A Month at Kiosk Art Space: Reflections on My Residency

Kiosk Art Space, Drogheda, Co. Louth, Ireland

This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to spend a month at Kiosk Art Space in Drogheda, working on papercut art for my upcoming book. Here’s how the experience unfolded:

Getting Started The first few days were all about settling into the space and understanding the rhythm of this creative environment. There’s something magical about having a dedicated month to focus solely on your craft, away from the usual distractions of daily life.

Finding My Flow Once I got into the groove, the work began to take on a life of its own. The papercut pieces for my book started developing in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Working beside the large window meant I was creating in full view of the street.

Unexpected Connections One of the most surprising aspects was the people who stopped by. Passersby would pause at the window, curious about the intricate papercut work happening inside. Their genuine interest and spontaneous conversations added an unexpected dimension to the creative process. It wasn’t busy or overwhelming – just the right amount of human connection to keep the energy flowing.

The Challenges The summer heat presented its own set of challenges, especially with limited water access. These practical constraints became part of the creative puzzle – how to maintain focus and precision in papercut work when the conditions weren’t ideal.

The Final Push As the residency drew to a close, there was that familiar creative urgency – trying to finish pieces, capture ideas, and make the most of every remaining hour in the space.

Reflections This month taught me that sometimes the best creative breakthroughs happen when you step outside your comfort zone. The combination of dedicated time, new environment, and unexpected encounters shaped not just the artwork, but my entire approach to the creative process.

The pieces created during this residency will find their way into my book, but more importantly, the experience itself has become an integral part of my artistic journey.