LGAL Iceland Residency - Team Plover

LIGHT GREY ART LAB ICELAND RESIDENCY Mini-recap (3 of 4)
TEAM PLOVER

This year we explored with four unique groups of exceptional creatives from all around the world. Team Plover included backgrounds in photography, animation, product design, freelance illustration, writing, costume design, and more. 

TEAM PLOVER explored the southern coast, visiting diverse landscapes of lava rock, towering bird cliffs, ashy glaciers, hidden waterfalls, geothermal pools and secret lagoons. It was a pleasure to travel with such a vibrant, loving, and enthusiastic group of creatives! Each day we learned about the folklore, history, and geology of the landscape, and at night, gathered around the table to listen to our experiences in the creative field and beyond. 

TEAM PLOVER: Adam Hoppus, Aidan Vitti, Alice Yang, Archana Vikram, Ellen Shershow, Elsa Chang, Jared D Weiss, Jon Lau, Judit Neubauer, Junyi Wu, Michael Manomivibul, and Sasha Jones. 

The topics we discussed included:

• costume design and feature films
• pursuing an authentic creative path
• creating with contrast in content
• personal projects and collaborative efforts
• creative opportunity - I.T. to illustration
• photography and art as social change - artistic voice
• feature animation and character design
• running and managing a creative business
• collaboration, studio partnerships, and accountability
• passion projects and unique characters
• overcoming obstacles and inclusivity

...and much more.

We'll be updating with the other teams as we edit photos! 

Thanks to TEAM PLOVER for exploring with us!

Huldufólk at American Swedish Institute

While Wanderlust was showing off work from the 2016 Iceland Residency, one of our favorite places in Minneapolis, the American Swedish Institute, invited us to show a special collection of work from Huldufólk, our 2015 Iceland Residency exhibition. 

A huge thank you to everyone at the American Swedish Institute for allowing us to showcase the incredible to a whole new audience! If you've never been, do yourself a favor and get over there, for amazing food, art, culture, and fun! 

You can see all the work from Huldufólk on our website, and check out more photos from the American Swedish Institute on our flickr page! 

LGAL Iceland Residency - Team Tern

LIGHT GREY ART LAB ICELAND RESIDENCY Mini-recap (2 of 4)
TEAM TERN

This year we explored with four unique groups of exceptional creatives from all around the world - with backgrounds in animation, design, advertising, photography, academia, visual development, and much more. 

TEAM TERN explored the Southern coast of Iceland  climbing along pouring waterfalls and remote mountain vistas. They searched for puffins and hidden wreckage on the basalt beaches, sketched and napped in the mossy fields, and become fast friends over late night workshops, car karaoke, and heat-to-heart conversations about creative endeavors. This team had an affinity for exploration, a love of landscape painting, and a huge sense of adventure that brought us all together to explore, make work, and reflect amongst the dramatic background of Iceland.

TEAM TERN: Anna Filbert, Carisa Swenson, Emily Lubanko, Heidi Unkefer, Sishir Bommakanti, Syd Weiler, Tiffany Turrell, Zackary Filbert, Rafael Mayani, and Zoe Persico, led by Jenny Bookler, Lana Crooks, and Claire Hummel.

The topics we discussed included:

• Icelandic Folklore and geographical importance
• creative problem solving - seeking diverse solutions
• exploration and visual language in landscape painting
• personal growth, seeking new projects, and art limitations
• dolls as sacred objects in history and culture
• conspiracy versus good storytelling - dreams and the subconscious
• creating moveable paper dolls
•color, light, and shapes of emotion in background painting
• personal symbology in the tarot
• passion projects, collaboration, and reinvention
• overcoming obstacles -- when your art has a life of its own

...and much more.

We'll be updating with the other teams as we edit photos! 

Thanks to TEAM TERN for being amazing team-mates on our adventure in the SOUTH.

LGAL Iceland Residency - Team Merlin

LIGHT GREY ART LAB ICELAND RESIDENCY Mini-recap (1 of 4)
TEAM MERLIN

Every year we head to Iceland for an incredible adventure that changes us for the better. Iceland is a magical place with a long history, a fanciful mythology, and an abundance of breathtaking natural wonders.This year we explored with four unique groups of exceptional creatives from all around the world - with backgrounds in animation, design, advertising, photography, academia, visual development, and much more. 

