“The mind that opens to a new idea never returns to its original size.”
― Albert Einstein
It’s a Monday morning in Girona, Spain—my first morning in this ancient city—and the sound of softly falling rain drifts through an open window in my new apartment.
When I lean against the window ledge, giving the brisk spring air a chance to cool my face, I see walls of moss and stone. I see a Catalonian flag hanging from a neighboring balcony. I see a woman huddled beneath a black umbrella, pulling a suitcase that rattles across the street’s cobblestoned surface.
For now, I am letting the rain keep me from what brought me to the city, and to the region of Costa Brava in general—for the next six weeks, I am here as a resident sketch artist in this beautiful northeastern corner of the country.
But first—a little backstory to how it all came about.
* * *
You might have noticed things have been a little quiet here for a while—and I can honestly say I’ve missed blogging! It’s hard to believe it’s been almost six months since my last post, a swiftly sketched watercolor postcard from Santa Marta, Colombia.
Since that balmy September weekend, life has led me through Ecuador and Peru, over to Greece for a month, to the other side of the world to Thailand, Myanmar, and Japan, and finally back to Europe, where I’ve spent the last month in previously unexplored corners such as Norway and Guernsey, while also revisiting old favorites like Paris and Madrid.
When I write it out like that, it all seems a tiny bit disparate, but I’m grateful that the trajectory carrying me from Colombia to Costa Brava hasn’t felt quite so random. Each mark on the map has represented a new project and another step (or what often felt like a leap) outside my creative comfort zone.
But it was in Athens, Greece, last October, that the first seeds for this trip to Costa Brava were planted. I was there to capture the highlights of a conference called TBEX (short for Travel Blog Exchange) on a live sketch mural as the weekend unfolded. As I explained it to people who stopped by my little corner of the venue throughout the event, the mural was a way of visually telling the story of the conference.
This was my first time doing anything of the kind and I spent the days leading up to the conference chasing down the right canvas in Athens and trying desperately to calm my nerves. My vision for the mural was to draw little vignettes from around the city and conference, and to try and pair them with memorable quotes from speakers. I didn’t know exactly what I was looking for as inspiration, but as I slipped into the first morning keynote, a speaker named Jaume Marin was just taking the stage.
I soon learned Jaume is the marketing director of the Costa Brava tourism board, and when I heard him say, “My objective is for tourists to become temporary locals,” I knew inspiration had struck. When the keynote finished, I raced back to my awaiting blank canvas and began writing out the quote.
Not too long after, Jaume himself stopped by and we got to talking. Both he and his colleague Gemma had a really engaging, positive spirit about them. By the end of the weekend, I felt as though we’d been friends for much longer—so much so, that I felt comfortable to sum up some more courage, quell my ever-present nerves, and ask:
“Jaume, what if I came to Costa Brava as a sketch artist-in-residence?”
* * *
Four days have now passed since I began this post, in which I’ve learned that I should have written Catalan flag at the beginning. I’ve learned that even saying Girona is in Spain, instead of Catalonia, is a potentially daring statement, given the region’s intense desire for independence. I’ve learned just how much I have to learn while I’m here.
The rain has cleared for long enough stretches that I’ve been able to get outside and start sketching—and as I’ve sprawled out my supplies along cobblestoned streets and on narrow bridges spanning the Onyar River, I’ve almost had to keep pinching myself back into the present; to try and believe that the project that first ‘what if’ question sparked back in Athens is really coming to pass.
I’ll be in Costa Brava for nearly another six weeks, during which time I have set myself the somewhat ambitious goal of trying to complete a collection of fifty sketches. My primary focus points will be Girona, a fishing village called Calella de Palafrugell, and the coastal resort town of Lloret de Mar. My hope is that each place helps me pull back yet another layer of this region. I’ll be sharing stories and sketches along the way in weekly blog posts, and then about half of those images will be shown during this year’s TBEX conference, also taking place in Lloret de Mar at the end of April.
I’m incredibly grateful for the support of Jaume and his team on the Costa Brava tourism board—not only for their help with accommodation and food costs along the way, but more importantly for sharing in my excitement about this visual project.
Just like the mural I worked on in Athens, there’s always a great amount of uncertainty surrounding new ideas, isn’t there? But if creating that mural taught me anything, it’s that new ideas do indeed have a way of stretching our hearts and minds, just as windows are opened to the coming of spring.
It’s good to be back on the blog, my friends—and I can’t wait to start sharing Costa Brava with you!
I love you, Candace! So happy to see you blogging again. You are as eloquent as ever, and obviously quite refreshed from recent travels. I’m spending every penny in the bank to make it to Costa Brava for TBEX this year, and I hope to reunite with you yet again. I’m so proud of you and you are an inspiration to me every single day. <3 <3 <3
Joc! This made my night to read – and hearing that you’re going to be at TBEX was absolutely *fantastic* news. I cannot wait to see you there and hear all about how these last few months have been for you! I am slowly trying to get back into better touch with the world, and you are truly one of the top people I’ve missed corresponding with more frequently – especially given the amazing adventures you’ve been having. Sending so much love to you, and looking forward to seeing you SO soon! xox
This is so exciting! I can’t wait to see you at TBEX next month, and to follow along with all of your beautiful adventures through the upcoming sketches. xo
I am beyond excited to see you so soon, Brenna! Can’t wait to catch up and hang out at our third TBEX together 🙂 Sending love from Girona to London! xo
And some other good news… I just told work I’ll be away for two weeks in the summer as I’m planning to head to San Francisco for Book Passage!
