accepted!

What does the future hold? Who knows? I would never have guessed nearly a year ago that I would be a painter. The thought never occurred to me. It’s important to remember the words of Jim Morrison, “the future is uncertain, but the end is always near.” Or, maybe the words of Gandhi, “the future depends on what you do today.” Or maybe Goethe, “Plunge boldly into the thick of life, and seize it where you will, it is always interesting.” Or Lincoln, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

And so, I remember these words, believe in these sentiments, and recognize my own words…those that linger in my mind telling me to stop dreaming, and start doing.

Several months ago, I learned about an Artist Residency in France, and began to fantasize about what it could be to spend a month living and painting in France. Even in my imagination, the idea of doing it seemed crazy to say the least, and when I made the decision to apply, I really didn’t expect that I would be accepted. After months of waiting, wondering, imagining, fantasizing, and doubting; I received the news that I was accepted.

Congratulations Paul Vermylen III!

On behalf of the Chateau Residency team, you have been accepted to the Château d'Orquevaux Artists & Writers Residency in Champagne-Ardenne, France!

In June of 2024, I will be heading to France to spend a month living in a chateau with 14 other artists. I still can’t believe it.

I don’t really have clear goals of what I want to achieve there, though something tells me that it is exactly where I am supposed to be.

I have 19 months before my Residency begins, and I have a list of goals to achieve each month in preparation for this next great adventure.

“Life Without Adventure Is Like Pizza Without Cheese”