TEAM MERLIN explored the Northern-most coast with us, bringing with them a wealth of perspectives. We found out that we have a lot in common - many of us having been instructors in our past (or in addition to our current practices), many of us have had a thirst for adventure that has taken over our lives in the last few years that could only be satiated by traveling to crazy corners of the earth, and many of us continue to battle balancing all of our creative desires and ambitions -- trying to push ourselves further, faster, better. 

TEAM MERLIN: Adam Davies, Anne-Louise Erambert, Avner Geller, Britton Robert Snyder, Gabriel Garza, Ingrid Kallick, Isabella Mazzanti, Jeff A. Menges, John DeLucca, Justin Oaksford, Meg Hunt, Mike Freeman, Rory Phillips, Francesca Buchko, and Vitor Lima Mazon.

The topics we discussed included

• stop-motion armatures
• creative embroidery
• creative character design and people-watching
• changing courses and following one's true passions
• building worlds and making work inspired by culture
• evolution and change as it pertains to ourselves and our work
• creating moveable paper dolls
• the golden age of illustration and why it's important to archive for future generations
• movies as inspiration for illustration  - lighting, cinematic composition, and storytelling
• making independent video games from scratch
• progressing beyond one's perceived boundaries and infusing one's practice with new inspiration
• RPG character building
• The growth mindset vs. the fixed mindset and how we create our own limitations
• Instant photography and capturing etherial moments

...and much more.

If you'd like to join us for next year's Iceland Residency Program, please check out the program details here. Applications are open through August 15th! 

Check out all of the photos from the program here! We'll be updating with the other teams as we edit photos! 

Thanks to TEAM MERLIN for being amazing team-mates on our adventure in the North!

Light Grey Iceland Residency 2016 - Recap

We just returned from 2016's Light Grey Iceland Residency. We had honor of traveling and exploring with over thirty creatives from around the globe, each with their own area of expertise -- all together, some of the most incredible, adventurous, and most genuine people we have ever met. It was a pleasure to listen, learn, and share our unique experiences together. 

Below, we have a quick recap of the groups and links to our shared flickr pages. You can take a look at more photos and details about the Light Grey Iceland Residency Program here.

Francesco Bongiorni, of Team Ice, teaches a workshop on circumnavigation and creative challenges.

Jared Tuttle, from Team Mist, explores underneath one of Iceland's most recognizable waterfalls. 

Lana Crooks, of Team Mist, shares her creative process, research, and findings.

We were joined first by Team Mist to spend six days traveling through the misty, moody, and ever-changing landscape of Southern Iceland. Each day, we packed our sketchbooks and waterproof gear for treks to waterfalls, tide pools, hot springs, and glaciers. Our evenings were filled with artist-led workshops, technical demonstrations, followed by a home cooked meal. The nights wound down with brainstorm sessions, games, palm reading, and crochet lessons.

You can find shared photos from Team Mist here.

Chris Hajny photographs the waterfall trail above Skógafoss.

Our second group, Team Ice, was filled with educators, editors, illustrators, concept artists, and more --  we were blown away by the great conversations and creative passion. During the residency, we traveled through Southern Iceland exploring basalt caves, waterfalls, hidden pools, puffin nests, and open vistas. We spent our days climbing and hiking through the sunny landscape and in the evenings, we shared our practice through the artist workshops and sketchbook swaps. 

You can find shared photos from Team Ice here.

Claire Hummel hiking through Northern Iceland.

Team Ice sketches from a historical overlook.

Casey Hunt looking over Goðafoss, Northern Iceland. 

Finally, Team Basalt joined us in Northern Iceland, where we hiked through pastoral landscapes and volcanic fields, around craters and bubbling pools. We spent our days exploring both natural formations and the nearby towns, filled with cute cafes and historic museums. Team Basalt bonded through creative conversations, storytelling, and awe-inspiring moments. Each night, artists led workshops and shared their perspective in making.

Shared photos from Team Basalt here.

We will be announcing the artists for the 2017 Light Grey Iceland Residency on September 30th. Keep an eye out for the announcement and program details!

