From Hannah W

14 Nov - 7 Dec 2024

My time at the Swiss residency was a rare and enriching experience that allowed me to push my creative boundaries in ways I hadn't anticipated. The absence of distractions—no house maintenance, pets, or partners—allowed me to fully immerse myself in the act of making art, every single day, in every free moment. It was as though I had been given permission to let go of the usual hustle and simply focus on exploring new ideas and techniques.

With the bare minimum of supplies, I was forced to get creative, and that limitation sparked an entirely new approach to my work. It was liberating to not have all the tools I might typically rely on, and instead, I found innovative ways to stretch and challenge my style. The simplicity of the experience freed me to play, experiment, and take risks without the pressure of perfection. I found a breakthrough during my time there, a moment when all the experimentation clicked into something new and exciting.

The peacefulness of the village, with its wide open fields and quiet surroundings, provided the perfect backdrop for this creative freedom. It was a welcome contrast to the constant noise of Brooklyn, and the stillness allowed me to think deeply about my work. Living in such a serene environment, I was able to immerse myself in art, discovering new directions and expanding my practice in ways I hadn’t expected.

The cultural immersion was also a key part of the experience. From the French language to the unique Swiss way of life, I was constantly observing and learning from the new environment around me. This is always a very important part of any residency experience, as I think it's important to absorb the place and re-synthesize it into my work. There is a distinct mental shift that I felt while here.

A highlight was the ability to share a space with the other artist from Turkey, Deniz. It was such an amazing experience to get to know her. Her insights, perspectives, and conversation sparked new ideas and helped me grow as an artist. We got to also see Nina's solo show at a gallery in town, which was very inspiring. I also enjoyed exchanging thoughts on art and discussing our work with other artists that Nina knows in a space that felt both intimate and inspiring. I loved speaking with artists from across the world about their work, experiences, and how they navigate their life as an artist.

Looking back, this residency was more than just a creative retreat—it was a transformative experience that allowed me to slow down, simplify my life, and dive deep into my art in a way that I had never done before. The peacefulness, the immersion in art, and the exposure to a new culture created a perfect environment for reflection and growth, one that will stay with me for a long time to come.

This residency was a transformative experience, one that gave me the freedom to experiment, to push my boundaries, and to discover new dimensions of my artistic practice. I am incredibly grateful for the breakthroughs I experienced in those few weeks and for the chance to be fully immersed in both the art and the unique culture of the village. It was a gift that will continue to shape my work moving forward. Thank you to Nina and her willingness to have artists from around the world stay with her and make art in such a beautiful loft in a beautiful countryside! I will cherish this forever.