Galleries

Life in Blönduós is slow. It is such a different rythm to what I am used to; it is both marvellous and destabilizing. I have this urge to feel stressed, to be productive. But really, life is so simple here. My daily routine consist mostly of eating, sleeping, walking and going to the pool. There is a lack of stimulation; or rather a lack of over stimulation.

 

Here I reconnect with naps, with taking my time and breathing in this beautiful place. Bizarrely, I have not been very productive; I haven’t felt the need to create. My head is buzzing with ideas, with projects and how this residency could influence my work in the future. But, I don’t feel the need to make them all come true this instant; with haste before I leave. Like I said, life in Blönduós is slow and we always have time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I want to bring this slowness back to Montreal and not be swept by a torrent of people and events and the pressure to produce and excel. I wonder if this slowness is a by product of endless days and a short fleeting night? Can this unhurriedness only exist in Iceland ? Time will tell …

For now, lets savour this time, where even when our exhibition and departure dates rapidly approaches, there is always time for a nap.

Or a swim!

 

 

 

Blönduós is a small city in the northwest of Iceland. The name Blönduós translate  to “the mouth of the river Blanda” and aptly describe how the city encircled the meeting point between ocean and land.

Iceland as been known to be an architectural melting pot and Blönduós perfectly embodies this idea. I found this city to have interesting and varied architecture; very colourful and full of textures. I have found myself enjoying my walks through the city as much as those through the beautiful Icelandic landscapes.

Frugality and practicality has defined Icelandic architecture since the time of settlememt; both informed by what is available to them and also what will withstand the Icelandic temperamental weather. There is a mix of old and new; we can see the signs of time and repairs, as a chronological journal of the city.

 

 

The architecture has very clear and colourful influences of Scandinavian design. Personally, some of theses buildings remind me of the Quebec architecture from the 60’s and early 70’s, either because of their design or colors.

I’ll keep walking and exploring … and writing and sharing this small town with you all !