I've just returned from an amazing two weeks at the Anderson Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in Redwing, MN. The days were filled with concentrated work in the print studio, bike rides along the Cannon River, and the joy of new friendships with some really stellar artists.

One day, as I was printing, I looked out the window to see smoke and fire just down the road. I ran out and found a prescribed burn in process. We watched from close enough to feel the heat, the roar could be heard all over campus. Once the ashes were cool enough, in the spirit of experimentation the Center is known for, I captured a bit of the excitement in the black and white residue, and pulled a few prints made from the ash.

The residency gave me an opportunity to focus on my work without distractions, except for the wonderful meals prepared for us (three writers and two visual artists), good long sleeps, and some reading, writing and thinking. I left exhausted—the really good kind—from turning the press wheel and inking up a matrix. When I packed up my studio supplies, I also left with a big helping of motivation to move this work forward, and dedication to being present in my studio.

The next posts will highlight what I accomplished, and how I'll take this work forward.