“When one works in constant isolation, one forgets that there is a big big world outside one’s studio. This residency has reminded me that art is beyond making pretty objects to sell.”

Amazing Banff Moments:

New friends saying, “What are we going to do without you, Michelle?”

Watching 2 deers eating grass in serene moonlight on campus

Soaking in Banff Hotspring with new friends

Walking on frozen Lake Louise for 2 hours

Skating on frozen Lake Louise with Victoria Glacier as backdrop

Strolling along half-frozen Bow River in the snow

Seeing elks in the snow

Engaged in intelligent conversations with other creative people…EVERYDAY

Chilling at live jamming parties

Seeing deers on my 10-minute walk to Downtown Banff

Getting inspirations and phenomenal feedbacks from peers that push the boundaries of my practice

Ed the Ceramic facilitator spent 1 hour giving suggestions about my works–priceless

Having jagsawed my first piece of wood–v. v. proud

Stepping into a world of complete whiteness after 3 hours in the studio

Will miss:

My new friends

Having glacier mountains as daily dining backdrop

Having buffet meals everyday, especially the salad bar

No e-mail (well…almost) and no cell phone

Interacting with smart creative people everyday

The pool, hot tub, steam room + yoga classes 2 minutes from my room

I miss:

Real Chinese and Japanese food

My wardrobe, especially my dresses and shoes

My 2 not-so-little turtles (I hope they miss me too…)

Toastmasters meetings

Note to self:

Must make artist residencies a staple in career

Should have brought appropriate winter footwear

(upper left) Open Studio last Thu of my stay

(upper right) Deers on my way Downtown!

(lower left) Making my marks on Lake Louise

(lower right) Group critique