Podcast: 2015 Iceland Diaries : Part Four

Download the MP3

,

stream directly on Stitcher

, or

subscribe via iTunes

!

2015 Iceland Diaries : Part Four

Length:

01:21:05

Synopsis:

Once again, the Light Grey Art Lab team returns to Iceland! We're hosting two, back-to-back, week-long artist residencies in southern Iceland, right at the base of the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Our two groups of amazing artists (Team Moss and Team Lichen) each spent an entire week exploring, conversing, and learning together. In the fourth, and final, part of our multi-part 2015 Iceland Diaries series, Jenny, Lindsay, and Chris take a moment each evening to reflect on the day's events, share stories, and sometimes get a little loopy. A final huge 'thank you' to all the participating artists in the 2015 residency, and we look forward to next year's program!

Show Notes:

#TeamMoss2015 - Instagram

#TeamMoss2015 - Twitter

#TeamLichen2015 - Instagram

#TeamLichen2015 - Twitter

2016 Iceland Residency Information and Application

Podcast: 2015 Iceland Diaries : Part Three

Download the MP3

,

stream directly on Stitcher

, or

subscribe via iTunes

!

2015 Iceland Diaries : Part Three

Length:

01:37:28

Synopsis:

Once again, the Light Grey Art Lab team returns to Iceland! We're hosting two, back-to-back, week-long artist residencies in southern Iceland, right at the base of the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Our two groups of amazing artists (Team Moss and Team Lichen) each spent an entire week exploring, conversing, and learning together. In the third part of a multi-part 2015 Iceland Diaries series, Jenny, Lindsay, and Chris are now left cruising the lonesome road. Each night we take a moment to reflect on the day's events, share stories, thoughts, and more. And it's not over yet! Make sure to check back for plenty more adventure!

Show Notes:

#TeamMoss2015 - Instagram

#TeamMoss2015 - Twitter

#TeamLichen2015 - Instagram

#TeamLichen2015 - Twitter

2016 Iceland Residency Information and Application

Podcast: 2015 Iceland Diaries : Part Two

Download the MP3, stream directly on Stitcher, or subscribe via iTunes!

2015 Iceland Diaries : Part Two
Length: 00:50:20
Synopsis: Once again, the Light Grey Art Lab team returns to Iceland! We're hosting two, back-to-back, week-long artist residencies in southern Iceland, right at the base of the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Our two groups of amazing artists (Team Moss and Team Lichen) each spent an entire week exploring, conversing, and learning together. In the second of a multi-part 2015 Iceland Diaries series, both residencies are now over, and Jenny, Lindsay, and Chris take some time to reflect on the experience, with plenty of Dungeons & Dragons references thrown in for good measure. From here on out, the Light Grey team is on their own, so be sure to check back for plenty more adventure!


Team Moss


Team Lichen

Show Notes:
#TeamMoss2015 - Instagram
#TeamMoss2015 - Twitter
#TeamLichen2015 - Instagram
#TeamLichen2015 - Twitter
2016 Iceland Residency Information and Application

Podcast: 2015 Iceland Diaries : Part One

Download the MP3

,

stream directly on Stitcher

, or

subscribe via iTunes

!

2015 Iceland Diaries : Part One

Length:

00:34:42

Synopsis:

Once again, the Light Grey Art Lab team returns to Iceland! We're hosting two, back-to-back, week-long artist residencies in southern Iceland, right at the base of the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Our two groups of amazing artists (Team Moss and Team Lichen) each spent an entire week exploring, conversing, and learning together. In the first of a multi-part 2015 Iceland Diaries series, Jenny, Lindsay, and Chris take a moment each week to reflect on the travels, discussions, logistics, memorable moments and more. This episode only covers the first few days of the adventure, so be sure to check out the next few episodes for plenty more!

Show Notes:

#TeamMoss2015 - Instagram

#TeamMoss2015 - Twitter

2016 Iceland Residency Information and Application

Light Grey Art Lab in headed to Iceland!

We are currently packaging our bags, sketchbooks, and hiking boots as we embark on a creative journey through Southern Iceland. The Light Grey Team is prepping for two weeks of adventuring, artist-led workshops, and collaboration for the Light Grey Iceland Residency Program! We will be leading artists through some of the most sublime, active, and unusual landscapes on earth. They will experience glacial ice, volcanic rock, basalt columns, lush vegetation, costal animals, and microscopic lifeforms. As we explore together, we will also share our creative expertise through conversations, workshops, and on-site sketching. 

