As I curl up in the corner of Chateau Orquavaux, where I have spent the entire month of January as 1 of 13 resident artists, just a few short hours before I pack up and begin my journey back to Istanbul…I find my thoughts drifting away to hot and dry days in central Turkey, where I once found myself in a tiny village making art. Cappadocia was a place where I gathered many stories and drew from a well of endless inspiration, some of that inspiration and one of those stories making its way into Expat Sofra.
Once again I find myself escaping city life for the slow pace of a village. This time however I am tucked away in a large house in the French countryside, the drizzling rain and vibrant green of the mossy trees a strong contrast to the dry and lunar landscape of Cappadocia. Yet when I experience the smell of chimney smoke in the village air I feel myself back on the streets of Ibrahimpasa, just as the damp stone and cold ground of the chateau cellar, transports me back to an adventure in the winding caves of an underground city.
During a recent chateau evening of sharing literature, I decided to read an excerpt from my Expat Sofra story to my fellow resident artists. It was a joy to re-live this underground adventure with my new friends, and describe through my story, experiences as an expat in a strange land. As artists, as well as for a few fellow expatriates, we were also able to share in many similar feelings and experiences. What an incredible journey writing this story has taken me on. A venture that began in the depths of a cave, and has now lead to a reading in the salon of a 19th century French hunting lodge to a group of fellow artists and friends.
I look forward to seeing how I can share this book and story in my future. Being a part of Expat Sofra has also provided me with the opportunity to read in front of several audiences in Istanbul…even stumbling through the Turkish version a few times. I have also had the pleasure of hearing very powerful stories by from my fellow contributors during these occasions. One of the most special times I had with Expat Sofra however, has been reading from it to my father as we rode over snowy and barren roads in Wyoming last December, when I was home for Christmas. This anthology has been a way for me to connect people from all parts of my life with my life in Turkey, not only through my own story but through the writings of all of the courageous woman included in this anthology. I have been so honored to be included in such an incredible project, and thank all of the contributors and our dear editors for their relentless hard work.
Gabrielle Reeves currently has her work from the Chateau Orquevaux Art Residency displayed in the 2020 Ask Festivali at 42 Maslak, organized by Istanbul Concept Gallery. After participating in several residencies of her own, Gabrielle is now a team member of the NADAS’A BIRAK Art Residency Program taking place at NADAS ISTANBUL in May 10-16 2020. Applications are now open to artists and creatives working with all mediums.