considering a self-appointed art residency

what happens when i spend all day sitting in the corner of a coffee shop

Recently, I managed to snag a prime corner seat in one of my favorite local coffee shops. I’ve been picking up my sketchbook to draw from life more often — and a little while ago, I found

Amy Stewart

’s brilliant newsletter that introduced me to self-appointed art residencies. In Amy’s words:

“There’s no application process. No deadlines, no mission statements, no work samples or CV, and–best of all–no letters of recommendations. You don’t have to get dressed up and meet with a committee. You don’t have to give a talk, curate an exhibition, sit for interviews, host a lecture series, or even show your work.

All you do is make the art. On your own schedule, in whatever format you prefer, for whatever time frame suits you and the project. Share it or don’t share it, as you wish.”

I found that corner seat to have a sweeping vantage point of everyone who entered the space to order a drink or pastry while hiding my sketchbook from plain view. The perfect opportunity to observe the unique little ecosystem of this particular coffee shop, my own sneaky art excursion. In my time there, I loitered, chatted with my neighbors, met some of the shop’s delightful regulars, got two drip coffee refills, and pretended not to be staring at people when they turned my direction (even though I definitely was, but like, for art). I got to know this slice of my community a bit better, and was even told by one of the regulars that I, too, should get my portrait captured for the shop’s collection of visitor photos on the wall.

So, from day one of my unofficial and entirely self-appointed art residency, meet my neighborhood coffee shop in five colors (started on-paper, then slightly cleaned up digitally).

My 2PM – 3PM table-neighbor

Barista on second shift

A quick morning drop-in for a drip coffee

Human and dog both procured treats from the shop (amazing)

Only a fraction of the world behind the counters

I’ve always found drawing to be the easiest way for me to slow down and look closer at what’s around me. I hope you’ll try it (or whatever other method works for you) sometime soon.