Bob and I went on a self-directed residency at Playa, Summer Lake, Oregon. This magical place nurtures innovative thinking in the arts and sciences through its residency program on the edge of the Great Basin, to promote dialogue and positive change in the environment and the world.
https://playasummerlake.org/

We spent four days in spacious cabin, with decks on every side. The views to the playa and the surrounding environment were peaceful and inspiring. We were on our own, with very few humans sharing the grounds with us. In normal times, resident groups of artists are able to gather together more freely. I can imagine the sharing and camaraderie that would develop if one was on a one- or two-week residency. When there can be some shared meals and discussions, in addition to the solitude and time to work on whatever project is at hand.

After 15 months of hunkering down, staying safe, and living much of the time online, in one capacity or another, it was definitely time for a reboot. At Playa, the cabins have no internet, and our Verizon cell service has no coverage. This fact made us realize how much we had become dependent, dare I say addicted, to our devices and access to internet. For the benefits it gives us everyday, especially during the pandemic, it has also caused us to develop some bad habits, and place to hide behind to not communicate with the person we were “quarantined” with. These four days proved to be a much needed refresh.

In photos, I’ll share the experience we had during our time there. Both of us enthusiastically said we definitely want to come back next year… and for longer!

*Our first view of the playa and Summer Lake.*

*Spring at the edge of the Great Basin.*

*Inking a collagraph plate. I’m trying something new and experimenting.*

On Saturday, Playa executive director Elizabeth Quinn took a group of us on a birding expedition to the Summer Lake Wildlife Preserve. We saw scads of birds I’ve never seen before. Great time being guided by an expert birder!