IN/OUT STUDIO

After a six and a half hour drive we arrive at the summer house in Louhioja in Northern Karelia. The journey went surprisingly quick with myself and Anna catching up on life and a Hess burger along the way. The Puhakka family house has two wooden homes and we are staying in the smaller abode. The house is filled with family ephemera, photographs and pictures are displayed on the walls. I am sleeping in the bedroom near the wooden fire which meant that I was warm and toasty last night. Anna’s sister was in labour during the night and we celebrated the coming of her niece with a few extra ciders. After a late night we woke up early and after breakfast I went for a run through the forest. The soft ground felt good beneath my feet a contrast from the concrete city streets. There is no shower or bath here so I had a quick dip in the lake. We foraged in the forest for mushrooms and although it looks like we gathered many, a lot were thrown away as they were poisonous. Right now I feel super relaxed and looking forward to a sauna this evening. The weather here is warm and I feel relieved of my daily home routine. My days here will not be routine less as later in the evenings the fire will have to be lit, water drawn from the well and the sauna prepared. Anna and myself agreed to just relax into our residency. Although Anna really wants to get started on her grant application for her solo show. At this moment in time I have no idea what to make. What has catched my eye is the old school speaker in the living room which makes the little bits of paper on top dance to the base of the music.