This was the first time I tried this self-initiated residency, or retreat, format. I had been searching for both paid and unpaid artist residencies around Europe and found most of them too restrictive. I needed the freedom to work and try out new ideas on my own terms. I chose Porto for its size. I needed a city environment for the energy and inspiration it offered. I rented an apartment and brought my art materials, and the setup worked very well. I revisited some old themes, refined ongoing ideas, and developed new ones as well.
I produced over 20 smaller works, mostly acrylic paintings on handmade paper.