STUDIO DIARY 2025 - #1

Amidst the chaos of my life, there's a growing excitement. I've discovered a moment of clarity within the turmoil, where everything has aligned (or separated to create a path). Time has now allowed me to return to the mountains, and I'm doing it on my own terms. I have been away for too long, and although Im enjoying exploring where the limitation to get in the mountains has taken me, my soul is desperate for a recharge.

I understand that all-day hikes aren't feasible right now. This realization used to cause me anxiety, as I couldn't imagine any other reason to visit such an adventure-rich landscape than to explore as much of it as possible. I thought that it was always the act of moving through the mountains that gave me my peace and comfort. However, I've come to realise that it's equally important to simply be still, to fully appreciate my surroundings, and to slow everything down.

In the past, I would pack various sketchbooks, drawing tools, and paints, but my main focus was on exploring and constantly moving forward, which made it hard to settle down and work en plein air. I did take some time to jot down notes, quickly sketch, note colors, forms, and feelings, and take photos in the mountains, but this was mostly while traversing the landscape, absorbing as much as possible, often feeling both exhausted and thrilled. This time, the experience will be very different, possibly more mentally challenging, but I'm eager to embrace the opportunity to be among the land giants and create.

In the studio, I've been gradually collecting equipment and making mental notes on potential surface preparation. However, I think I should keep it simple and perhaps just bring one large sketchbook. I have a couple of weeks to gather what I need, and I want to ensure that what I take is appropriate. I don't want to overwhelm myself with materials and abandon the idea, but I need to ensure I have the right materials to support me. I have no idea where this time will lead or what I will need, and approaching it like a residency is the perfect mindset. There is an initial plan; I can't enter an art residency unprepared. I need to have some focus and ambition, but I must also relieve the pressure and not expect too much of myself. This trip is about taking a break, but more importantly, it's about healing and finding space to breathe amid chaos.