Chapter Twenty-two: Week 22

From Art to Heart

Workday 04/04/2025

Visiting Saint-Paul-de-Vence for the fourth time brought with it a familiar yet evolving sense of wonder. There’s something deeply nostalgic about returning to the same place with different groups of artists—each experience is layered with new perspectives and connections. At the Fondation Maeght, I found myself less focused on the artworks themselves this time and more intrigued by the museum as a whole its textures, its layout, its architectural choices. As a spatial designer, these moments felt incredibly enriching.

I paid close attention to how light interacts with surfaces, how tiles lead the eye, and how the setting amplifies the meaning of each artwork. Observing how people move through and engage with these thoughtfully curated spaces became a practice in both inspiration and design awareness

Beyond the museum walls, the beauty of the day extended to the people I shared it with. Being able to deepen bonds with the artists as well as the French Office team added a layer of warmth to the trip. Moments like sharing a scenic lunch or simply having relaxed conversations with Nelcy and the team made me appreciate the emotional intelligence that good collaboration requires. These personal connections help us communicate more effectively in our day-to-day work and create a stronger, more emotionally grounded environment for the residencies.

As if the day hadn’t already been full of meaning, it ended with a heartfelt surprise a package from Ronit, one of the artists from my very first residency group. Inside were sunshine-shaped earrings she had sent for both Nelcy and me. I was deeply moved. It was a small gesture with huge emotional impact, reminding me of the value of presence, patience, and genuine care in my role. Being that bridge between artists and the French team, supporting them during their stay, and simply listening these are the quiet moments that often leave the biggest mark. I’m grateful that my work and my personality were able to contribute to someone’s experience in such a meaningful way.