Graham Studio Residency

9 Month Graham Studio Residency with the Grand Marais Art Colony

The Grand Marais Art Colony, established in 1947.

Project Proposal

I've been contemplating this particular project for a while now, but haven't had the opportunity or space to dive into it. This project involves rethinking my approach to using watercolor as a medium. I aim to create a series of watercolor paintings that utilize recycled and up-cycled materials instead of traditional paper. To this end, I've been gathering pieces of plywood and old frames from thrift stores and garage sales. With so many old frames being discarded or sold cheaply, I've been eager to find a way to repurpose them.

I plan to create a series of experimental pieces, varying in size from very small to much larger, depending on the reused frames I can obtain. I will cut plywood to fit these frames, securing it with wood glue and finishing nails. Using acrylic gesso and watercolor ground, I will prepare the surfaces, including the frame, to form a single solid panel. The paintings will extend onto the frame itself. This approach will result in a cohesive object, rather than a separate sheet of paper and frame. To protect the finished work, I can apply either a wax medium or matte varnish as a protective layer for the watercolor painting.

Watercolor is often regarded as a more delicate medium, so I believe this method would provide an intriguing contrast, adding more solidity to the artwork. It could be an economical way to produce a substantial collection using materials that are frequently thrown away. Beginning with a clean surface that extends to the frames should establish a sense of visual continuity, even with the variety of sizes and shapes. Larger pieces would showcase a broader perspective, while smaller pieces would offer a closer look at finer details.

Exhibiting the artwork will be simpler since the frame is integrated into the final piece. Given the various sizes, arranging the work like a scattered mosaic seems ideal. I would plan the layout in advance to ensure they form a cohesive whole. By mixing larger images with smaller ones, I envision viewers needing to step back to appreciate the overall work and then being drawn in to examine the details of the smaller pieces. The smaller pieces would function somewhat like a magnifying glass.

The work will center on our emotional bond with the natural world. The condition of our environment directly influences our inner perceptions, and I aim to delve into this relationship through visual abstractions that retain elements of realism. These paintings will express emotion by depicting the human figure interacting with nature in an indistinct manner. The pieces should evoke intimacy while maintaining scientific accuracy in the portrayal of landscape details, such as the appearance of sunlight filtering through leaves compared to hair illuminated from behind. Images might include bare feet on grass or hands viewed through the water's surface. My goal is to create a collection that offers a glimpse into these serene moments of reflection.

Grand Marais Art Colony - Founders Hall

Founders Hall serves as the historic heart of the Grand Marais Art Colony, originally built in 1936 as a Catholic church rectory before being repurposed by founders Birney Quick and Byron Bradley in 1963. This 1,000-square-foot studio is beloved by artists for its high ceilings and exceptional northern light, featuring original hardwood floors that bear the creative marks of decades of students. As a versatile, multi-discipline space, it hosts year-round workshops in painting, drawing, and literary arts, while also serving as a dedicated site for independent artist residencies.

Studio Work

With the use of an absorbent ground applied on the thin plywood, I was able to create a surface that closely resembles the texture and feel of traditional paper. This approach allowed me to experiment with my artistic process in ways that were previously unfeasible, enabling the creation of drawings that are not only larger in scale but also significantly more durable as physical objects. The absorbent ground effectively mimics the qualities of paper, providing a suitable medium for pencil and other drawing materials, which enhances the overall tactile experience and visual quality of the artwork.

As I continue to explore this technique, there remains a considerable amount of research to be conducted regarding how various pigments interact with and adhere to the specially prepared surface. Understanding these interactions is crucial, as it will allow me to refine my methods further. Different pigments may react uniquely to the absorbent ground, influencing both the vibrancy and longevity of the colors used.

In addition to the physical artwork, I scanned several of the finished pencil drawings, preserving their details and nuances. These digital reproductions were printed on high-quality watercolor paper, to create a line of paintable gift cards, including a small dot card of watercolor samples.

Overall, this project has opened up new avenues for artistic expression and has allowed me to merge traditional drawing techniques with innovative presentation methods, creating a multifaceted experience for both myself as the artist and for those who receive and appreciate my work.

Lupine pencil drawing on board made from lauan plywood with an absorbent ground.

