Becky brown: the P&l Residency was a “magically energizing time”
We arrived at the Parts & Labor Residency in early March, following a week-long road trip from Buffalo, NY. Now it is mid-April and we are home, just starting to reflect on what a magically energizing time it was for our family—myself, my husband Bill and our son Cyan. To be immersed in a new place, together, with the time and space to make our work—I cannot imagine a greater gift. Since Cy was born two years ago, Bill and I have rarely been able to make art at the same time. We switch off parenting, working and art-making when we can, but to have a month with full support (and permission) to do that—I can’t describe our gratitude. We were able to work in the studio, compare notes, go for walks and eat lunch, all knowing Cy was safe and taken care of. And on evenings and weekends, we got to explore our new surroundings together.
From Buffalo to San Antonio in March took us from gray snow and ice to the brightest sun, from snow boots to sandals. In our early days, we relished just being outside—in the giant backyard at the house, on the trampoline on the front porch, and observing these shiny black birds I’d never seen (grackles, I learned). We biked everywhere we could—to Ruby City, along the Mission Trail, to the Hemisfair, to pick up Cy at daycare.
And we were so welcomed by the San Antonio arts and music communities – we got to meet many artists at dinners and brunches, and in their studios (still thinking about Joey and Josh’s work that I saw in my final weekend). We saw music shows and poetry readings – all hosted with the utmost care and attention. Towards the end of our stay, I mounted a pop-up show, and Bill played music alongside two local musicians. I presented the first large-scale work I’ve made since Cy was born – “My Overall Satisfaction,” a giant journal overflowing with text from online surveys. It was the first rainy night of our trip, but we still had a fantastic turnout and got great responses to our work. The next day, with Cy in school, we had a long luxurious lunch at Liberty Bar, feeling truly pampered.
This might be the most supported I’ve felt at any residency, because I didn’t need to leave my family behind. We are endlessly grateful for this opportunity and to Meaghan, Liz and Matt for their vision and hospitality. Dinner at the Cove with the Klebergs on our last night followed by breakfast tacos from Meg as we hit the road—wow, what a send-off. We’re still pinching ourselves!
