ART PROCESS: ANDY WARHOL PRESERVE PIGMENT COLLECTION

Rocks and pigments on my desk from the Andy Warhol Preserve in Montauk, New York

I’m proudly introducing the five rocks I sourced from the Andy Warhol Preserve in Montauk, NY.

In October 2024 I had the privilege of teaching a handmade watercolor plein air (outdoor) workshop through a grant provided by The Nature Conservancy, and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts ( @nature.ny & @warholfoundation )

With permission from @nature.ny I carefully selected these five rocks at the private preserve. I’m processing them into fine pigment to turn into paint this spring. The paints will be used as the color basis of a new art collection inspired by the coastal landscape of the Andy Warhol Preserve. This work mirrors my process during my upcoming two month artist residency I will be part of @caumsettfoundation later this summer.

The work is labor intensive - I am literally breaking rocks multiple times over. I will need to grind them, sift them, clean them, dry them, and more. Each time the color passes through my hands I connect more and more with it. This work is a privilege and I don’t take it lightly. I’m grateful to the wisdom of all the paint makers, pigment grinders, conservationists, artists, and indigenous practices that led the path for me to step into this alchemy.

The Andy Warhol Preserve, Montauk, New York

2024 NATURE CONSERVANCY RECAP

The four artists selected for the 2024 Nature Conservancy grant with Andy Warhol Visual Arts Foundation, from left to right top row: Ria Rajan, Christie Jones bottom row: Michelle Brody, Jasmine Gutbrod

Last autumn I had the absolute honor of being selected as one of the 2024 Nature Conservancy artists to receive a grant from the Andy Warhol Visual Arts Foundation. In October, I led a plein air workshop at the private Andy Warhol Preserve in Montauk, New York. It was a wonderful small group of adventurers. We drove into the preserve, hiked with our materials into this gorgeous opening overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It was something right out of a movie. The weather was perfect, warm with a cool ocean breeze. The sun shone down upon us as we savored the sights, smells, and sounds of this remote location.

This experience solidified my excitement of creating with others en plein air. I have always enjoyed the unpredictability of painting outdoors, but seeing the joy on everyone’s faces made me realize how special it truly is. Gathering to create, being in nature, appreciating the moment these are all important things especially as life twists and turns. Being among others who share these passions is a special thing. I am grateful that the grant provided access to this historic setting, along with the materials that I was able to provide and share with attendees. I hope this is the first of many workshop experiences like this.