Kim faler: “I have never felt so seen and valued, as a mother and an artist.”
Texas gave me some much-needed blank space.
I arrived in Texas from the depths of New England winter. My 1-year-old and I left our winter coats at the door and quickly searched for sandals and sunscreen. It was like a fever dream.
San Antonio was familiar to me, as I spent 3 months with my head down at Artpace, 10 years ago. Joey, Riley, Hiemo, and Gary from Hare & Hound Press welcomed my arrival, but the generosity of Meaghan, Liz, and Matt was astounding. From Meaghan being surprisingly accurate at filling the fridge before my late-night arrival to Liz and Matt joining me for a studio visit/beer/art therapy session—the Texas love was real. I was constantly reminded that this just doesn’t happen on a first date in the Northeast!
Once I got settled into daycare and my studio, the freedom to wander was well matched with the curiosity from strangers. I took long walks on the Riverwalk and allowed my instinct to drive my process—something that is challenging to hear among the laundry, playdates, and dogwalks from my life at home. Everyone I met in SA was curious and eager to hear about my projects, however idiosyncratic they might be. What is hydro-dipping after all?!
Halfway through, I was joined by my husband, Tim, and my 8-year-old daughter, June. She was excited for all things Texas: from the Rodeo, to the Natural Bridge Caverns, to playgrounds with dangerously steep slides. June fell in love with Texas. The backyard trampoline didn’t hurt.
Shortly thereafter, we took a day trip to Houston to see the sought-after Menil Collection, and I visited the renowned Padza Butler Gallery, while Tim and the girls went to NASA. It fulfilled both of our brains…and June was able to experience 12 lanes of traffic! The remainder of the residency was filled with ping-pong, bike rides, breathtaking sunsets, and the laughter of two little girls at the Hemisfair Park.
I have never felt so seen and valued, as a mother and an artist, as in San Antonio. My only regret is that I waited too long to try the Reese Brothers. Now, we must return. The blank space that I so desperately needed was filled with the joy of my art, family, and (new) friends.
Thank you P&L. You do more than you realize.
-Kim
