A SBAR Reflection by Angela Lewis (Fall 2016)

We casually drive several hours north in Lucy’s red volvo (my dream road trip car), a week before fall hits, while Stoneboat waits patiently for another week of artists to arrive. The white wooden porch with a roof overhead is the first place I sit after meeting the seven other folks taking part in the retreat. Its colder than I’ve felt in a while, and rain drops are falling all around me. I sit and write in my journal about this very experience; thrilled at the setting I’m in and the clarity I’m feeling. This moment was very impactful and I carried it with me through my entire time at SBAR, as well as when I got back to the city. 

During the days I spent most of my time wandering, observing, listening and being alone in the landscape with my camera. Sometimes I felt nervous when I was alone with the expectations to create something, but since leaving SBAR and reflecting on my time there, I've felt very appreciative, focused and motivated to take what I learned in that time and apply it to my process and my self.

Being present in the outdoors and documenting in peacefulness was very necessary to clear my head and move forward. Thanks Stoneboat for the memories, the warm people and meals, and providing a place where I could discover nature’s mysterious ways.
 

Angela is a Toronto-based photographer. Her work can be found at www.AngelaLewis.com or on Instagram at @theangelalewis.