Roots Revealed: Reflecting on Creative Growth During the Staystack Residency. Work Still in Progress

The final day of the two-week Staystack residency brought a mix of accomplishment and reflection. This residency, organized by the DigiFab Learning Community at Appalachian State University, offered creative makers a rare chance to focus deeply on their projects. Inspired by the well-known Haystack residency in Maine, Staystack created a space where artists from different disciplines could dedicate time to their work, share progress, and learn from each other. The project I chose to focus on, titled Roots Revealed, responds to the recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene devastated our area. After intense days of studio work, I am close to completing this long-term project and eager to share what this residency has meant for my creative growth.

A Unique Opportunity to Focus

The Staystack residency was a break from the usual routine. For two weeks, I set aside regular job duties and immersed myself in my art practice. This kind of focused time is rare for many creatives balancing work and life responsibilities. The residency felt like returning to grad school, where the main priority was learning and creating without distractions.

Each day, we gathered to discuss our projects. These conversations were invaluable. Hearing about others’ discoveries and challenges helped me see my own work from new angles. It also built a sense of community among makers who don’t often cross paths. Visiting different studios gave insight into diverse creative processes and sparked fresh ideas.

The Story Behind Roots Revealed

Roots Revealed is a response to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread damage in our region. Over the past 16 months, I have been reflecting on stories, images, and materials related to the recovery and rebuilding efforts. This project aims to capture the resilience and transformation of the landscape and community.

During the residency, I worked from morning until late evening on this project. The intense focus allowed me to bring together various elements—photography, mixed media, and found objects—into a cohesive piece. The process involved trial and error, moments of frustration, and breakthroughs that pushed the work forward.

Lessons Learned and Creative Growth

The residency highlighted the importance of dedicated time and space for creative work. Without daily interruptions, I could experiment more freely and take risks. This led to unexpected discoveries that enriched the project.

Sharing progress with other artists also reinforced the value of feedback. Constructive dialogue helped me refine ideas and stay motivated. It reminded me that creativity thrives in connection, not isolation.

The experience also deepened my understanding of the subject matter. Engaging with the community’s recovery efforts through art gave the project emotional weight and urgency. It became more than a visual statement; it turned into a form of storytelling and healing.

Specific things learned through this experience:

-how to set up a file and use the CNC plasma cutter

-how to set up a CNC milling file using RhinoCam, and export to Shopbot CNC router

-refresher on orienting and indexing wood stock to zeros and x,y,z axes of the milling machine

-wood stain experimentation as well as discovery of new graphite paint finish for wood.

-strengthened silver soldering skills and refresher on process

-refresher on electroplating setup and dialing in the correct amount of current for rectifier

Preparing for Exhibition

With the residency ending, I am finalizing Roots Revealed for exhibition next Friday. I am thrilled to see this idea that has existed only in my sketchbook become tangible. There have been some happy surprises along the way, but overall I think the sculpture is taking the shape of what I have held in my mind.

This residency was a crucial step in bringing the project to life. It showed how focused studio time, community support, and creative risk-taking can lead to meaningful work. I look forward to sharing Roots Revealed with a wider audience and continuing to explore themes of recovery and connection in future projects.

More follow-up images coming soon as I wrap up the install of this project.

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