Residency Reflections: Laura Grinberga
Can you describe your first impression of Le Moulin de Marnay and the
surrounding environment?
My first impression of Marnay was the picturesque scenery — the architecture of this quaint village feels as if it has stayed back in time, river, apple orchards, dogs barking as you pass by, a boulangerie open only until noon, and the unforgettable experience of watching the sun set over the Loire, Ranny playing guitar. What a dream.
How did the residency impact your creative process or shift your
perspective as an artist?
I was very much looking forward to spend these 3 weeks mostly outdoors. I’ve been working and producing works outdoors for one year now but it has always made some limitations as I had to wrap up my work and pretty soon whereas here I had the luxury to leave it outdoors for the entire period. The freedom to engage with the local architecture felt like a gift — to drape my veil from a 15-meter bridge and watch it breathe with the wind, finally coming alive as in the vision I had carried within me for a long time.
Was there a particular moment during the residency that stands out as
transformative or unexpected?
This residency confirmed that the direction I’m on is the right one. It has made me even more eager to find opportunities to spend time in similar environments — and for much longer durations.
What did the time away from your regular environment teach you about
your needs as an artist?
In my current practice, which explores the invisible forces of emotional states and well-being, I’ve realized how vital it is for me to spend more and more time in nature — to observe, to absorb, and to let its rhythms permeate my work.
The residency is a shared experience, what was it like, interacting with the other artists?
It was a meaningful exchange, learning from each other while still following our own practices. And that every artist is an entire universe. Sometimes these universes are very like-minded, and sometimes they are radically different. Learning to coexist is an acquired skill.
Is there anything you left behind — literally or metaphorically — when the
residency ended?
I left my heart in Marnay. I miss the tempo of small-village life, the direct and immediate contact with nature, and its impact on us. I also miss the French way of living and sharing space with such wonderful fellow artists