As I left for the art residency in Can Serrat, near Barcelona, I knew everything would be different when I returned to Australia. However, I did not expect my life to be turned completely upside down...
As you may have read in previous blog entries, I also visited London and Paris, where I spent most of my time sight seeing and reporting at the end of the day.
I never dreamed how much time editing photos and blogging could take. But I managed to put photos on Instagram and post blogs when I was exhausted because there wasn't a social scene to get caught up with.
All the artists, writers and musicians had come to be part of this small community, willing to give and accept friendship and love.
And so were the locals that were regularly at Can Serrat. By the end of my stay they felt like family and it was extremely hard to say good bye.
In particular, Monserrat mountain was a powerful presence, a real magnet and visible almost everywhere. It presides over the small town of El Bruc, protecting and silently keeping watch.
I was deeply moved and long to return to feel the comforting draw of its energy and regain inner peace.
Built into the bedrock, some parts are over 100 years old. In the rooms the beautiful wall decorations are also 100 years old and it is possible to feel the age and the residue energy of the workers who used to live in the rooms and tended the farms.
I was there during the end of winter and a fire was necessary to heat the kitchen. Although there is heating in the rooms, who isn't drawn to a fire?
After dinner some of the artist would gather in the kitchen, where there were almost always some locals that would come and visit.
Often I would just sit, watch and listen to the amazing multicultural, multilingual conversations that would take place.
Some very close friendships developed in that magical kitchen, by that fire...
I surprised myself, understanding more than I thought possible. Among the artists, English was the common language, but we had speakers of French, German and Korean. I was the only one who spoke Japanese, but I was never very good anyway!
The local language is Catalan, but the locals mostly also speak Spanish and a few even speak French.
I mentioned that I found it very hard to part from my new friends, so I actually went back to Barcelona for 10 more days after my short stay in Paris. I was also able to revisit Can Serrat and the people I had become close to.
It felt like going home, which made it even harder to leave a second time. I will definately be going back!
By this stage I had realised I was very unhappy with my situation in Australia. Something drastically needed to change, and without going into details (which are more suited for a trashy romance novel!) my life has been a rollercoaster of emotions and instability.
I apologise to all the people who's shoulders are wet and who's ears are worn out with my talking, and I thank all of my friends and family for your support.
But I have come out the other side ... a crazy, penniless artist living a bohemian life in my art studios in Melbourne, Australia.... Free as a bird to do what I please.... This is something I have never done, and while it is quite daunting, it also feels good.
And so, with the emotional baggage put behind me... almost... I am ready to contiue with my artworks inspired by my travels. And to fulfil all the promises I made earlier in the year.
My solo show is booked for late June, so I have to get to work!
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Post Scrip...
Looking through my photos to choose some for this page makes my heart physically ache to be back there.... Another unexpected reaction to my experiences