Linda Fenney Writes about her Desert Dairy Residency

Desert Dairy Residency Experience
by Linda Fenney

I went to the Desert Dairy for a residency on the advice of a friend who had done a
residency there two times. I trusted her opinion that it would be a wonderful
experience and she was right.

I had never stayed in the American desert. My preference is for water and lots of it,
seas, rivers, lakes, but staying in TwentyNine Palms was a different experience, and
with no agenda other than to paint, I grew to appreciate the vastness of the space
and to enjoy the sense of dry cleanliness.

I am sure I ‘lucked out’ by going in October. The temperatures were maybe a little
warm, but not sweaty. The annual Open Studios art tours were happening on the
weekends. We spent a couple of days visiting some of the many studios that were
open, including some recommended by our hosts Anna and Ted who seem to know
most of the local art community. Anna and Ted are a both artists themselves (Anna
taught art for many years). Ted runs a program at USC that introduces art by
patients to medical staff to help them appreciate the emotional impact on their
patients of the trauma of chronic illness, not just the physical impact. He has done
Ted talks on this subject, and is also an author.

Although I believe the residency is intended for a single person I was allowed to
bring my partner who did wood carving and took photos in Joshua Tree National
Park while I painted.

The accommodation is basic, a small room with one bed, a bathroom and a “dry
kitchen” (we put up a cot each night for the second person).
There is a large barn with a studio, which I set up in and used for the duration of the
residency as my own space. Anna kindly gave me critiques on a couple of occasions.
Anna and Ted included us in several of their outings, e.g., to a bar with music and
one night to several gallery shows. They were generous with their time and advice
and I enjoyed and appreciated their company immensely.
​
This was my first artist residency. It was fun, and the experience of being supported
in focusing on painting with no other concerns in a uniquely special spot in the
world was a gift.