My Artist Residency in Fogo Island, Newfoundland, Canada

Early last September, 2019, I received an artist residency from TiltingAIR. I loved my stay in the magical town of Tilting, working and living in Jennifer Keefe House. The first time I heard the Newfoundland accent I loved it, and had a great time meeting the locals and exploring the Island beyond Tilting. Every morning I got up earlier than usual to run outside my door and see the sunrise. 

It took 4 or 5 days, of wandering the island and meeting locals before my creative juices began to flow. I have made costumes and fascinators for myself for years, and began incorporating local materials like fishing nets and large industrial shrimping bags to make costumes that I found in the studio at the Jennifer Keefe House. 

My proposed project of costuming and interviewing locals within the Newfoundland tradition of Mummering, eventually took shape. The tradition of Mummering began sometime in the early 1800’s, and takes place during the 12 days of Christmas.  People dress up using different items from their households, to disguise their identities.  A group of Mummers would travel from house to house and perform, sing songs, and dance till someone discovers who they were, before being offered food and drink. This is still practiced on Fogo Island, and throughout Newfoundland today. 

During my residency, I dressed 13 people in impromptu costumes to disguise their identities. Everyone I asked to participate, allowed me to ruffle through their homes or sheds, take lamp shades, frying pans, sheets, blankets, even some turkey feathers. Dressing them up and finding great locations to take photos was a joyful way to connect with the locals. 

I have continued this unique project where I live in San Francisco and other locations in my travels. I recently dressed people up as Mummers in Nashville Tennessee.  At some point I’d like to create a book of my mummer portraits. 

I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to do my art in this lovely rural village and meet the people I met and see how it is still impacting the work I am making today.