My last week at NES was quiet and productive, and I've accomplished a lot, maybe more in writing than in the studio this time. The map collages will go on the back burner for a while, as there are too many other unfinished things to work on first. NES was challenging for me—working in a group studio with lots of distractions and generally really funky operations made it hard to stay focused. I think it's a place more suited to artists who want to make local connections and work in the community than it is for those of us who work quietly in the studio. But I've loved my time in Skagastrond, time spent with my fellow artists, and with local people.
I'm back in the steamy Hudson Valley, where it actually gets dark at night and fresh fruit and veggies abound. It was strange getting on the plane in a sweater and scarf and off at JFK into 90 degree heat and humidity. I am sad to leave Iceland, which I have come to love, not knowing if/when I will return, but happy to be home for a couple of weeks. Icelanders say "Bless" or "Bless bless" for good-bye, so Bless Bless, Iceland. I hope to be back one day.
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Pyramid house in Skagastrond |
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Our house with it's tin-foiled bedroom windows |
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Skagastrond street |
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Skagastrond harbor on a rare cloudy day |
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In transit to Reykjavik |
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Keflavik, an otherwise ugly town near the airport, but a cute harbor |
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The closest I'm likely to get to Greenland for a while... |
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Yes, they do all wear Icelandic wool. |