Reflections on My Residency at The Caumsett Foundation

As an eco artist based on Long Island, New York, my work is deeply rooted in place. During August and September 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to complete an art residency at The Caumsett Foundation. Over these two months, I created a variety of work, shown below, exploring the park through color, texture, and material experimentation. During my time in residence, I was thrilled to share the studio with two incredible artists, whose presence, creativity, and conversations made this experience all the more meaningful. In August I shared with Peter Tresnan, and in September I shared with Natasha K. De Armas.

From the very first day, I remember being intimidated by the blank walls and the large work table. What was once empty is now bursting with paintings, experimental studies, and sculptures inspired by the land. That large table now holds my largest painting to date.

I carried a wood stump from the beach, which sat in the studio until it was ready to make marks and become a work of art itself. Each piece captures the process of translating Caumsett into color and texture. After the paint, water, and sand fully dried, I brushed off the excess to reveal hidden patterns underneath—a dialogue between materials and nature.

The residency was a whirlwind of teaching, crushing rocks, making paint from the park, and creating artwork inspired by my time here. What started as an experiment evolved into a new series. Some pieces have already found their forever homes (thank you!), some are going to be exhibited this year, but if you see something you connect with, reach out and I’ll connect you with details.

This series, Caumsett in Color, celebrates the elements of earth pigments, paper, sand, salt, water, sunshine, and air. I would also like to acknowledge that this work was created on the ancestral lands of the Matinecock people, who named this place Caumsett, meaning “place by a sharp rock,” and whose enduring connection to this land continues today.

ART PROCESS: UPCOMING ART RESIDENCY

Photo Credit: The Caumsett Foundation, image of the art residency barn studio

Hello Art Residency!

One of my goals is to be part of an art residency. I applied to many, but to be honest not only was I never selected but I don’t think the timing was right.

I loved the concept of doing my first one semi-locally, so I can still sleep in my own bed, but have the experience of working on sight somewhere else. Going back to school really changed the way I approach my work. I’m more comfortable working around others, with interruptions, pushing my creative ideas, and experiencing the process of making art in a space other than my home studios.

I applied to ONE this year, and I am thrilled to share I was ACCEPTED into The Caumsett Foundation’s Artist in Residency program for an 8 week period during August and September. I am going to share more with you as it gets closer but some highlights are:

• I will work at Caumsett park, with open studio hours that you will be able to come visit me and see what I am up to

• I will host a community workshop, painting en plein air (AKA outside!) with my handmade watercolors, similar to this one

• I will create a collection of work focused on the theme Caumsett in Color: A Study of Earth and Texture

• A group exhibition with the participating artists the beginning of November

Photo Credit: The Caumsett Foundation, map of the park

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As the residency gets closer I will share more, and while I am there I encourage you if you’re local to reach out to see how you can experience this alongside me. Thank you to the Caumsett AIR committee for selecting me for this incredible opportunity.