SILENCE, AWARENESS, EXISTENCE

ARTELES RESIDENCY

2 - 31 DECEMBER 2017 HÄMEENKYRÖ, FINLAND

IN DECEMBER 2017, TIMOTHY IS HEADING TO ARTELES CREATIVE CENTER, HÄMEENKYRÖ, FINLAND FOR AN ARTISTIC RESIDENCY. WHILST THERE HE WILL BE COMPLETING A FIRST STAGE DEVELOPMENT FOR A NEW WORK: THROW WATER IN THE SINK AND YELL.

Silence Awareness Existence is a thematic residency program in Finland for artists and creative minds, engaged in the theme on various fields. The program brings together international artists and professionals from different backgrounds. Artistic, scientific, meditative and existentialistic approaches are all equally embraced.

Taking place at the heart of the Northern winter, the conditions are excellent for concentrating intensively on your work, thinking and being, as well as for sharing experiences and ideas with other, similarly oriented minds. There is no pressure to have a concrete productive outcome, in case your focus is more in inner development, self-reflection and research. In order to deepen the experience, there are some special elements in the program, including silent (no speaking) days and offline days.

Winter in Finland consists mainly of silence, darkness and stillness, making it the ideal environment for inner journeys. Days are short and the sun stays low on the horizon. Shades of white, black and grey dominate the monotone landscapes, long blue moments preceding the dark. On clear nights, the milky way, shooting stars and satellites are clearly visible on the sky.

AN EXCERPT FROM TAO LIN'S THIRD NOVEL

BY MATTHEW DONAHOO

Last night I walked for a long time

I wanted to lay on the sidewalk facing down while weeping silently

I couldn't

I couldn't stop walking

I want to drink a lot of water.

An insane urge to drink water.

Drink water until I feel sick.

Drink water until I die.

Drink cold water that makes my throat feel awkward.

Fill a giant cup with water and ice and drink it very quickly.

Do that and feel powerful.

Throw water in the sink and yell.