Late Afternoon Blues and Leaning In: A 2-part story of my Hambidge Experience

Atlanta Art Events

Nov 20

The Hambidge Center is a 600-acre forested sanctuary that empowers individuals to develop, explore, and express their creative voices. It’s one of the oldest artist communities in the nation, founded in 1934 by Mary Hambidge, and has a distinguished history of supporting individual artists in a residency program.

I’m an arts and culture administrator working in Atlanta. I’ve worked for several organizations (New Georgia Project, Living Walls, Imagine Music Festival, etc.) but most notably I’ve been working with The Bakery Atlanta since 2017. After visiting my mentor, boss, and friend during her Hambidge fellowship in 2020, I was inspired to apply! I was a Hambidge Fellow for the first two weeks of April 2023.

The residency is located in the mountains of North Georgia and has trails, meadows, waterfalls, a swimming hole, and an abundance of wildflowers. In many ways - personally and professionally - I was starting a new season so it felt symbolic to stay at Hambidge in early Spring while everything was in bloom.

I quickly realized how different my studio was from the rest. While the others are within a mile radius of the communal rock house, mine was ten minutes off the map. I stayed in Taylor House, a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom with knick knacks everywhere. The staff even jokes that it’s the “original cracker barrel.” With a large pond in the front yard, a waterfall in the back, and lot’s of wall art that say things like “Home Is Where The Heart Is” and “Grandma Knows Best,” I felt right at home. Taylor House reminded me of my family’s lake house - a humble home on Lake Sinclair that my Papa built in the late 70’s and I’ve been to every summer since I was born.

Time moves slower at Hambidge, as if there is more of it. It’s invaluable to not have to cook for yourself, keep up with housework, or run errands. This was my first residency and it gifted me lots of time to work, think, and grow. It was emotionally complicated at first but I enjoyed my stay.

Part One:

I’m not good at being alone so you might be wondering why I applied for a 2-week retreat in the woods of North Georgia. The first week of my stay, I was wondering the same thing.

I arrived at Hambidge Center full of energy, excitement, and plans to complete work and personal projects but I won’t lie, my first week there was difficult. I spent the first several days getting adjusted to being in the space, being alone, and being completely in charge of my time.

I had feel-good mornings with iced coffee and front porch sunshine followed by a productive work day. But when I got to a good stopping point with work, I was often struck by what I called the late afternoon blues. I’d find myself sad to be alone and instead of working on the personal projects I brought or taking a hike, I’d let myself get sad and bored and just lay around until it was time for dinner. Though the wave only lasted a few hours, these lethargic afternoons of my first week made every day feel like two.

This time truly alone came with complicated thoughts. Such as my desire to be an artist one day with a dedicated practice, not just an administrator. I had time to process my fear and excitement about how much I have to learn and grow in order to continue my career. My first week at Hambidge was complicated but it gifted me time to think, uninterrupted.

My late afternoon blues halted at dinner time. I looked forward to our communal dinners everyday. Even on the days when meals weren’t provided, we self-organized leftover and potluck meals. I was so thankful to have a social activity to structure my day around. I’m an extrovert and appreciate the company of others. I thrive in a group setting and really enjoyed getting to meet, talk to, and spend time with the 7 artists I met at Hambidge.

Part Two:

My second week, I leaned in. I let myself be okay with not making a lot of art during my stay. I decided I was there for uninterrupted work time and to make connections. I played to my strengths and made plans with others, even organizing a trip to a local bar owned by an Elvis tribute artist. I seized the last of my days with a sunrise group hike, visits to the swimming hole, took lots of photos, and did some writing. I played with clay courtesy of ceramic artist Corinna Cowles. I learned how to harvest wisteria and weave a basket with artist Angela Eastman.

Instead of trying to limit my online time to work, I took advantage of my studio being the only one with WiFi. I watched lots of YouTube videos while working. Which I view as semi-productive because my YouTube history is almost exclusively Fashion Shows, Art21, and NPR Tiny Desk videos.

I also completed a big personal project in my last days. While packing for this trip, I filled my little Honda Fit with all of my arts and crafts supplies - most of which I inherited from The Bakery’s original location that we lost in 2020 and my paternal grandmother who we lost in 2021. I had boxes and hampers full of stuff under my bed, in my closet, and in my attic. I brought it all with me and I went through every single item and piece of fabric that I own. I sorted and organized all of my supplies - a huge feat!

One of the last nights at Hambidge, my fellow residents organized an afternoon of sharing some of their work before dinner. Writer, Po Bhattacharyya, hosted a funeral for his latest book edition. Then, composer Sarah Dutcher played us a beautiful piano concert of the songs she had made during her time at Hambidge. This was my favorite day here. Getting to hear about and experience the work of other artists really inspired me to keep persisting in my own work!