The Arctic Circle—August 2024

When I was twenty years old, I spent the month of January traversing Europe on a Eurail pass. On a lark, upon discovering that there were youth hostels above the Arctic Circle, I plotted my route and traveled the rails from Barcelona, Spain, to Narvik, Norway. That was four+ decades ago. I’ve not forgotten that trip … that time … and the light. I have since dreamed of visiting the top of the world.

• The fall 2023 Arctic Circle Residency expedition was a rare opportunity to realize that desire as an artist-in-residence on a research vessel, in the company of other like-minded individuals. It was indeed the experience of a lifetime. I am changed by the experience, and I continue to reflect on it.

• I wanted very much to return to the North for a second look … to observe more … experience more of Svalbard … to venture even farther north toward the sea ice … see some wildlife … and to expand on the work I made during the fall 2023 expedition.

• I have just returned from my second trip to the high Arctic, this one on board the M/V Ortelius. Another trip of a lifetime. What follows is the start (still a work in progress) of an accounting of that voyage in words, drawings, and photographs.

• I am grateful to The Arctic Circle Residency for providing an extraordinary opportunity x2.