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Our first Artist is Residence reflects on her experience:

The Artist's Residency

The Artist’s Hive Residency was one of the most sacred experiences of my life.  Never have I dedicated an entire two weeks to my soul health, and creative health.  I was able to move deeply within myself, and deeply into my artistic practices.  This process of the Artist’s Hive was so revolutionary, I felt like I healed my DNA, like I unwound some old traumas, and fed parts of myself that were depleted and exhausted.  The Artist’s Hive Residency is an experience I think every human must have. 

As soon as I arrived on their land, I felt so secure, and inspired by the magic of New Mexico.  Lauri and Scott hosted me with such a nourishing, and focused presence.  They mentored me for months before I even arrived, to set me up for the most powerful experience possible.

 Before I arrived, I participated in one of their 30 day Breathwork Teleseries programs.  The group that they held was so supportive, I was able to breathe deep, gain clarity, and take the next focused step with the support of the group.  Lauri and Scott coached me into financial health, so that I could fully relax during my residency, which is a big deal for me as an aspiring actress, and singer/songwriter in Los Angeles, working several jobs, and living paycheck to paycheck.  They guided me off the treadmill of LA, out of survival mode, and into a deeper state of existence where I was able to feed my soul, and create the meaningful work I knew was inside me, but just needed a safe place to manifest. 

I was given several hours a day to myself, in a casita, slightly separated from their main house.  The supported solitude was an incredible gift.  I found that I was able to take my songwriting to a new level.  No longer rushed towards a deadline, or uninterrupted by day-jobs I was able to push the boundaries of what I thought was my best, sharpen the specificity of my lyrics, and open up to wilder and more magical melodies. 

As an actor, I felt such a deep sense of relaxation, such that has been missing in my work these last few years.  The pace at which we moved in New Mexico was effortless.  I felt myself return to myself, and remembered that I didn’t need to be addicted to any kind of struggle.  I learned flow. 

We made dinners together.  It was often my duty to make the salad which I grew to enjoy more and more each day.  We sat around the dinner table for hours, drinking wine, and eating fresh, organic, local food, sometimes in the company of a visiting friend, engaging in conversation about everything all at once, flowing together: relationships, politics, permaculture, family dynamics, financial well-being, spiritual practices, traveling, healthy eating, fitness, and of course the arts.  Their home is a hub for community and elevating consciousness. 

I was also afforded the incredible opportunity to take a few day trips and explore the land of New Mexico.  Soaking in hot springs, gazing at the stars, hiking over frozen rivers, and returning home to stack wood and build my own fire in the evenings; these rituals brought me into a connectedness with the earth and the elements.  Such healing happens when we slow down, connect to the earth, connect to our fellow humans, and connect to our highest creative self. 

The Artist’s Hive Residency culminated with a small exhibition where I shared the work I created during my stay.  During the final event, I was able receive feedback from the tight-knit community about what was working, and what was still unclear.  It was also really helpful to know what they liked, what they wanted to hear more of, and where they could see the project going.  I had been so nourished by the entire residency, that sharing on the final evening was such an overflow of love and creativity.  It was a beautiful way to share my work, complete the residency, and connect with the incredible community of artists, creators, innovators, and successful business owners that Lauri and Scott are part of.

My experience at the Artist’s Hive was one of the most transformative experiences of my life.  I feel a deep knowing that a new seed was planted during my stay with Scott and Lauri, a seed that will grow into a manifestation of my deepest heart’s desire.  This incredible experience at the Artist’s Hive, revealed to me my gifts, and it prepared me, and fortified me, to go out and fearlessly share my gifts with the world, for the benefit of all.

                                                                      Kaitlin Huwe

                                                                                                         2.25.2017

Kaitlin's song "The Old Man & His Daughter" was created during her residency, and she went on to have it professionally produced with an official music video: 

©2020 by Ishiharado 

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