I arrived at Hub Feenix 10 days ago and so far have been settling in and picking up where I left off with two digital art projects. It is beautiful here - colorful, peaceful, full of friendly people.
The first project I've been focusing on is part of a series called 'Come Home,' a digital collage project about an othered person searching for belonging. I am also beginning to draft the concept for a follow-up to 'are ex - i,' a digital collage project I completed last year based on some photos, journals, dreams, and musings about life with multiple sclerosis. I did not realize there could be more to this project until I arrived here, but after a year of taking a very unconventional path to living with this disability, it turns out there are more reflections that want to come through.
I have published eight books of fiction with several publishers, six novels and two novellas. Some shown here are second editions. My next novel is to be published shortly and, as I write this post, my tenth book is underway, born at Hub Feenix and inspired by my unforgettable stay there.
Less than three weeks after my arrival, I have written and edited the first chapters of a first draft of the novel. I expect this form to be the definitive one. What was to be a sombre story has become a showcase of life and light. A fine adventure of the spirit. This is the way Hub Feenix has spoken to me. Vividly and profoundly.
Random notes I had taken in the previous months started to come together and make sense at Hub Feenix. But finding a voice and proper technique for the novel was necessary. It would emerge from this place and its unique story and setting.
What an interesting and inspiring adventure we had on a January Sunday afternoon at Hub Feenix! Our artist in residence Anja Fiedler prepared a Michelin-class menu from peat, lichen, birch, sap and other surprising delicacies from Finnish forest.
Elena Botts, a multimedia artist from New York, was inspired by the January light in the snowy forest trails around Hub Feenix. She was especially interested in the blue light of the winter dimlight - the blue hour. On her walks she gathered material for her beautiful, experimental video and sound art.
Hub Feenix January 2023 artists in residence, Anja Fiedler from Berlin and Elena Botts from New York, created an inspiring and innovative art event Culinary Poetry together.
The audience had the opportunity to taste unique Michelin-level delicacies created from the treasures of the Finnish forest, for example lichen, peat and birch, and experience an experimental live multimedia performance by unknownsoundcollective.
Unforgettable and beautiful experience for all the senses!
