I attended the Fish Factory Artist residency with the intention of interviewing people about how they balance caring for the earth and taking care of themselves. I then planned to write essays and create art in response to the interviews.

All of that happened, but my project doesn’t even begin to capture the vastness of my experience at the Fish Factory. I was filled with wonder by the factory and its magical rooms where I never knew what I would find. The residency attracted a group of artists that were equally magical. I was continually in awe of their bold, creative, and playful projects. Moreso, I was deeply touched by the humanity, imagination, and soulfulness of my cohort members. I felt especially lucky that I was able to interview them individually and talk about matters we all wrestle with.

Every day I was at the residency, I found myself expanding more and more into the person I want to be, as well as how I want to live my life and show up in the world. I became more playful, joyful, and grounded. I felt alive and connected in ways that I carry deep in my soul now.

While at the residency, I created an entire body of work that I deeply cherish. It includes 15 essays and over 100 pieces of art (and more to come!). However, it is my time, experiences, and connections with the people there that impacted me the most. I am a more rooted person who now sees different, wonderful possibilities for myself because of the Fish Factory.

Here is a link to my essays (which are also paired with artwork):

https://medium.com/@jackieschuld/list/how-can-we-take-care-of-the-earth-and-ourselves-fd419811e205