Artists can’t do this intense and difficult work without cleaning their minds and isolating from that real “art world”. Here in this lovely house. I had time to enjoy birds, squirrels, trees, stars, beach, and stones…. Those natural creatures will be my lighthouse when I feel tired.
Your radical hospitality is truly awesome. Thank you for providing a space of peace, healing, and creativity.
This residency came at a time when I needed to clear my head and in two weeks I feel transformed.
The lake a massive compelling body of water that lives and breathes and regulates the breathing of all who come to its shores to “feel” its power. For me, it was the daily walks to the lake and the incredible ancient stones that mesmerized me. I could feel the spiritual undertow and the calm that this body of water must have assured to all who ever lived on its shores.
Last week I was so fortunate to cross paths with the inspiring students at Lakeview, and wander through the woods with these curious young souls.
One who I will call TS, wrote this poem.
Dear Future Generations,
I am in a beautiful place
I know you might not understand.
The birds chirp, wild mushrooms decorate, and colorful flowers grow.
Branches snap, and the whistling wind
is a cool breeze that flows across my face.
We walk on the same soft ground
as all the amazing animals that wander the woods.
The colorful leaves on the trees
mark the season of fall, filled with wonder and beauty.
Dear Future Generations.
Do you remember any of this?
It seemed a more fitting summation than anything I could write here! For two weeks I have been alternating between moments of vast and unnerving productivity and moments of banging my head against these tree house walls. To any writers who read this in the future, remember that there is value in both – that the knocking sometimes dislodges in the imagination that which could never be found in stillness. Thank you for feeding my belly with the most marvelous vegetables and foraged fungi, my ears with the roaring howl of this big ol’ lake, and my eyes with these near-blazing trees!
Bryan Peebles Cofrin-Shaw – September/October 2018
I had a wonderful stay in Good Hart. This was just what I needed. I have been dealing with my own artistic battles. This residency gave me a chance to “coach myself off the ledge”. Thank you for giving me my space along with a pressure-free environment. I hope that I can help with the residency in the future. You’ve got a great program! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I wish you guys nothing but the best.
Steven Walker – August 2015
“In Praise of Shadow” is an essay on Japanese aesthetics by the Japanese author and novelist Junichiro Tanizaki. The essay is a comparison of light with darkness, and it is used to contrast Western and Asian cultures. The West, in its striving for progress, is presented as continuously searching for the light and clarity, while the subtle and subdued forms of oriental art and literature are seen by Tanizaki to represent an appreciation of shadow and subtlety, closely relating to the traditional Japanese concept of “sabi”.
“Tsrezurequsa / Essay in Idleness” is an essay by 13th-century monk Kenko about his daily observations of nature, surroundings, and his state of mind reflected by the environment.
During my stay, I made many Haiku/Tanka and was able to visualize them as my individual art practice. Thank you for the great hospitality, and community members to support my work!! I will miss being here.
Fly debris
Dusk and Iron
Baby Bump
Hungry raccoon
Prowl about for birdseeds
On ceiling
Hung over
Swinging stains
Mami Takahashi – June 2018
Duties of the Artist
No thirsty dogs here, so it’s been complete absorption in the studio interspersed with a beautiful Northern Michigan spring, birds, birds, birds, delicious food, clouds of midges (who knew midges could be so inspiring?), and a bicycle ride around Mackinac Island (highly recommended)….
Susan Moss – May 2018
Good Hart is a beautiful place and the space the residency is creating for artists is remarkable. In anticipating the residency, I hoped to make lots of painting and have time to read and research. I absolutely had time to do that here but what I didn’t expect was the extreme hospitality, warmth, and creativity of every aspect of life in Good Hart… from the care put into the garden, the preparation of meals, the conversations about creativity and the significance of art, to the beautiful night sky (a Perseid meteor shower!), and the lakeshore with its rocky gems.
I have been able to enjoy the rare and rich gift of time to be, to rest, to take long walks, to make and to learn. This residency allows for much more than just space to work, it allows an opportunity to be slow, to look closely, enjoy the beautiful natural world, and return to the dailiness of life with a new energy and perspective
Amanda Hamilton – August 2017
In my other life – as a father, teacher, husband, house owner, and artist. I sometimes think: “If I only had a block of time in solitude: in the woods with amazing people – then I could accomplish some things.” That thought came true, and my four weeks have been truly special to me. If you are here as an artist, you will discover the rewards of being here: The peaceful nature of this place, the access to water and woods, and the opportunity to create unabated.
Bill Hosterman – May 2017
Wow, What an incredibly productive two weeks amidst glorious sunny weather, brilliant scenery, and excellent company.
This was probably the most optimal transition form my graduate program – the ability to hunker down and explore new ideas without the looming deadline of a critique or installation.
I appreciate the gift of time, not just the solo work hours in the studio, but the time you all spent with me on hikes, mushroom hunting excursions, and trips to other sites around here.
I can honestly say I learned quite a bit about plant life, seasons, various animals, and the moon – which has really galvanized the content and production of my work.
Joanna Hoge – May 2016
