Rosemary Jones
Rosemary Jones was a resident artist with us from 4–18 November 2024 (photo by Stamp In Time Photography)
My name is Rosemary Jones and ever since I was young, I have always been fascinated with the language of the unsaid - the expressions we carry that are far more potent than words could ever convey. This fascination and wonder has presented itself into my art forms - whether this be through writing, painting, body painting, fashion designing, community events, or dancing.
Within my he(art)work, I find myself most driven by saturation and circulation. My creations, physical or not, often mirror embodiment of lessons. In order to create, I understand that things have to die, too. This is where circulation comes in, bringing a constant momentum to all it is that we do. Whether this be by giving a voice to inner thoughts via poetry, allowing movement to unravel stagnance through the body in dance, or taking preloved/secondhand materials and giving them a new life via fabricating a new garment. On a larger scale, it continually blesses me the way I am able to connect to the world around me through these channels of expression. What a beautiful modem it is to communicate far beyond our languages, but rather tap into this familiar, universal language. . .
My intentions for the artist residency is to simply just sink in. The tranquil essence that the Mississippi countryside has to share has always held me, being a native here. Sometimes it is the most still, quiet spaces in which I feel most in touch with creation. And- what a gift it is to learn from the ultimate creation around us. As previously stated, moved by saturation and circulation, nature is my best teacher for this. Seeing the innate pigments, patterns, and sacred geometry - only to reflect these visions within my own limbs and textures. Within this serenity, there is an instant comfort that arises, for I feel at home. My day to day can tend to be quite stimulating and dense, even when I am able to create. So I feel as if this artist residency would propose the invitation of a warm welcome to return and sink into creation.
Alongside this, I feel as if there is an invigorating force that comes with being amongst others art. There is this surge, of this universal creative energy. Referring to this universal language, so many things are communicated; I often find myself inspired seeing the ways people convey their saturation. It would be a pleasure to be surrounded by the Macgown’s work, as well as previous artist’s in residence who have left their mark on the space.
WEBSITES AND SOCIAL MEDIA
Website: www.pinkplaidcollective.com
Media Links
Starkville Daily News
Comments about the Residency by Rosemary Jones (2024)
Thank you on behalf to MARS (MacGown Artist Residency & Studio), Del Rendon Foundation, MS Arts Commission, and all those that made my artist residency experience possible. Throughout my 2 week stay, I took this time to play around with a brand new medium. I have previously done most of my works as a fashion designer, using secondhand scraps to create an entirely new piece. Throughout my stay, I took these same scraps, cut them into various shapes, and made them into hanging wall hangings / tapestries. Scraps were then braided, which supported the wall hangings alongside foraged native branches from the trails along the property.
To have 2 weeks to just relax and focus on what it is I wanted to birth creatively speaking, I can confidently say it gave me so much more time to play with a medium I have never done before. Beyond the time given, the space (both interior and exterior) is beyond inspiring. It is serene - the trails are encouraging to take a break at any moment. Inside the cabin, there is so much to take in from other artists. I believe given the time artists have on this retreat, it also teaches them how to take a break, which is equally as important in the creative process.
I know that I am taking home so many gems with me from my artist residency! I am so thankful to know a place like this exists in MS and look forward to what a container it will be for all those to come.