"Rust Leaves" - Painted with foraged iron oxide from the Gunflint Trail.

Community Engagement

As part of this artist residency, I focused on bridging the gap between creator and spectator by inviting the community directly into my creative process. My goal was to move beyond simply displaying finished work and instead foster a collaborative environment where local residents and visitors could experience the tactile reality of making art.

To root this experience in the local landscape, I foraged for minerals along the Gunflint Trail and the shores of Lake Superior, using these natural materials to create handmade paints. I hosted interactive sessions at both the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center—located at the end of the historic Gunflint Trail—and the Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center on the shores of Lake Superior. I demonstrated the transformation of raw earth into pigment, sharing my work-in-progress to provide a transparent look at how the surrounding environment directly informs my techniques.

Mixing hydrolyzed iron oxide found on the Gunflint Trail with watercolor binder.

The engagement culminated in hands-on workshops where I supplied small watercolor boards to every participant. This allowed visitors to move from observers to active creators, using the very pigments we had discussed to paint their own pieces. By painting alongside one another in these iconic Minnesota landscapes, we turned a solitary practice into a shared community dialogue centered on the natural beauty and history of the region.

Gathering Pigments

This residency has sparked a transformative journey into the art of handmade color, leading to the creation of a unique pigment collection rooted in the natural world. Moving forward, I am dedicated to hand-mulling custom watercolor palettes and oil paints, drawing directly from the landscape. This includes incorporating raw minerals and rocks collected from the shores of Lake Superior, as well as experimenting with purchased pigments to expand my chromatic range. By bridging the gap between my current woodcarving business, Rooted Relics, and my evolving painting practice, I am even integrating saved sawdust from various wood species to explore new textures and tones.

A significant part of this exploration involves capturing the ephemeral beauty of the seasons by creating lake pigments from local flowers and foliage. Although these botanical colors are often fugitive, their delicate and shifting nature offers a profound connection to the surrounding environment. I am eager to see how these experiments with mineral ores, organic dyes, and woodworking by-products will push the boundaries of my work. This process of discovery is just beginning, and I look forward to seeing how these deeply personal materials will shape the next chapter of my artistic progression.

Processing indigo into a powdered pigment to be made into watercolor and oil paint.

Grand Marais, Minnesota

This residency commenced during the heart of winter in the Northwoods, a season when the landscape transforms into a serene winter wonderland. Grand Marais, Minnesota, is a picturesque harbor village that lies along the rugged shores of Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. This charming community is not only celebrated for its breathtaking natural scenery but also for its rich cultural tapestry, which is woven through a vibrant arts scene that attracts artists, writers, and creatives from across the country. The village boasts numerous galleries, studios, and art shops where local artisans showcase their work, ranging from traditional crafts to contemporary pieces, reflecting both the heritage and the innovative spirit of the region.

In addition to its artistic offerings, Grand Marais serves as a gateway to a plethora of outdoor recreational activities. The surrounding wilderness is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing during the winter months. The nearby Gunflint Trail provides access to stunning vistas, pristine forests, and frozen lakes, making it a popular destination for those seeking adventure and tranquility alike. The breathtaking views of the snow-covered landscape, coupled with the crisp, fresh air, create an atmosphere that inspires both reflection and creativity.

This idyllic setting is also characterized by its small-town charm, where friendly locals greet visitors with warmth and hospitality. The community hosts various events throughout the year, including art fairs, music festivals, and winter carnivals, which foster a sense of camaraderie and celebration among residents and visitors alike. The local dining scene features cozy cafes and restaurants that serve delicious, locally sourced cuisine, allowing guests to savor the flavors of the Northwoods while enjoying the inviting ambiance of the village.

Grand Marais Harbor on Lake Superior

In essence, Grand Marais, Minnesota, is more than just a location; it is a sanctuary for those seeking inspiration from the arts and nature. The combination of its vibrant cultural scene, unparalleled access to outdoor adventures, and the enchanting beauty of the Northwoods creates an environment that nurtures creativity and fosters a deep appreciation for the natural world. For anyone embarking on a residency here, the experience is sure to be enriched by the unique blend of artistic inspiration, rugged wilderness, and the welcoming spirit of this charming harbor village.