The composing is coming along - I've been working out some of the technical logistics and have begun some of the thematic sketches for the stories. - The environment here has really made me relaxed and focused on this very unusual assignment! And yes, it's very very hot here! - Almost 100 degree's yesterday! - I hear the rain comes on Wed..
The Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (VCCA) is peaceful and beautiful. I am on a farm in the hills of Virginia. Besides the cows, the horses and the hay - there is also beautiful sculpture left by artists who created them here. They've turned one of the the barn houses into artists studios. VCCA is located right across the highway from a very small women's college called SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE (700 students) which was voted the most beautiful campus in the USA recently. In fact Sweet Briar owns the land that VCCA is located on. We are able to use the schools library and gym facilities. I am their first Jazz Composer that they have had in residence here. We are officially called "FELLOWS" (which sounds so academic, but okay. ;~D.) The composers that usually come here have been classically based or folk artists. I have a studio with a brand new grand piano! - I have my computer, midi keyboard and speakers set up. They also provided me with a printer! - (which was great because I decided at the last moment not to bring my own.) There is a bed in my studio in case I want to sleep. The studio is sound proof! I can get as loud as I want any time of the day or night! - The "Fellows" Residence is located down the road where we each have a private room. There are no more than 23 artists at a time working here. Breakfast and dinner are served at the residence hall. The administration here are so committed to the work of artists. They treat us with so much respect! I am so glad for the opportunity to work here!
The other artists here - mostly writers, visual artists and 2 composers (myself and Ysaye Barnwell of Sweet Honey and the Rock just got here today. Another classical composer just left). Dinner time is when you get to hear what everyone is working on and how there processes are going. Meals always make for very stimulating conversations. It's wonderful to be around so many people who deal in the creative process for a living. Everyone here is so open to what everyone is trying to achieve. When I get back to NYC I want to encourage my Jazz composer friends to consider composing in this kind of environment. I have learned so much about how other artists create in just 3 short days during meals! - The experiences and information that I have gotten from these artists, I feel is great info for a creative person to take into consideration when they are in process of creating their own work.
I'll be here until June 19th - I am schedules to return again to put the finishing touches on this new work - in November.
Monday, June 9, 2008
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