Painting Abroad

This time last year, I was feeling that I had hit a creative roadblock. I didn't know what the next step for me would be or in what direction my work was taking me. So, I did what any creative would do in such a time. I signed up for an art class...with Tracy Verdugo (https://tracyverdugo.com/about/) in Cambodia.

I found inspiration in a place that seems on the surface to be heartbreaking. In the 70s, the Khmer Rouge came to power. During this totalitarian dictatorship, about 2 million people, or roughly 25% of the population, were murdered. Everywhere we went, the reverberations of this regime can be felt. Most people have stories of family and friends who went missing during this time period. The intellectual elite, including teachers, doctors, and scientists were outright killed, while much of the rest of the population was diverted into an agrarian state and forced to work on farms.

In this place of such heartbreak, I discovered a group of people displaying resiliency, wit, and intelligence to overcome a tragic past. There is true beauty to be found in the determination of the people living there to create a beautiful life. There is also plenty there worth noting artistically, including the temples, and national craftworks displayed in Artisans D'Ankor. The night market was also very tempting, with many swaths of lovely fabrics and cheap souvenirs.

Traveling to Cambodia was just the kick I needed to pursue my creative endeavors. I learned an entirely different method of thinking about my paintings. More works are to come, but the inspiration to be found here was breathtaking. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. Painting with Tracy, and the other women on the retreat, opened me to new possibilities in my artwork. Abstract expression did not seem quite so out of reach anymore. I also discovered a community of fellow artists and makers from around the world, and love to scroll the alumni group Tracy has on Facebook.