Emily Bowen-Moore takes a moment of reflection inside her private studio at the historic Chateau d’Orquevaux. Submitted photo
Emily Bowen-Moore lands Chateau d’Orquevaux artists residency
by Mavis Herring
University of Mississippi journalism professor Emily Bowen-Moore felt her creative inhibitions release and artistic confidence strengthen as she participated this summer in the Chateau d’Orquevaux international artists and writers residency in rural Champagne-Ardenne, France.
“I’ve definitely walked away with a lot more confidence in doing my art, a lot more freedom in exploring new spontaneous things in my art. I was able to just experiment and be spontaneous,” said Bowen-Moore, an instructional associate professor of media and communication in the School of Journalism and New Media.
The prestigious residency program received more than 1,500 applications from applicants worldwide and accepted only the top 20% to stay and create at the 17th century chateau. Residents receive their own room, private studio, meals and opportunities to present their work for feedback as the owners aim to offer artists a respite from the “real world.”
Ziggy Attias, residency co-founder and director, said the residency serves as an opportunity to immerse artists in a “supportive and stimulating environment that allows them to explore new ideas, experiment with their craft and collaborate with other talented creatives.”
Co-founder Beulah van Rensburg said she hopes the residencies spark new creative energy for participants.
“After their residency, we hope that the artists leave with a renewed sense of purpose, fresh perspectives and a body of work or new direction in their work that reflects their growth and exploration during their time at Chateau d’Orquevaux,” said van Rensburg, who also serves as the co-director.
The June summer cohort included 23 artists from several countries, including three writers and two musicians.
Though Bowen-Moore’s teaching emphasis at Ole Miss is in graphic design, she spent the month of June reconnecting with her lifelong passion: traditional media, mostly working with charcoal, pen and ink, watercolor and acrylic.
Some of Bowen-Moore’s work reflected her general style of animal illustrations and illustrations with storytelling involved, but she felt challenged and inspired by the potpourri of artists, including one from San Diego.
“She is a very large-scale abstract painter and just watching her loose flowing process, her methodology was really inspiring to me,” she said.
Bowen-Moore experienced a creative breakthrough and a new sense of inspiration after another artist gave her a canvas. She embraced an inner spontaneity to create one more piece.
“I was just sitting there looking at that blank canvas all week and the last night before open studio, I just went up there and expressively produced a very abstract piece,” Bowen-Moore said.
“Honestly, I received more comments about that piece than probably any of the other pieces that I had produced all month long. That really felt good, and I felt very comforted by that piece by the end of it.”
The ability to create without limitations during the residency has shaped new lessons she can share with students in her JOUR 273: Creative Visual Thinking class, Bowen-Moore said.
The residency also underscores the mission of the journalism school, said Andrea Hickerson, the school’s dean.
“Creativity and curiosity are at the heart of the school,” Hickerson said. “We are proud professor Bowen-Moore was able to practice both in such a unique setting. No doubt our students will benefit from her new ideas and personal passion.”
