The related arts speak to me as strongly as my own. That is to say - I am forever moved and inspired by: poetry, painting, sculpture, woodprinting, dance (all types), poetry readings, novels, short stories, plays, weaving, composition, photography, film, design, non-fiction.
So, imagine the inspiration that hit me when I walked into this space:
The website (click on "English") features stories about Ellen and I, both about our theater concert tomorrow night, as well as our master class at this location on Monday, December 3rd.
This place was an old factory, and the "T" in the name is for Nobel-Prize poet Tomas Tranströmer (Sweden). Our dear friend and contact in Kunming, Mari (yes, the same fountain of happiness and ingenuity that came up with the bread-truck-as-taxi-idea), being a Finnish national, is very invovled with this incredible space. It features an open-space gallery, displaying local accomplished artists, a stage with a grand piano, a bar with excellent locally grown coffee (!), a place to study, and artists' studios on the top floor.
I could easily spend here: some of my savings, my free time, or some of my time, months on end.
And it's funny that I should mention that, because, at the wonderful "Welcome Dinner" they had for us, Mari mentioned to me that she wanted to apply for funding for me to do a three-month residency at Nordica and in Kunming.
One of my projects that I've been working on, since the summer (funny enough: this inspiration came as a result from conversations with another Swede!) are a series of improvised piano pieces that are synchronized with displaying photographs of the places that I've been. I tried my first hand with this in Sárospatak, Hungary, this past summer, and I feel it was successful. I'm looking forward to doing more of these programmes once I'm finished the doctorate ...
So, her idea would be that my photography-improvisations would be a part of the residency. I know enough about the field now to say that "nothing is secure until the contract is signed," but ... it is an incredibly exciting possibility. Once I know where I will "be" next year, the details of other projects like this will hopefully fall into place. I never thought my curiosity and multi-faceted-nature would eventually be an asset. In some cases, an abundance of curiosity and can lead to a perceived lack-of-focus.
But am I past that point? Thanks especially to my teacher and mentor, Dr. J.B., she has encouraged me to not only "follow instincts" but also to be aware of where my balance-points are. I have found my time in China to be incredible, beautiful, surprising, inspirational, and eye-opening. Who knew that in southern China, at the foothills of the Himalayas, that a possibility of further community and artistry could bring me back again?
I am so grateful to Mari, to Amber and Nadia for helping so with our welcome, and to the wonderful company, fellowship, and food we shared upon our arrival in Kunming (Ellen hasn't been feeling well in the past days, so she and Bob elected to stay home during the initial dinner). And I am looking forward to our time together there on Monday.
The photo is a shot of the opening dinner, on the ground floor of the gallery.
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