December 2019 NOTE ~~ AFTER THE JOURNEY: I was able to visit everywhere I proposed, I kept a daily journal and I even made some art! I was able to send art and postcards to those who contributed at a certain level. When the trip finished, other demands from my life and job took presidence. BUT, this project is not over yet! I am applying for a 7 week residency at Joshua Tree National Park. I am applying for this residency to have time and space to create surreal works based on TRAVEL and PLACE. |
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WHAT and WHY?: For INSPIRATION! Before this whole thing began, I had envisioned going on an artist travel residency experience for years, but I could never find the right opportunity, or the timing was off, or I didn't have time to properly apply for any opportunities that came along. (Or I did apply and didn't get anywhere.) * I wanted a travel experience that would inspire my artistic path. * I wanted an opportunity that would allow me to meander through experiences without every element being planned for. * I wanted to CODDIWOMPLE. ( “to travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination” ) So I decided to make my OWN opportunity, and I find myself about to embark on a nearly month long Experimental Coddiwomple Adventure! In mid May 2019, I will take the Amtrak train "California Zephyr" its whole length - from Chicago, IL. to Emeryville, California near San Francisco. Over the next 3 weeks I will be interpreting my travel whims using my sketchbook, camera and blog. I may even throw in some poetry for good measure. My destinations over the first 2 weeks are mainly determined by where the couches of my friends are located. Pinnacles National Park and Joshua Tree National Park will be a part of this adventure. After week 2, I will say farewell to California, meet a friend in New Mexico, visit Meow Wolf, and then meander back to Indiana. DURING THE JOURNEY: Lydia will be sharing her journey on social media and blogger. THE MAD ARTIST LYDIA TRAVELS BLOG HAS ALREADY BEGUN! --- VISIT https://madartistlydia.blogspot.com/ ! Follow her on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zyphryus Instagram handle: MadArtistLydia AFTER THE JOURNEY: * Lydia will be creating artwork inspired by her journey, and composing a travel journal publication... Excuse me... a SURREAL *ART* travel publication. Creative interpretations of the entire journey using sketches and photos, words, and mixed media art. * She plans to reveal a new body of work in 2020 inspired by the experience of her travels. |
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* Sarah Mercado * A. and I. * E. Stanley * Nancy Lee * Frank Fu * Sir Anonymous * Unnamed Donors who contributed to my Travel Tip Jar at my last Open studio event! * Others who wish to remain anonymous. * David Alusik ~ for his unending support and encouragement! * My Couch Surfing Peeps and Travel Partners! |