Mudhouse Residency

In July 2018, I was one of 14 artists selected to participate in the Mudhouse Residency on Crete. The village Agios Ioannis dates back to the 15th century and today lies mostly in ruin. It is located atop a mountain, 9km from the coast with views of the Libyan Sea. 

Artists came from across the globe and included writers, visual artists and a pianist. We lived in the village's few renovated buildings and dined each day at the local taverna. During my stay, I read my work at a literary salon and had other work displayed at the closing exhibition. My time at Mudhouse was devoted to my manuscript, Hydra, which undoubtedly would not have made such progress if it weren't for my time alone on the mountain. 

The wind was maddening. I miss the dolmadakia and my fellow artists, the town's eccentricity and local gossip. I may even have lured a spirit home with me.

Photo by Kate Stone