BEST NEWS EVER! Thanks so much for letting me know, Brenna – can’t believe we’ll get at least two hang-outs in this year!
And I might be in Thailand for TBEX, too! Lots of hangouts this year… I’m so excited 🙂
Congratulations Candace!! The way you create your own path is very inspiring. Wishing you all the best!
Thank you, Lily!! Your kind words mean so much, and please know the inspiration is absolutely mutual – I love following along your epic path through the world as well. Fingers crossed our actual paths cross very soon! xo
Thanks my friend! I think of you often and I hope our paths do cross too. Looking forward to following your sketches. xo
And I you!! Safe travels to the DR – can’t wait to hear how this new book goes. So excited for you breaking new ground! xo
Best of luck Candace with your new adventures. So glad you’re back, doing what you do best. We’re all looking forward to your new sketches and your on the mark thoughts.
It is so wonderful to hear from you, Roberta – I have truly missed your insightful comments here over the last few months. So far there have been a few really dear connections and serendipities in Girona that I can’t wait to write about soon, as I have a feeling you’ll enjoy reading about them 🙂 Wishing you a blessed spring!
Candace, Glad to hear your doing so well. Not even a week ago I was wondering about you, Costa Brava sounds superb.. Reading your blog over the last several months, has really helped keep fuel in the fire for me. Most Recently, My Kerala India Elephant(s) Adventure. Thank you for keeping me inspired. I have Ethiopia in the Horizon too. Would love to tell you about my India experience, My whole life has changed since then. 🙂
Thank you so much, Todd! I’m especially moved to hear that this humble blog might have given you some inspiration along the way – please know that it is truly a full circle for me, as connecting with you and others here is inspiration as well to continue on my path. It’s fantastic to hear you’ve got Ethiopia on the horizon – that is somewhere I’d love to visit soon! – and you have absolutely piqued my interest with Kerala + elephants 🙂 Can’t wait to hear more, and all the very best to you from Girona!
Love the quote – “My objective is for tourists to become temporary locals.” Fantastic sketches, fantastic experiences. 🙂 It’s always wonderful to visit your blog, Candace! You radiate such positive vibes. 🙂
nice.
So glad to hear that Jaume’s quote resonated with you as well, Renuka! Thanks so much for taking the time to read this post, and I hope all has been very well in your world 🙂
Wish I could be with you recording reflections of Catalonia for 6 weeks Candace –
I shall have to live it vicariously… until we meet again 🙂
I so wish that as well, Linda! It would have been such a joy and honor to sketch Costa Brava alongside you 🙂 Sending lots of love and hugs your way from Girona, and I can’t wait for our paths (and hopefully our sketchbooks next time!) to cross again. xx
Just had a chance to read this and learn more about your artist in residence experience! Wow! So proud of you for asking (in Athens.) And now look– it’s happening. Sometimes that is all it takes– just asking! As always can not wait to follow along… And in the back of my head start thinking of those dreams I could start asking for .😊
It’s so great to hear from you here, Betsy! And I absolutely love what you said about asking – for me personally, there’s a lot of fear that often gets in the way of exploring new ideas, but we never know what lies on the other side of a simple question, do we? Can’t wait to hear more about all the projects and dreams you’re at work on! xo
It’s so nice to have you back, Candace! And I can’t wait to read more about your time in Costa Brava and see your sketches. Hope you have a wonderful stay! xx
Thank you, Veena! That really means a lot, and I can’t wait to share more sketches here with you later this week. PS – An email is headed your way very soon! It’s so fun thinking of you back in India – I hope all is going very well there 🙂 xx
Candace, Great to hear from you! It sounds like you’ve had quite the busy, yet rewarding, schedule. I loved seeing you at TBEX and will look forward to seeing you in Lloret de Mar. Happy exploring and sketching!
Thank you so much, Corinne! And I’m thrilled to hear that you’ll be at TBEX again next month – I can’t wait to hear how these last few months have been for you!
We’ve loved your work thus far – glad to have you back!
Thank you both! That means a lot.
Welcome back! Always love your drawings. Can’t wait to see your journey through COsta Brava:)
Thank you, Linda! I can’t wait to share more of Costa Brava here with you soon 🙂
Luv, luv, luv your drawings, Candace! Thank you for highlighting Jaume Marin’s quote ~ it’s a joy to remember how many of us have this same heart and mind about travel.
Thank you so much, Melodie! It’s wonderful to connect with you here, and I’m so glad to hear that Jaume’s quote resonated with you as well. Thank you for reading!
WELCOME BACK!!!! 😀 Love the update from you!
THANK YOU, PAULINE!! It’s fantastic to be back, and especially so because it means hearing from you 🙂 Sending love from Girona to Toronto!
Yay! You’re back! I was just thinking a few days ago how much I missed your stories from the road. I am glad you’ve been so active on social media, as well, but I was missing the whole story. I love seeing Girona through your sketches as I am so fond of (understatement of the century) Spain and Catalonia, but have never been there myself.
So excited to hear we will be meeting again in Costa Brava and can’t wait to see your new work of art! 🙂
wowy wow
going to sare it
https://www.facebook.com/Sanaullahqaisarisb
https://twitter.com/InternikBahria
official website: internik.com.pk