June 14th, Hofsos, Iceland

I’ve been slacking off a bit on the diary entries, assuming that I would have endless amounts of time while at Baer Art Center to sort out and execute all of my ideas.

What could possibly distract me, being here at the edge of the world? It turns out that there are many distractions here, albeit good distractions.

In the long run, these will add to the strength of my work. In the short run, I will keep my mind open and start referring to “distractions” as “opportunities.”

Surprisingly, entering a new environment, especially one so hospitable to creativity, can take some time to adjust to. Now, almost halfway through the month, I am starting to really get into the flow.

There is a lot to absorb at Baer. There is a chef — a very good chef at that. There are four other kind and talented artists here — each with their own stories. There are around 20 Icelandic PONIES at Baer?! (I have yet to hear of another residency that offers ponies.)

There are field trips around the region and trips to the most stunning swimming pool that one can imagine. Most of all there is land – vast expanses of it. The land includes fields, a giant lake, dramatic basalt cliffs to the ocean and a huge cape. There are views of mountains, an island and a slightly phallic looking sea-stack.

An overwhelming sense of gratitude to Steinunn Jónsdóttir (Baer’s founder) keeps sweeping over me. Do I deserve all of this? Whether I do or don’t, I am making the most of it.

Here’s Part 1 if you missed it.