Coming to the Bilpin international ground for Creative initiatives (BigCi) has allowed my work to more freely positively flow in reaction to the current environment, the people, and the energy of being together here with other artists. Every day I have found something new to appreciate both large and small. This is especially true by revisiting the same places at different times of the day and see it in a different light. You can only achieve this by immersion in a place with the time and space to become aware of and then capture it. The Art Shed is a very rare and unique structure - an artist studio designed by an artist for artists. There is ample light day and night with openings to the outside and installed lighting. The rooms and furniture have been installed with move-ability as the project space needs are explored by the artists. BIGCi is the only place I have been to with a unique video collection of country-specific movies and documentaries to share with the residents. This has been wonderful to see stories I would never have seen otherwise. I also want to acknowledge the time that has been set aside between installation and Open Day to pause and enjoy the totality of your work. It is so important and so often neglected. Rae and Yuri have been encouraging in their interest, their support, and their enthusiasm for our projects. I am thankful for my time here and definitely want to come back to explore some projects you can only work on here in this place with this support. My gallery of work produced in this residency is HERE.

BigCi is an independent, artist run, not for profit artist residency program focusing on artists’ professional development and facilitating their projects.

BigCi has been established and run by Rae Bolotin, a practicing artist, and Yuri Bolotin, environmentalist and wilderness explorer.

More information on BIGCi is available at their website HERE

The Residency ran from 12 February through 10 March 2020, with the Artist Open Day 8 March 2020. Climate Change was the theme and how artists can communicate their voices through their various disciplines was the medium. Very inspiring and energetic work.