Do you want to know what it’s like as a resident at Studio 88? Find out what American artist Ruth Cohen said about her experience.
During the Studio 88 residency, I saw artwork at C.A.P. Studio (Chiang Mai Art on Paper), Weave Artisan Society, and MAIIAM art museum. I spoke with owner and master printmaker Kitikong Tilowattanotai at C.A.P. Studio; I showed him and talked about my original prints. I met and spoke with artist Annelie Hendriks at Weave and in her home. I attended the opening reception for her art exhibition. I also attended a contemporary dance performance.
I visited a morning market, afternoon market, and the village market. At the markets, I met several women vendors selling produce, meat, fish, Chinese donuts, coffee and flowers. I learned about some of their family history, earnings, working hours, and how they felt about their work.
I mostly stayed at the Doi Saket village, where Studio 88 is located. I walked daily, ate at the noodle shop, met other English-speaking visitors at a nearby cafe, receiced massages, had my hair cut and laundry washed and ironed, and met people living in this community.
At the markets, I enjoyed photographing the backs of women vendors and business owners (for my ongoing series). I completed three paintings from these photographs. I worked with watercolor, as before, added acrylic paint, and used a larger size paper. I had the studio space, supplies and feedback that supported this transition.
At Studio 88, I showed and talked about these paintings, and about previously completed drawings and original prints. There were several visitors who were interested in seeing and knowing about the artwork. Their questions and comments were very helpful.
I will soon exhibit this artwork in Chiang Mai, in honor of Thai women. The planning of this exhibition began during the residency. I met with individuals at Weave with Sasiwimon Wongjarin (Aom), co-founder of Studio 88.
The Studio 88 Artist Residency experience met and exceeded my intentions for the four-week residency. I contribute this to residency’s professionalism combined with the generosity and kindness of Aom, her family and their staff. I look forward to returning in the future.
You can read more about Ruth’s work here.
January 2023
Studio 88 Artist Residency 