Callian is a a small village in the Var, Provence-Alps-Côte d’Azur region in Southeastern France. I was very fortunate enough to set up a temporary art studio there, during the winter months of 2024. Carving out dedicated time for singular focus on my craft was a gift I’ve been wanting to give myself for a long time.

The cottage was completely secluded and only accessible by a private country road. No internet, no distractions. I mostly sat around drinking tea and listening to the birds, watching the smoke from the chimney, watching the clouds, watching the critters watching me. I listened to music, I danced. I cried a lot. I spent half the time trying to stop things from flying away in the wind or to stay warm by the fire. I got bronchitis and had to take a week off to recover.

I found random bits of wood around the property to paint on, it was fun to play and get messy without any sort of firm brief or direction. Surrounded by nature, most of my art took on organic forms and earthy tones. By the end, I made a promise to myself that one day this is what my life will look like everyday.

–Marina