"Dive Deeper, #Life is Story”

Legendeer Utah 


Legendeer is dedicated to embedding artists back into the world. They design tools and programs to facilitate creative pioneers in pursuit of authenticity and cultural impact across a broad range of mediums.

In the spring of 2017  I travelled to Zion National Park in Utah to join the Legendeer programme for a week. Two days before I was due to leave my brother in law suddenly passed away. It shocked our family to it’s core being only 3 years after my boyfriend passed away from a short and brutal illness. So I decided not to go. In their darkest hours my sister and her two amazing girls convinced me, no, told me I would go. Because of this my focus on the trip changed from my intended project work to just making it through. 

As a result of my personal circumstances at the time,  I may have come across standoffish and perhaps didn't engage as much as I should and for that I must apologise to my fellow participants. The trip became more about revealing my authenticity, being present and taking in the experience. I did and saw some amazing things and met some incredibly kind, talented, generous, open and inspiring people who I am now proud to call my friends.

To this group of amazing individuals I want to say thank you for looking after me and giving me the space to breathe.   

The following journal entries are some of the highlights of the trip. I recorded my experiences through drawing, sound and writing, most of which was done in situ, but some of which was developed or completed in my studio in the UK. I am currently working on a series of fine art prints that encapsulate and reflect my time in Zion which will be exhibited in 2018 along with my sketchbooks. 

Portraits


During the programme, participants of Legendeer Zion sat for Portrait sessions.  Photographer and artist Mahting Putelis explored our growth as artists and delved into conversations surrounding community, creation, empowerment, humility, and more.

This series of Portraits was exhibited in Denver, CO. in November this year, along with original art created by the artists. The art created was sold at silent auction as contribution to the 2019 Legendeer Scholarship Fund. I am pleased to say that I sent two pieces which were both sold on the night of the preview to an American collector.

The act of having a portrait taken for me was very strange. The process was difficult as I was tired, emotional and exposed. The portrait was taken at the end of an incredible week when I was facing a long journey home that I didn't want to take. I spent most of the time crying, but despite this Mahting managed to capture in me a sense of satisfaction and happiness. I do not look my best (!) but I love the simplicity and beauty of the image.