If I’ve pulled back from local art, it’s because I’m preparing for an artist’s residency at Chinese Art Centre in Manchester, UK. The residency program is called Breathe — and the title couldn’t be better. I feel like I’m holding by breath until I get settled into the studio late next week.

Anticipation. From my current predictable perch (wake-eat-work-sleep), uncertainty seems terrifying. Luckily, I was able to visit Chinese Art Centre and Manchester in 2007, so I have a good sense of where I’m going, and the fantastic resources that will be available to me. I also know I’m in good hands with this organization… a relief.

Worried about money. (You write four rent checks in advance! Very sobering.)
Excited about:
Time to do nothing but make art.
Going to my first art opening in the UK. Whitworth Gallery, here I come!
Meat pies.
Graphic design and architecture. There’s so much great packaging and signage design for newcomers to appreciate… The Manchester Piccadilly rail station, for starters. Or a bag of Leicester cheese flavored crisps! Amazing.

Thankful for:
The hubby’s visit in March. So necessary.
Technology. I’ve accepted that I’m too attached to my computer to leave it behind. I’ll sleep in a strange bed in a new city for three months, but at least I’ll have my own virtual desktop.
And, finally, being able to talk about my president with pride.