During our travels, we will be unplugged from our normal daily life. It will be a chance to make artwork, share with on another, and grow as creatives. You can follow along with our travels as we post the Light Grey Podcast, send updates from Iceland, and share photographs.



Big News! The application for the Light Grey Iceland Residency 2016 is now available! If you are interested in traveling with us for next year's program, please check out all of the details and submit your application on the Light Grey website here! 

We are looking for diversity in industry, location, backgrounds, and creative workshops! This year, we also have the ability to open up two scholarship opportunities for artists who may need financial assistance to make the trip possible. If you have additional questions, feel free to send us a note: hello@lightgreyartlab.com. Applications are due August 30th.

Podcast: 2014 Iceland Diaries - Part Three

Download the MP3, stream directly on Stitcher, or subscribe via iTunes!

2014 Iceland Diaries - Part Three
Length: 02:32:50
Synopsis: The Light Grey Art Lab team returns to Iceland! This time we're visiting this beautiful country to host a week-long artist residency in southern Iceland, right at the base of the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. We brought together a group of 14 amazing artists and spent an entire week exploring, conversing, and learning. In the final installment of this three part 2014 Iceland Diaries series, Jenny, Lindsay, and Chris take a moment each night to reflect on the travels, discussions, logistics, and memorable moments from each day. This episode picks up immediately after Lindsay, Chris and Jenny have dropped the residency participants off in Reykjavik, and continues to our safe arrival back in the good ol' US of A. During our final days in Iceland, we visit the Icelandic Academy of the Arts, explore massive lava tubes, find a shipwreck, run from a volcano threatening to erupt under a glacier and more.

Podcast : 2014 Iceland Diaries - Part Two

Diaries
Download the MP3, stream directly on Stitcher, or subscribe via iTunes!

2014 Iceland Diaries - Part Two
Length: 01:53:27
Synopsis: The Light Grey Art Lab team returns to Iceland! This time we're visiting this beautiful country to host a week-long artist residency in southern Iceland, right at the base of the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. We brought together a group of 14 amazing artists and spent an entire week exploring, conversing, and learning. In part two of this three part 2014 Iceland Diaries series, Jenny, Lindsay, and Chris take a moment each night to reflect on the travels, discussions, logistics, and memorable moments from each day. This episode covers the rest of the residency, up until we drop the group off at the airport, but there's more! So be sure to check out the next episode to find out what happens to Lindsay, Chris and Jenny once we head out on our own!

Podcast: 2014 Iceland Diaries - Part One

Download the MP3, stream directly on Stitcher, or subscribe via iTunes!

2014 Iceland Diaries - Part One
Length: 01:15:58
Synopsis: The Light Grey Art Lab team returns to Iceland! This time we're visiting this beautiful country to host a week-long artist residency in southern Iceland, right at the base of the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. We brought together a group of 14 amazing artists and spent an entire week exploring, conversing, and learning. In the first of a multi-part 2014 Iceland Diaries series, Jenny, Lindsay, and Chris take a moment each night to reflect on the travels, discussions, logistics, and memorable moments from each day. This episode only covers the first few days of the adventure, so be sure to check out the next few episodes for plenty more!

Iceland Residency 2014

As part of our mission to connect creatives through diverse and experiential endeavors, we're excited to announce a new residency program. This year's creative residency will take place in just a few weeks, from August 13-18, in Southern Iceland. We'll be bringing together a group of 10 creatives to explore and share concepts, conversations, and experiences.

The participating artists are: Teagan White, Kali Ciesemier, Sam Bosma, Meg Hunt & Mike Freeman, Gloria Pizzilli, Manuel Kilger, Maike Plenzke, B. Paul Patterson, and Colin Foran, Claire Hummel, as well as Light Grey staff Jenny Bookler, Lindsay Nohl and Chris Hajny.

We're super excited, and we'll be sharing all sorts of content from the trip; photos, drawings, podcasts and more. So stay turned to the blog!

To learn more about this Residency, click here!