Raven Roxanne: What I Learned Working in a Remote Studio

Raven Roxanne

Painter

Raven on the steps at the North Carolina cabin.

Raven Roxanne is an abstract and impressionist painter based in Charleston, South Carolina. Her work, particularly her abstractions of birds and their tangled nests, is evocative in its sparseness and surprising in color.

This past August, Raven retreated from her city life by taking a self-imposed artist residency in the mountains of North Carolina.

She slept in a wilderness cabin overlooking the Hungry River and a bubbling stream, and painted by the sounds of birdsong and flowing water.

We were interested to know more about Raven’s work, and what this residency in a remote studio did to break her routine and open her creative process.

Find out more, in Raven’s own words:

What inspired you to plan a self-imposed artist residency & what drew you to the woods of North Carolina in particular?

Two years ago I went to France to paint and I still think about the things I learned painting remotely. Getting outside of my studio always creates new challenges that I learn from. I was ready for a little break from my every day and to see things with new eyes.

I’ve always lived at the beach, never the mountains, so I was drawn to the idea of doing a residency in the mountains. Most importantly, I really wanted to bring my dog, Willie. Traditionally residencies don’t usually allow animals, hence the self-imposed residency.

I was ready for a little break from my every day and to see things with new eyes.

Raven relaxes with Willie and one of her paintings in North Carolina

What did a “typical” day of the residency look like? — how is this different than your normal life and work rhythms (if there is a normal)?

During my days in the mountains, I woke up around 8am (which is sleeping in for me) and would have really slow mornings with coffee and breakfast on the porch.

After breakfast I would paint a daily bird drawing. These drawings were really unique and special to me. I released them before my residency and each bird drawing came with a little note I wrote about that day of the residency. The people who reserved a piece had no idea what bird they’d get! I liked having the ritual practice of the daily drawing to start to loosen up. Then I would go on a run, do yoga or walk along the river.

: Raven’s birds

: A scene from the river

After a long lunch, I would paint the rest of the afternoon. Around 5pm I would walk to the river and go skinny dipping. Then, I ended each day with a long home-cooked meal. I wanted to take time to be nourished. I baked, had lots of yummy roasted vegetables, frittatas, good stuff that warms you.

The biggest difference from my normal life is that it was a lot slower. Also, staying in one space was different. I’m usually buzzing around town from my house to the studio. It was nice to stay grounded.

What are you bringing back home with you? What did you learn from the time spent at a remote studio?

Jokingly, I’ve been telling friends I came back with 4 takeaways: The feeling of safety is a privilege, being naked outside is a luxury, if you look at anything long enough it looks like a snake, and being alone is overrated.

What I learned is still unfolding…

When I reflect seriously, I’m bringing back with me the security of knowing that I could do it—be alone, stay out in the woods in a remote cabin, and be around a lot of snakes (which going into it was a big fear). I saw 7 while I was there.

What I learned is still unfolding… Within painting, I learned to break up the painting in a new way. Before my retreat my bird paintings had a lot of color blocks, now they are layery. I started to look through the forest instead of above it.

Is there something different/special about what you created in this specific landscape and frame of mind?

Yes, I think each piece has a story. There’s one that has yellow and purple, inspired by the butterflies. Another has a snake, from one I saw (that I named Angelina). I also saw a pileated woodpecker and you’ll see he made an appearance in another of my pieces.

I’m starting to think more about the story and personal experience of the birds I’m painting.

Raven released the paintings from her residency on her website on October 3rd. Along with the original paintings, she also released 3 new prints.

Learn more about Raven Roxanne on her website, ravenroxanne.com, and see more of her life and work on Instagram @ravenroxanne.