Journalism Professor Earns Competitive Artist Residency in France

Emily Bowen-Moore lands Chateau d'Orquevaux artist residency

A woman seated at an artist's desk looks over art materials laid out on the desktop.

OXFORD, Miss. – University of Mississippi journalism professor Emily Bowen-Moore felt her creative inhibitions release and artistic confidence strengthen as she participated this summer in the Chateau d'Orquevaux international artists and writers residency in rural Champagne-Ardenne, France.

"I've definitely walked away with a lot more confidence in doing my art, a lot more freedom in exploring new spontaneous things in my art. I was able to just experiment and be spontaneous," said Bowen-Moore, an instructional associate professor of media and communication in the School of Journalism and New Media.

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Emily Bowen-Moore works on one of her animal illustrations in her studio at the Chateau d’Orquevaux during the summer residency.  Photo by Gemma Kirkman

The prestigious residency program received more than 1,500 applications from applicants worldwide and accepted only the top 20% to stay and create at the 17th century chateau. Residents receive their own room, private studio, meals and opportunities to present their work for feedback as the owners aim to offer artists a respite from the "real world."

Ziggy Attias, residency co-founder and director, said the residency serves as an opportunity to immerse artists in a "supportive and stimulating environment that allows them to explore new ideas, experiment with their craft and collaborate with other talented creatives."

Co-founder Beulah van Rensburg said she hopes the residencies spark new creative energy for participants.

"After their residency, we hope that the artists leave with a renewed sense of purpose, fresh perspectives and a body of work or new direction in their work that reflects their growth and exploration during their time at Chateau d'Orquevaux," said van Rensburg, who also serves as the co-director.

The June summer cohort included 23 artists from several countries, including three writers and two musicians.

Though Bowen-Moore's teaching emphasis at Ole Miss is in graphic design, she spent the month of June reconnecting with her lifelong passion: traditional media, mostly working with charcoal, pen and ink, watercolor and acrylic.

Some of Bowen-Moore's work reflected her general style of animal illustrations and illustrations with storytelling involved, but she felt challenged and inspired by the potpourri of artists, including one from San Diego.

"She is a very large-scale abstract painter and just watching her loose flowing process, her methodology was really inspiring to me," she said.

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Inspired by the residency co-director’s connection with the swans at Chateau d’Orquevaux, Emily Bowen-Moore created 'Beulah Catching a Swan' using graphite with watercolor and acrylic. She donated the artwork to the residency’s permanent collection. Submitted photo

Bowen-Moore experienced a creative breakthrough and a new sense of inspiration after another artist gave her a canvas. She embraced an inner spontaneity to create one more piece.

"I was just sitting there looking at that blank canvas all week and the last night before open studio, I just went up there and expressively produced a very abstract piece," Bowen-Moore said.

"Honestly, I received more comments about that piece than probably any of the other pieces that I had produced all month long. That really felt good, and I felt very comforted by that piece by the end of it."

The ability to create without limitations during the residency has shaped new lessons she can share with students in her JOUR 273: Creative Visual Thinking class, Bowen-Moore said.

The residency also underscores the mission of the journalism school, said Andrea Hickerson, the school's dean.

"Creativity and curiosity are at the heart of the school," Hickerson said. "We are proud professor Bowen-Moore was able to practice both in such a unique setting. No doubt our students will benefit from her new ideas and personal passion."

Top: Emily Bowen-Moore takes a moment of reflection inside her private studio at the historic Chateau d’Orquevaux. Photo by Mary Cheung

See more photos from Emily Bowen-Moore's residency in France

By

Marvis Herring

Campus

Published

August 05, 2024

Emily Bowen-Moore's summer residency

A white swan swims across a lake in front of a red brick French chateau.

The 15-bedroom Chateau d’Orquevaux immerses residents in natural beauty during their stay for the artists and writers residency. Submitted photo

A large group of people pose for a photo on the front steps of an ornate red brick building.

Members of the June cohort of the international artists and writers residency gather on the steps of the Chateau d’Orquevaux with some of the residency staff members. Submitted photo

A woman and a man hold glasses of wine on a green lawn.

Emily Bowen-Moore (left) and New York-based artist Paul Vermylin III enjoy a beautiful June day in France during the summer residency. Submitted photo

A woman gazes out of a window above an artist's desk.

A glimpse outside Emily Bowen-Moore’s private studio window at the Chateau d’Orquevaux shows the natural beauty the artists residency offers its guests. Submitted photo

A whimsical illustration of a mouse relaxing in an underground living room beneath a lake full of fish.

Some of Emily Bowen-Moore's works completed at the chateau reflect her general style of animal illustrations and illustrations involving storytelling. Submitted photo

An abstract painting made with charcoal, watercolors and acrylic paint.

Expanding the boundaries of her creativity during the summer residency, Emily Bowen-Moore created 'Abstract Nature' using charcoal, watercolor and acrylic on canvas. Submitted photo