Hi again! I'm so excited to be coming from you live in FRANCE! Welcome to AXN Atelier - my blog where I'll share some fun behind the scenes of the business. These next few blog posts will be centered upon my experience at an artist residency at Chateau Orquevaux, in the countryside of France.

Tales from France 

An artist residency is a dedicated period of time to focus on artwork and the creative process. The one I am attending was an application-acceptance process and I will be residing in a 19th century chateau; I have my own private room and separate private studio. We have onsite staff and a chef who cooks us three meals a day. I get to explore the grounds, the tiny town it resides in, and paint my heart away. For THREE weeks! I'm accompanied by 25 other artists for this three week session, varying from painters, to writers, performance artists, photographers, poets, sculptors, and everything in between. 

But first..

I spent my first week in Paris, having a little fun and gathering a lot of inspiration. 

France Week 1: Paris

I had only been to Paris once before while in college studying abroad. Let's say that was a drastically difference experience than the one I just had. I am now 8 years older, a bit more financially secure, and much more open to new experiences and adventure. I have been feeling called to Paris and all of its wonder the past few years and I have been slowly curating the perfect shopping and coffee shop itinerary. Here is a little list of my recent favorites..

Coffee:

Sevenly Heart (55 Rue des Archives) Quaint, feminine, and the perfect spot for a mid day pick me up.

Boot Café (19 Rue du Pont aux Choux) The tiniest, most unassuming café but absolutely lovely for an espresso. Will be dreaming of this spot for the rest of my life. 

Bar: 

ROJO (8 Rue de Beauce) Perfectly cozy, edgy, trendy and in Le Marais neighborhood (my new favorite) 

Shopping

Kanelle Vintage (48 Rue de Turenne) A gorgeous curation of thoughtfully selected vintage clothing and accessories. Almost like a candy shop- but for clothes. I picked out the cutest black handbag from the 50's! 

Marin Montagut (48 Rue Madame) Stop here when you visit the Luxembourg Gardens! A must visit souvenir spot with all items created with intention and elevation by an artist. A business similar to mine, that I have looked up to for years. He also released a book called Forever Paris with Paris' best kept secrets. A must read for those who are looking for off the beaten path places to visit. 

E. DEHILLERIN (18-20 Rue Coquillière) The dreamiest kitchen store with copper pots and pans hanging from every beam. I went early in the morning on a Monday- amongst what seemed to be locals working in the culinary world popping in for kitchen gear on their way to work. From pastry supplies, knives, madeline pans, and everything in between- it has the perfect souvenir for any kitchen enthusiast.

Stationery: 

L'Ecritoire (26 Pass. Moliere) A stationery store worth hunting down. I got little bundles of book plate and label stickers, the chic-est envelope/paper sets, and doile notecard. 

Treats: 

Bossier (77 Rue du Bac) Parisian candies to die for! I always pick up a tin of Bossier no matter where I find them- they are carried by boutiques across the globe and not easy to find. But where there is a brick and mortar- it is a must go! I collect the tins they come in when the candies are long gone. 

For the Artist: 

Charvin (57 Quai des Grands) I have been buying paints from this French art brand for years. Stepping into to the store was a dream! Floor to ceiling well crafted art supplies, paints, sketchbooks, materials- what more could an artist ask for. Even if you aren't into art, I suggest you pop in for a notebook or pencil case. 

France Week 2: Residency at Chateau Orquevaux

I have been at the Chateau for almost a week now. Everyone has settled into their studios and routines but all sit together for meals and chat about our artist practice, our processes, and backgrounds. It's such a special thing to be among other talented makers and to see how vastly different we all worship our creative instincts. Some create art full time, some as a hobby, others as a second career after retirement. We range in age from 22 to 82 and I find that the most special aspect. 

What I have found is that most people came here with no strict plans and most have at least one parent who is/was also creative (if not both). I'm sure nurture plays a large part but nature must also, too. Some here say one of their children is more like their spouse and did not get the creative knack, while the other takes after them and also practices art in some way. Genetics are such a funny thing. 

I also came with no strict plan, just the hope to map out the next 1-2 years of art releases and product development. I had some loose ideas but I am spending my first few mornings and nights here narrowing those down and pin pointing exactly what needs to be painted and prototyped. 

My studio is located in The Yellow House, an 8 minute walk across "town" from the chateau. Said town only has 50 residents! The studio is bright and cozy, almost too big for what I do as watercolor paints are small and tidy. But I won't complain- more wall space means more room for displaying my work. I'm taping each painting to the wall as I finish to see how my themes and collections are coming together. 

I'm trying to follow somewhat of a schedule because I know the days will fly by. Wake -workout -The Artist's Way - breakfast - paint in the studio - lunch - back to the studio - axn admin work - dinner - plan for the next day - read my Kindle - sleep - repeat. It has not gotten monotonous and I doubt it ever will because this is truly my perfect day (I'm just missing Brock and Indie!). 

The property surrounding is the best part. The chateau sits on a river with many little bridges about the banks. There are two swans- Steve and Abby- who I am trying to befriend. Steve is known for being feisty and we have been given many warnings that he WILL chase you. He has followed me on my walks each day along the water, paddling aside me. Yesterday he brought Abby to me. I think this means I have gained their trust? It is only necessary I paint a series of swans while I'm here, coming to you soon! 

Now back to my studio and paints. Until next week! 

XO, 

Nikki