A Full Circle Journey: My Magical Experience At The JTH Artist Residency
A week that filled my heart and soul.
It’s funny how life will sometimes drop hints about the future. Vague at first, but clear in hindsight. Have you ever seen something, met someone or been somewhere and just had a feeling that more was to come? Weeks, months or years may pass and then all of a sudden the dots connect and what was once unclear becomes clear. This is exactly how it felt when I got accepted into The JTH Artist Residency in Tucson, Arizona.
Over the course of about 2 years while spending lots of time in Joshua Tree and other towns throughout California, I kept hearing about Sara & Rich Combs and seeing their popular book ‘At Home In Joshua Tree’. It was everywhere and I started to feel that I was destined to connect with them. I had no clue how or when at the time, it was just a feeling that kept coming up.
Fast forward to May of this year - out of the blue, a good friend sent me a link to apply for an artist residency hosted by Sara and Rich on their property in Tucson, Arizona. I was so excited I could barely contain myself. It felt like such a perfect match. Of course, I had no idea if I’d be accepted or not...
Then, when I did get accepted it truly felt like a full circle moment. These are the kinds of moments that make life feel like a magical quest where the path isn’t clear but the clues are there if you’re paying attention.
A Grand Welcome
Upon arriving at the property where the residency was taking place, I felt an immediate sense of awe, excitement, and belonging. Within just a few hours of settling in and getting to know everyone, my spirit animal made a surprise visit — the owl. I almost couldn’t believe it. I soon found out that two owls lived on the property. Everything just felt too good to be true. The beauty of the space, the surrounding desert, the people there with me… and then the owls??? Talk about a solid first impression. I knew the week ahead would be one to remember.
Connection, Creation, Stillness & Play
To me, the greatest part of artist residencies is getting to create, connect and share a space with other creatives. Every artist at this residency had their own style and medium, yet somehow all of our work complemented each other’s in meaningful ways. And we all just clicked.
There were a few musicians, a couple painters, a woodworker, a photographer and me - the graphite artist (also a photographer). We all naturally found a rhythm between solitude and social time. We ate together, hung out in the pool, wandered the desert and sometimes, even created side by side. The musicians put on a couple of intimate shows just for the group as well. Such a treat!
There’s truly nothing like spending extended, quality time with like minded creatives. It’s energizing, grounding, and deeply inspiring. I felt so honored and grateful to be in the presence of so many beautiful souls.
The Art I Created
During my time at the residency, my primary focus was to create a piece that invites us to remember our deep rooted connection to the natural world. A bond that’s always there, even when we forget.
We don’t just live among nature — we are nature. Take a moment to look around and look within. Why do humans love sunsets so much? Why do we step outside for a breath of fresh air when we’re stressed? We crave connection to the Earth, whether we’re aware of it or not. It’s like returning home after being away for too long.
The piece below is titled REMEMBER — an ode to Mother Nature, and a reminder that we are all creatures of the natural world.
Prints of this piece are now available.
Please send me an email if interested in the original.
pthorntonart@gmail.com
The Great Horned Owl
I also made a drawing of one of the Great Horned Owls on the property. It was only right! This piece was framed and gifted to the owners of the property.
Closing Thoughts & Reflections
As an adult, it's incredibly therapeutic and refreshing to carve out time solely to create beautiful things and connect with others in the same space - essentially a creative retreat. Most of us did this kind of thing all the time as kids, and it was pure joy. Somewhere along the way, adulthood made it feel less important. But it still matters. It should still be part of our lives.
Whether you're an artist or not, I think there’s so much value in getting away and having some genuine creative time with others. And if you are an artist, I highly recommend attending a residency at some point in your career if you haven’t already. They are truly, truly special.
As always, thank you for reading and for your support.
Much Love,
Parker
I love this magical story, and so glad you had this experience! Something to cherish. ✨
Congratulations, Parker! 👏 In earlier times, wealthy patrons recognized and supported outstanding creatives. The modern form of sponsored residency such as your recent experience at JTH is an equivalent recognition of special talent. Your hard work and exceptional skill deserve that attention and support, and the first event like this is often a good harbinger of future good occasions to come. I have a poet friend who has attended sponsored workshops and residencies all over the world, so dust off your passport! 🌱