I spent nearly 6 weeks on the mediterranean Island of Sardinia, Italy, during spring 2025.

I had the opportunity to live in the rural town of Milis as an Artist-in-Residence with Nocefresca, a residency dedicated to introducing international creatives to the charm, beauty, and history that this Island has to offer. During my stay, I focused primarily on plein air painting with little time spent in the studio. Through this, I was able to participate in community events, witness religious processions, and live a daily life in the culture. The residency’s theme this year, Unofficial Cartographies, guided me as I contemplated how cultural nuances are overlooked from a tourist mindset. Being raised in a rural community located near a popular destination allows me even more insight into this theme and contributed to my overall notions surrounding ‘perspective’ and how we see / perceive the world around us.

I know so many people say the Blue Zone lifestyle is the dream, but I actually found myself slipping into madness. Like too much of a good thing, time got away from me every day I was there. I was both frustrated with my lack of progress and pleased that I was breaking my rigid mindset.

Immersing into the Sardinian lifestyle forced some unexpected and uncomfortable self-reflection. My shy, introverted personality was challenged as it is a communal culture rich with long gatherings and thorough conversation. I found myself socializing for hours longer than intended each day (during “riposo” - the long lunch break taken every day, a pillar of mediterranean culture), often taking time away from my art. Finding the balance between cultural immersion and creating was more difficult with this residency simply because of the incredible gregariousness of the community. Even the priest, who was one of a select few who spoke English, introduced himself while I painted his church.

Francesca, Riccardo, Antonella, and the rest of the residency team work day and night for the artists and community. It was an incredible opportunity to participate in the various programs and collaborations with the residency, artists, and community members.

Humbled by the processions of Holy Week and Easter, my overall experience had a sense of spiritual foreshadowing of which I did not understand until months later…