Everything so far.

This seclusion has satisfied all hopes thus far. I have felt more alive out here than I have ever felt. I write this after my first week of being in the Alaskan bush and it has transcended words in many ways. There are feelings out here that exist in the air i breathe. Feelings i cant describe but to say they are peaceful and infinite. The goals of my time here were quite broad. The two most critical tasks are to build a grad school portfolio, and to improve myself in separation from society. 

high tide

The progress of a portfolio has begun but still remains in its initial stages. I am learning my studio. putting kiln wash on my kiln shelves, organizing clay and glaze, hand building, and throwing a few pots. My remaining time spent in the studio has been spent trying to light the halfbroken propane heater. Each of my work sessions begins with my breath visibly condensating the clay I handle. It ends with a vigorous rinse of my clay covered hands in a toat of water outside the door. The water in that toat had a frozen layer atop it for the first time this winter. I wash my hands in the dark most days. And then I have to wash them again once I see what a poor job I've done. The biggest trouble washing your hands in near frozen water is that they go instantly numb. You lose the ability to feel the stubborn clay that sticks to your skin. I'm happy to have made any pieces I like. Three coil sculptures, maybe 15 vases, and 3 other sculptures have been built so far, and if they survive the kiln I may be terribly pleased. 

My ceramic work while giving me some purpose is not responsible for the excitement I've felt at being out here. I had a literal dream in which the details are vague, but the cyclical theme is concrete. In every situation, things came to pass just as they were designed. Each scene had elements of uncertainty but through maybe five scenarios I was convinced that everything was orchestrated, and even the worst path was a necessary path for a greater plan. I don’t have much more to say regarding this 

more high tide

I have not gotten unreasonably frustrated with my dear brother Abraham! There has been frustration, but all within reason. It has been really fun sharing a space with him and watching movies together in the evenings. He has successfully made some good meals out here which I have happily eaten. Abraham has also taken charge of the dishes. All I have to do in exchange is haul water from the well. We watched Mulhulland Drive last week and it wasn’t good. I was slightly distracted while watching it, but even with my undivided attention this movie made little sense. I would've been okay with this if it rested with its artistic choices, but the soundtrack and camera work was so suspenseful. It forced us to try to figure out what was going on like we were in the matrix. I don't understand how this movie has such high acclaim. It felt like “Rabbits” all over again, the only other David Lynch movie I’ve watched.

brothers in front of cabin

Great things are ahead. I am alight with anticipation for my golden birthday which takes place in only 9 days! I have many exciting ideas… More later :) much love to you all who have read this. 

Sincerely,

Micah fields