Artist Journal: Brianne Farley
On Friday I wrapped up three weeks at Tusen Takk. I’ve never been to an artist retreat like this before. I’ve been to writing conferences, and ad hoc retreats with other kid lit authors and illustrators, and I took a two-week-long residential course in block printing at Ox Bow twelve years ago that turned out to be the thing that started me thinking, ‘hey maybe I want to go back to school and make art my career.’
Tusen Takk reminded me of some of these programs in the way it asked me to pare down and just think about art and writing and walking in the woods (which is part of art-making and writing, of course). Unlike other programs, though, I was alone. There were no social distractions (other than this damn app) and no one to ask for advice (except the times I emailed people asking for advice). It was self-directed and without expectation for a final product.
I went to Tusen Takk with a plan, but that plan was to give myself time to explore and be a little aimless. There are times for putting your head down and making, and times for thinking about what you’re going to make. Before either of those, there’s this time that makes you feel like you’re planting seeds without a clue as to what kind of seeds you’re planting. I’m doing SOMETHING, you think, and I think it’s worthwhile, but I have no idea where it’s going.
Taking that class at Ox-Bow led to a grad school application which led to a book which led to more books and a career I really like and friends I love. The last three weeks I worked on a manuscript that may sell or it may not. I got back into block printing and made some radish prints just for fun. I have no idea where these things will lead but I’m so grateful for the time to play.
“Tusen Takk” is a Norwegian phrase that roughly translates to “thanks a million” (literally, a thousand thanks). A thousand thanks to Tusen Takk for giving artists financial support and tools and a gorgeous place to stay. A thousand thanks for seeing just as much value in play and growth as in planning and production. Thank you for having me. Here’s a photo of a radish print.
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