Art Residency at The Foundation House in Greenwich, CT
On January 28, 2023, I began an intensive week-long art residency at the Foundation House, with the objective of working on my memorial project prototypes for 2025. The vast and tranquil ambiance of the Foundation House immediately struck me as a haven for creativity and deep introspection.
With my steadfast commitment to community engagement, I quickly seized the chance to immerse myself amongst the artists in residence. I initiated dialogues over those days, absorbing insights and conversations over meals. The stories I heard during these interactions provided invaluable insights, which I aimed to incorporate into my memorial prototypes.
Drawing from the narratives shared and my Vietnamese American heritage, I began the initial sketches of what would be interactive installations. I envisioned these prototypes to echo the profound themes of migration, displacement, and cultural identity. I imagined integrating multimedia elements to make these prototypes truly immersive, even though the time was short.
By the time February 5th rolled around, the Foundation House was abuzz with rapid iteration and creativity. Local artisans and community residents joined me, turning ideas into tangible preliminary models. I wrapped up this brief residency with a small showcase, presenting my initial concepts to a group of attendees. Their feedback, especially from those who had shared their personal stories, became an integral part of the project’s evolution.
Though it was just a week, my time at the Foundation House felt transformative. I departed with the seeds of what my 2025 memorial project would become, and a heart full of gratitude for the stories and collaborations I was fortunate to experience.
