Being an artist is hard. Artists have to be willing to engage in total self annihilation – to create something from nothing, to tear it down and start again, again and again. This requires an unwavering belief in oneself. It also requires an unwavering belief in the world. But the world can be so disappointing, so discouraging, and so difficult to navigate. To find a soft spot, a place where you are held and cared for is a vital life raft on these stormy waters. To feel that your work is valued is a gift that unfolds far beyond the six weeks of residency.