Fall Artist Residency in Hydra, Greece

Hello! For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Boramie.

I am a self taught multi-disciplinary visual Artist & abstract painter based out of Taos, New Mexico. I am THRILLED to share that I’ve been selected to participate in my first Artist Residency taking place in Hydra, Greece this Fall. I have been dreaming of visiting this particular island since I was a young, aspiring artist! I never thought I’d get the opportunity to be out there with the intention of working on a collection of Art with other creatives. I am so excited and grateful to get the chance, and I know I will need some help getting there. Most residencies are seldom paid for nor come with a travel / living stipend suitable for long durations, which means that all costs are paid out of pocket. Unfortunately, this leaves most artists in a bind in having their financial assets secure before taking the leap in investing in their future… which is why I am here, kindly asking for your support in helping me reach my goal.

With this time in Greece I would like to create a new body of work, with an emphasis on film and photography. In addition to my paintings, I plan to share the process through my own lense, inspired by my travels abroad. Once complete, these works will be shared in congruence; a play on the process and collection as a whole.

I would like to immerse myself in the environment and community as much as possible. I am inspired and influenced by real stories, real people and the natural world around me. I try to find inspiration in the most common places, spaces that are easily overlooked. The history, culture, shapes & colors, the sea and the life that envelopes this island are a few of the many things I look forward to experiencing and incorporating into my art. Being in the high desert has undoubtedly changed the way I approach my work, and I am curious to see what develops artistically while living in a different part of the world.

I fell in love with photography and documenting early on in life. I’ve had a camera strapped to my chest since I found my first Polaroid when I was 12 years old and have had one around ever since. Capturing stills and intimate moments are a large part of my life and artistic process, and over the years I have found my own way to use all aspects of my creativity to incorporate into my art. Drawing and painting always came naturally to me, and it was something I did as a means of expressing myself in ways I didn’t understand until I grew into the practice. Painting is my first love and passion; understanding how it changes with me, is a reminder of the growth and evolution through each piece I complete. In addition to the paintings, I’ll be taking a Super8 film camera with me to record clips of my time abroad, to share the intimate moments caught on a moving picture - a short film I will share at the end of this trip.

Please take a look at my website if you’d like to learn more about me and my work:

Artist Website

IG: @boramieannsao

About

Boramie Ann Sao often reflects upon the challenging landscapes of the high desert, and ties a deep symbolism to any life that persists through the most tumultuous elements. Stories of the past, present and future - Stories which would be left untold if not through oral, written or shared tradition. The quiet moments of repose she searched for throughout her life gave Sao an understanding of balance and profound appreciation for beauty within the natural world and the one that constantly changed around her.

There is an inherent stillness she strives to capture through the unpredictable harshness of the land and the calm that follows. Sao’s use of symbols, textures, colors and organic forms are meant to tell stories in a subtle, interpretive way. Her titles work in a narrative form, gesturing a hint of her own experience while leaving space for abstract imagination. Her intuitive color palettes are inspired by the raw, unaltered landscapes of the Southwest and the natural desert hues. The contrast in colors and shapes dwell in the depths of each piece, leaving the viewer to wonder whether it is meant to uplift or unveil something beyond the surface.

Sao doesn’t try to tell her audience what to think—rather, she invites the viewer to bring their own experience to the art she creates, connecting and opening up a dialogue between the individual and what is being presented.

Boramie Sao’s paintings are a deep reflection of who she is, how she observes the world and her relationship to it. She believes conflict and conversation are found in the open-ended spaces between our perceptions of reality and the commonalities that tie it all together.

Residency Details

September - October 2023

Residency hosted by DescoverArtists in Hydra, Greece; Self-Directed

“Descoverartists hosts a variety of art retreats aiming to make artists question and explore their creative process. We aim to push the boundaries of what artists know, bring inspiration and create a discussion around art through cultural immersion. All artistic disciplines are welcome and a community is built, where people can live and work together, not only sharing their knowledge but also gaining from others. Descoverartists creates a “home” for all artists where they can be inspired and focus on their art.

…

In our view, the structure of the traditional educational system often impedes creativity, from impractical curricula in which students have no agency to grading systems measured by linearity without acknowledgment of the nonlinear nature of arts.

Student fees cover all classes, workshops, guest lectures from artists and professionals of the industry. For students attending in person the fee also includes group activities including debates, local excursions, and a group trip to Thessaloniki including travel and accommodation.”

The Nitty-Gritty…

What your contribution will go towards:

Total Needed: $6,200

I would like to extend a heartfelt and mighty THANK YOU for any support you can offer in helping make this dream residency and experience come to life. Any amount, big or small goes a long way. Even if you are unable to support monetarily, sharing this campaign and spreading the word is just as helpful and very much appreciated. Your support and generosity mean the world to me! Thank you so much!

Disclaimer: ***No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to my GoFundMe.***

In the studio

“Salt of the Earth”

White Sands, NM, 35mm film

“Lone at Sea (Adrift)”

White Sands, NM, 35mm film

“Lady of the Lowlands”

Sketches in the studio

”The Holy Medallion”