[originally written on January 26]
I leave in less than a week for Puebla and it's time to start packing! What does one bring to Mexico for 1 month where they will be making art every day? My residency provides facilities, studios, and some equipment, but I am responsible for bringing or purchasing all of my materials. Naturally, I want to bring a little of everything, but I'll pare it down once I see how it all fits (or doesn't) in my suitcase.
I've been thinking about packing in 4 different categories: clothing, art supplies, lifestyle, and self care.
Clothing
There is a laundromat nearby where I'll probably do my laundry once a week. I'm planning to bring enough clothes for 8-9 days knowing that. I've never been to Puebla, but it has a similar climate to Mexico City, where I have been several times. The temperature doesn't change much throughout the year, but in one day, there could be a 30º temperature difference. It's really important to have layers on hand for this reason.
Art Supplies
My residency is not limited to any medium, and neither is my art. It takes on different shapes and mediums all the time. Above all else, I do love to draw. I'm planning to bring a lot of different sized sketchbooks, and all sorts of drawing utensils: pens, pencils, markers, crayons, pastels, and colored pencils. I'm also bringing a watercolor set, some brushes, and watercolor paper. I've recently loved making art with cut paper, so I'm bringing some of my colored paper and X-Acto + swivel knives. My project I'm hoping to work on deals with the topic of clothing, so I'd be remiss to not bring a few articles of clothing that could become art pieces. There is a printmaking studio at the facility in Puebla. I'm not planning to bring any of my printmaking supplies or inks, but purchase those in Mexico if I decide I want to focus on printmaking.
Lifestyle
Aside from art supplies, I'll be bringing some cameras, my computer, iPad, and other digital tools I use day to day. I'm planning to bring a yoga mat so I can prioritize some exercise and stretching every day. I have a couple books packed that relate to my project topic, and a couple small art books that inspire me. I'm also bringing necessities such as: medicines, toiletries, etc. I've been getting into a great skincare routine over the past couple months, so I'm hoping to keep that up and be sure to wear lots of sunscreen when I'm there.
Self Care
Since I'll be away from home for 5 weeks without my partner, cats, friends, etc. it's important to me to bring some items for self care and comfort. To remind me of home, I'm going to bring a couple nice photos of my partner and I and our cats. Phone pictures don't compare to having real ones in your space. I'm planning to bring some ginger chews and other things to soothe any stomach stuff that comes up. I'm bringing a small bottle of lavender essential oil to use at night to help me sleep, and some room spray, since candles and incense are not allowed. Smell is a really important sense to me, and can really help me feel at home.
This weekend I'll learn if all of this actually fits in my suitcase. Fingers crossed!