November 2024 - For a month I was immersed in rural life at the Farm Studio Artist Residency in Rajasthan, India, amidst fields of castor, peanuts and pomegranate with six fellow international artists working in a variety of concept and media. While soaking up the colour and life of this region I embarked on a search for local plants and leaves for papermaking. My goal was to begin the creation of an artist book with content inspired by the people, animals and plant life of the region. So much colour! So many sounds! Temples, potters, rituals, smiles, dancers and mourners … I was inspired by the saris and traditional clothing of the women who so elegantly carry vessels and loads of all sorts and sizes on their heads. I was inspired by the hand work of the many textile artists and jewellers - block printing, dyeing, sewing, embroidering. I was inspired by the roaming sacred cows and bulls. I was inspired by the fields of peacocks and squawking green parakeets. I was inspired by the offering of copious cups of spicy strong chai and generosity of welcoming smiles. I was inspired by the curiousity of all in my presence.
