Departures

Notes on change, place, and what’s next

The close of last summer felt like a long exhale: finishing projects, tying loose ends, and recognizing what’s ready to change. After so many years rooted in the Catskills, I’m looking at what else might be possible, both in my work and in where I live.

For the past six years, my routine has been nearly the same: Catskills in the summer, Mojave Desert in the winter. It’s a pattern I love, but I’m feeling restless ready to shake things up again. I’ve always been an addict chasing the feeling of wonder that comes with discovery, exploring, trying, and sharing new things.

So I’m adding a new chapter to the “places I’ve lived” list.

From White Sands, 2015.

Beginning in November, I’ll spend two months in New Mexico, first in Taos and then in Las Cruces. The plan is simple: take photos, explore, and give myself some space to see what comes up.

It’s been more than a decade since I spent real time there — documented in a small project (now a time capsule) for Fathom in 2015. The trip itself was brief, but it made a lasting impression; New Mexico has been on my “return to this” list ever since. And for reasons I can’t quite articulate, Taos has always been my imaginary retirement (or otherwise significant) spot. I figure I should spend some time there if that’s the plan down the road.

I’m very excited to revisit a place from my late twenties with much more perspective. I’ll also take some side trips: Utah, Arizona, Colorado, West Texas — mostly new places, with one return to Big Bend, another place I’ve been meaning to get back to.

I’m not sure yet where this creative work will end up, but some of it will live here. I built this journal as a quieter, more passive, larger format space to share what I’m working on, without the noise and feedback of social media.

While I’m in New Mexico, I’ll be pursing some passion projects and pro-bono collaborations — especially with artists, galleries, or design-focused places. If you have contacts or want to connect, please reach out to hello@erinlindsey.studio.