A Fiber Artist's Journey at The Mudhouse Residency in Greece
I'm thrilled to share with you my incredible experience at The Mudhouse Residency in the picturesque mountain village of Agios Ioannis on the island of Crete, Greece.
First things first, let me tell you about The Mudhouse Residency—a program for artists of various disciplines seeking inspiration and cultural immersion.
Picture this: two weeks surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Crete, living and working in the heart of Agios Ioannis. A town that is beautiful even though many of the houses have broken down to ruins. Along with the surrounding dry brush of the hills, it’s all a harsh landscape, and therein lies its beauty.
The Mudhouse Residency is gaining popularity each year, and this time, only a quarter of the applicants made the cut. So, you can imagine my excitement when I learned I was one of the lucky few.
The Mudhouse Residency is a two-week program that provides artists with their own table and workspace in a communal studio—a beautiful space with open windows, allowing the warm breeze to blow through the space.
What makes this program truly special is its diverse group of artists—each artist brings their unique perspective and it’s an opportunity to see things through their eyes.
The Mudhouse Residency not only provides a platform for individual artistic expression but also fosters a sense of community. Artists are encouraged to share their work through slideshows, lectures, or readings with fellow residents. All culminating in a closing exhibition.
A Day in the Life at Mudhouse: Finding Magic in Routine
Now, let me take you through the day-to-day rhythm I experienced at The Mudhouse Residency. It was a blend of creativity, connection, and the serene beauty of Agios Ioannis.
Mornings at The Mudhouse began with a comforting cup of coffee where a visit to the kitchen turned into a chance to connect with another artist. These casual conversations over coffee were some of my fondest memories during my residency.
After these leisurely mornings, we had the freedom to decide how to spend the next few hours. For me, it meant heading to the studio and immersing myself in my fiber art. The studio, with its open windows and the gentle breeze, provided the perfect setting for creative exploration.
Then came a group lunch on a picturesque outdoor patio. Vines formed a natural canopy, creating a casually stunning ambiance.
The post-meal hours were a blend of productivity and relaxation. I'd squeeze in some more work, attempt a daily nap, and recharge for the evening ahead.
Group dinners were the opportunity to recount our day's adventures, learn about each other's works, and let’s not forget the wine!
As the sun dipped below the horizon, our evenings then turned to artist presentations. Each artist took the stage to delve into the nuances of their work, sharing their thoughts and approaches. This nightly ritual became one of my favorite parts of the entire experience, offering a new perspective to explore based on each artist's creative process.
Breaking the Mold: Two Transformative Takeaways from The Mudhouse Residency
As I reflect on my time at The Mudhouse Residency, two powerful ideas have taken root in my creative consciousness, shaping the way I approach my fiber art and the broader artistic community.
#1 Resist Refinement
The first revelation came during an artist talk by Catherine Callahan. She introduced the concept of resisting refinement—an idea that struck a chord with me. Art doesn't have to conform to expectations or perfection. In fact, she encouraged us to embrace the messy, the unexpected, and the unconventional. It was a call to break the mold, to challenge the norms that dictate how our work should look.
This notion hit home a few days later when I found myself grappling with the background of a fiber piece. The task felt uninspiring, almost obligatory. In a conversation with Catherine about my creative roadblock, she posed a simple yet profound question, "Do you have to fill in the background?" This question revealed how many steps I took because they felt expected rather than necessary. It was a liberating moment that empowered me to question every creative decision, to resist refinement. I've since adopted this framework in my work, constantly asking myself, "Do I have to do it this way?" The freedom to make my own rules has injected a new vitality into my artistic process, and I'm eager to explore this further in future pieces.
#2 Value of a Multi-Disciplinary Community
The second significant takeaway revolves around the benefits of a multi-disciplinary community. Engaging with artists from various mediums was an eye-opening experience that emphasized the importance of seeking feedback and perspectives outside of my artistic bubble. While it's comforting to work on your art in isolation, the real magic happens when you step outside that bubble.
Hearing their thoughts on my fiber art and sharing my experiences with them added layers of insight and inspiration to my creative journey. This exposure to diverse perspectives has reinforced my commitment to seeking multidisciplinary spaces. It's in these spaces that art is pushed in unexpected directions, where the boundaries of mediums blur, and creativity takes on new and exciting forms.
The Final Art Show at The Mudhouse Residency
The final art show unfolded on one of the last nights of our two-week program, a moment where every artist had the opportunity to showcase their creations.
The atmosphere was charged with excitement as each artist presented a piece that encapsulated their unique experience during the residency. Some showcased pieces that had evolved over the entire two weeks, while others offered a curated selection that captured the essence of their artistic exploration.
For my part, I chose to share a series of pieces that showed the process of resisting refinement and breaking more and more rules. From the meticulously planned and methodical beginnings to the breaking of rules and embracing the unexpected. The final piece, almost a sketch in fiber art, represented a culmination of my journey—a journey towards embracing the rawness in my work.
Shop available framed fiber art from the final show below!
A Reflection on The Mudhouse Residency
As I sit down to pen the concluding words of my journey at The Mudhouse Residency, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and inspiration. Nestled in the mountains of Agios Ioannis, a diverse group of artists got to explore the endless possibilities of our craft.
The day-to-day rhythm at The Mudhouse, filled with shared meals, studio time, and immersive conversations, became the heartbeat of our collective creativity. The warmth of the morning coffee chats, the gentle breezes in the communal studio, and the picturesque outdoor patio —all became integral to our experience.
In the end, as I step away from the mountains of Agios Ioannis, I carry not just the art I created but a spirit that encourages breaking free, embracing the unexpected, and celebrating the unrefined beauty that lies in the heart of every artistic endeavor.
The Full List of Artists in the Same Session
Justin Allen - St.Paul, MN
Catherine Callahan - South Portland, ME
Ji Yoon (Guava) Rhee - State College, PA
Marina Massidda - Los Angeles, CA
Jaden Dejesus Blango - San Antonio, TX
Kathy Kearns - Crockett, CA
Bill Concannon - Crocket, CA
Juli Badics - Burlington, VT
Lisa Klapstock - Toronto, Canada
Kate Shearer - Yucca Valley, CA
Sam Van Aken - Syracuse, NY
Zoe Scofield - Los Angeles, CA
Noel Hennelly - New York, NY
RAY LC - Hong Kong