Will Zajac - architect, USA

Will Zajac found his artist residency with artistay.

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Dear John, Grete & Aloise McNorton,

I can't believe it's been almost a month since my residency ended! Currently, I am home with family [Maine] finishing my fellowship requirements before I move onto my next adventure(s). Everyday that I am back in the States, I am reminded of my experiences in Caylus and Draw_International. Last week I was helping form the first layer of a stonewall for my parents!

I've had a few weeks to reflect on my 3 month residency and have come up with several examples of why your residency program is/was critical to my development as an architect.

Structure: The structure of your residency program fosters exchange. For me, the residency is about making contact between the studio and surroundings. My old working habits were altered to accommodate new routines that allowed a more open thought process. With your guidance, we created a realistic set of goals and accomplished them with a range of tools. We didn't throw a bunch of money &technologies into the equation. Rather, you introduced simple printmaking and drawing techniques into my design thinking; thus, allowing me to re-define my practice and develop new ways of communicating my perceptions of the built environment.

Outreach: As an architect, I am always looking for new ways to improve and enhance our built environment. With your help, I was able to meet and do things outside of the studio. For example, I really enjoyed doing stonewalls with APICQ. It was a weekend of hard work, but I was immediately accepted by the people and had a wonderful time learning the art of Pierre Seche.

Another interesting and inspiring part of the residency is watching how involved you are in the community; radio programs, tourist office, the Marie, etc. Sometimes I learn by watching how others conduct their lives...and I am truly inspired at the amount of effort the two of you put into making Caylus a better place. I hope to do the same wherever I live.

Accommodations: Your house is an architectural gem. A four-story medieval building situated in the heart of the village, containing all the craft and materials from a bygone era. It reconditioned my body toward sustainable living. Yes, it gets a little cold in the winter...but that's easily fixed with a warm wood fire. And yes, in the summer it may get a little warm, but the cool stone underbelly and summer breeze keeps the house comfortable. My room was spacious, quiet, clean and my bed...very comfortable! Having the room attached to the studio was great. It was way more than I ever imagined!!!

Caylus: I am so intrigued about the future of Caylus. I was there for 3 months, and was able to get a glimpse of a village that is full of potential and on the cusp of change, [good or bad]. There aren't many places/residencies in the world where you can witness such things unfold, but your residency is in the mix of it. For artists looking to get involved in a "real place"...it doesn't get any better!

"En Famille": Being a part of the family household was probably the highlight of my experience! My trip wouldn't have been the same without the daily interactions provided at your residence. I really enjoyed having meals together, taking the dog for a walk, talking about horses with Aloise, going to a dance recital, preparing magre, listening to the owls, and laughing...

Thank you.

Sincerely,
wilz

Will Zajac found his artist residency with artistay.

Find your residency with artistay, Here