The Beauty of Slowing Down- Day 3
- Shelby Fair
- Jul 2, 2025
- 2 min read
Imagine a small town you’ve visited in the U.S. Think of what you see, what you hear—maybe a gas station, a church, maybe hear some birds, a train passing through in the distance. A slow-moving car rolls by, the sound of gravel crunching under the tires. It’s quiet in a way that feels like a relief.
Now, imagine how even that kind of place has been touched—sometimes overwhelmed—by technology. Not saying all towns, but in many, it’s like screens have replaced eye contact. Even in these quiet places, there are digital signs, security cameras, kids scrolling through their phone on front porches. It’s not always bad—but it’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately.
The bus dropped us off at the Chateau (castle). The town (much like the other towns we passed through) has two churches one which was built in the 12th century and another which was built in the 12th and altered in the 15th. The Chateau was built in the 15th century. Like I was explaining on my last bog, history and the buildings suck you in. The place my residency is taking place at is the Moulin/Bell which is an old mill that is now a beautiful living space with an outdoor venue which hold live performances.
Why is this residency so special?
Why this residency feels different
It’s the mix of things. The location, the people, and the fact that sustainability is actually taken seriously here—not just talked about.
Most of the time, I’m way too busy for my own good. I feel like I’m rushing through projects just to say I finished them. That last project? I did it in two weeks. No time to really revise or reflect. It was something, sure, but not what I wanted it to be. It didn’t line up with what I had originally imagined. Here though? I have the time to start fresh. Hopefully—create something that actually reflects what I care about. Right now I have time to build something from scratch that is wholly new, innovative, and hopefully thought provoking.
🌱Sustainability Summary
Being here has shown me how simple, conscious choices—like using less water or unplugging things—can actually shift your habits. It’s not about perfection, just awareness.
🎨 Creative Process Summary
Starting the day with movement, writing, and drawing helped me enter the studio already connected. I followed a random image in my mind through improv—and let the piece unfold from there.
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