Explore Château Orquevaux 2020_flights_Leslie Campbell
Explore Château Orquevaux 2020
My One Word this year, set shortly after New Year’s, is EXPLORE! What does that mean? I’m still mulling it over. Aside from the obvious definition, I have yet to uncover what happens when I surrender to the One Word: Explore. I’m open to whatever the universe has to offer, and I love a good adventure. My last one brought me to Bulgaria and it revealed a whole other world to me as I struggled with language, culture and trusting my art process. In the end, I emerged after 4 weeks from a remote village, a more experienced traveler and more confident artist.
This February, I embark on yet another artist adventure! I head back to The Chateau Orquevaux in France for 7 weeks. Nestled in the sleepy, quaint village Orquevaux, it enchants even the most seasoned traveler at the very first moment you set eyes on it.
The Champagne-Ardennes countryside is the fairy-tale setting for 2 and 4 week residency slots and offers the time and space to commune with other artists. You are provided your own studio and room as well as some meals in the evening. There is hiking, fishing, swimming and plenty of time for creating when and where you want.
I am returning in a much different capacity this time and look forward to sharing that with you. I will still be creating but will divide my time between my studio work and intern work. I hope to explore this new role I’m embarking on and gain some insight on what it takes to run an artist residency.One day, I hope to create a similar environment wherever we decide to settle. Wanderlust will always run through my veins, and instead of cursing this restless feeling, I’ve decided to embrace it. I like to go and see and do but I always like to return to the nest too.
I took plenty of pictures from my last visit and they will speak for themselves and help tell my story as a resident. I’ve attached several to this entry. I hope you join me on my next flight to France through my Instagram & Facebook accounts to learn about my intern experience and creative journey.
