In the summer of 2023, I was very fortunate to have spent two weeks living in a quaint cabin on the edge of the MacGown property in Sessums, Mississippi. It was hot as hell outside—sticky Mississippi heat—and I was surrounded by a truly unique environment.
Each day, I’d wake up, reposition the fold-out bed into a couch for my creative space, and wander outside for inspiration.
The MacGown property is like a compound filled with fascinating things to look at. Hidden gems are scattered throughout, and you can feel the years of history and love that have gone into it. Many of the artifacts on the property come from Joseph Macgown, the son of Joe Macgown, and represent his childhood. These pieces resonate with my own desire to believe that childhood wonder is still an accessible experience. In the mornings, Joe works at the MS Entomological Museum mentoring his visiting high school student, Oliver. They work on ant research.
By 11 a.m., Joe is already up on the ladder, working on the art gallery he’s building. Later, as I walk toward the old, original house tucked in the farthest corner of the property—where more art and inspiration live, where Joseph (Joe’s son) grew up—I can hear Joe mowing the large lawn across the hill, shouting, “Whooooo!”
The environment was unique and encapsulated a particular essence of Mississippi.
The residency I participated in is one of the few paid opportunities of its kind in the South, funded by the stipend provided by the Del Rendon Foundation.
I had spent the entire summer working in childcare, another passion of mine, and I was excited to dedicate two weeks solely to creating art.
I spent my time there not so focused on technique, or making what “looked great”, but on the meditation and simple human curiosity of art—the process. I learned more about creative flow and built on my own through this opportunity for mindfulness. Through exercises with visiting guests, asking about their perspectives, and listening to what my heart and mind were drawn to, I realigned my goals. I now see my relationship with my skills more productively, connecting with art more directly and clearly. This residency was a big influence in bringing me back to making from a place of expression.
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By Abigail Sipe Rochester • July 29, 2023
Photography from Olin Perry Norton, J.C. Long, William Lindsey, and Saddiq M Dzukogi.