions you may have. If you have others, I’d be happy to hear from you!
What is this residency, in your own words?
This residency is an opportunity for me to give my work the space it deserves. It’s a dedicated season of focus, exploration, and intention. It’s also the way I hope to share my work moving forward, not just as finished paintings, but as a live, unfolding process.
What does the title Untamed and In Bloom mean to you?
To me, it’s about recognizing the beauty in imperfection. It’s about embracing our wild, natural selves and saying no to society’s ideas of beauty, containment, and refinement. This body of work is rooted in acceptance, confidence, and the power that comes from allowing ourselves to exist in full expression.
What kind of work will you be creating during the residency?
The ideas behind this residency will be expressed through wild, gestural floral paintings that seem to expand beyond the edges of the canvas. I’ll be working primarily in oil, allowing color, movement, and intuition to lead the work rather than strict realism or precision.
How does this process differ from how you’ve worked in the past?
This residency is about giving myself permission to paint more boldly and more freely. I’m loosening my grip on accuracy and control and allowing the work to be more expressive rather than “realistic.”
Why was it important to invite others behind the scenes for this project?
Collecting art is an art in itself. By inviting collectors and patrons behind the scenes, I believe it allows for a deeper connection to the work. I’ve shared glimpses of unfinished paintings before, but I’ve rarely shared the internal dialogue that accompanies the creation of a piece. There is so much contemplation in my process, and this residency feels like the right opportunity to share that
What will patrons get to experience during the residency?
Patrons will see the work as it evolves visually, but they’ll also be invited into my inner dialogue. I’ll be sharing reflections, questions, inspiration, and moments of uncertainty alongside the paintings themselves. It’s not just about watching art being made, but understanding how and why it takes the shape it does.
Do you need to be an artist or collector to participate as a patron?
Absolutely not. In fact, this residency could be a wonderful entry point for anyone curious about art-making or art collecting. Becoming a patron offers insight into the time, care, and intention behind original artwork, which can deepen appreciation whether or not you’ve ever collected art before.
How does this residency connect to your values around slow living and sustainability?
The entire structure of this residency is rooted in the handmade and in slowing down. Sharing the process openly helps foster appreciation for the time and care that goes into making original work. Valuing and collecting original art is one way we can push back against fast consumption and instead support more sustainable, meaningful ways of living.
What are you hoping to gain personally from this experience?
Of course, I want to explore the theme of untamed beauty in my work. But beyond that, I hope this residency helps me develop a new way of sharing my art and connecting with collectors. I’m also hoping in the long term that it allows me to step back from social media while still sharing my art and nurturing meaningful connections.
How does this residency fit into the larger vision of Wild Seasons Studio?
Wild Seasons Studio is about offering meaning, experiences and insight to kindred spirits. This residency feels like a natural extension of that vision. It’s an invitation to slow down and experience art in a more intentional and connected way.