Thank You, Todd Janes

My time as Writer-in-Residence is just over half way through, and I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. I began this residency about a week after having given the oral defense of my master’s thesis, and only a couple of days after formally submitting the written component to the University. What drew me to the project initially was how I could potentially write about whatever interested me; how it enabled me to keep writing about visual arts and culture but with a different voice; and the opportunity to write about and engage with accessible community based arts initiatives.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve encountered is the writing. Not the actual putting words to paper, but choosing what to write about and then making decisions about how to write. After spending the past 10+ years writing academic papers where the topic is usually dictated by the course, the transition to writing about whatever I’d like is not so easy. I can write seventy-five words, five hundred words, a thousand words on just about any given topic, but the freedom of choice is something with which I find myself struggling. In addition, figuring out who I’m writing for is just as difficult. Of course I’m not writing for an academic audience, but I suspect most people who visit blogs via artist-run centres (and the like) know their way around the content of my posts.

Yet as per the position, I have the freedom to write about anything I want, in the style and length of my choosing. I can write brief, topical entries, or a through examination of something theoretical. I can use colloquialisms. No one from Latitude has ever asked me to write about a particular topic, or about an exhibition in one of their galleries, or to promote the programming they offer. Even this post, which extols the virtues of Latitude’s Writer-in-Residence program, was something that I chose and wrote without needing to consult anyone about. Though unfamiliar to me, I am learning to embrace this freedom. My own experiences, as well as those shared with me by others, speak to this uncommon feature of paid work and the unlikelihood of it happening again soon.

The recognition that this is my halfway point has me evaluating what I had set out to accomplish, what I have done, and what I would still like to do in my remaining residency. This process has led to some revelations, both expected and unexpected. I have some projects and collaborations in store for the near future, which will be revealed as they come to fruition. What I can say with certainty is that I’m grateful for the opportunities afforded to me by Latitude 53 and Todd Janes (the executive director), which couldn’t of have been better timed. The openness with which my ideas have been welcomed and encouraged is exciting.

Most importantly, the reading, reflecting and writing that I have been doing as part of this residency have led me to contemplate more broadly about what my next steps will be, both as a writer and beyond. I’m definitely in the period of reflection and transition that accompanies post graduate work. While I’m not looking for a destination, so far this residency has afforded me the luxury of time and play, which have helped me to discover more about what I want in life. And for that, I am sincere when I say Thank You, Todd Janes.