Colby Smith
Traveling Filmmaker
https://www.colbysmithfilms.com
https://www.instagram.com/colbytravelssomewhere/
My time at BKN in 2021 was an incredibly enriching experience that had a profound impact on my practice as a filmmaker. The residency offered a serene and inspiring environment, allowing me to create Grey Rocks Grey Sea, as a part of Where the Forest meets the Sea open call. An experimental short film that explored the relationship between the Baltic Sea and the rocky coastline. The natural beauty of the landscape was the perfect backdrop for my creative vision, and it was a rare opportunity to work without distractions, fully immersed in nature and the artistic process.
What made the residency even more special were the people. Facilitated by Anna Viola Hallberg, the program connected me with a supportive and like-minded community of artists. The encouragement and feedback I received from fellow residents and the broader Björkö Konstnod network was invaluable in helping me refine my work and push the boundaries of my artistic expression. I felt inspired and truly supported by everyone involved. I also had the opportunity to connect with the residents of the island, who welcomed me warmly and shared their unique perspectives, enriching my experience both personally and artistically.
In the summer of 2022, I returned to Björkö Konstnod for the Isle of Bliss exhibition, where my film Grey Rocks Grey Sea was featured. It was an incredible full-circle moment, as I was able to share the work that had been shaped by the residency with a broader audience and reconnect with the inspiring community that supported my creative journey.
Being part of Björkö Konstnod not only advanced my skills as a filmmaker but also allowed me to experience the power of collaboration and shared creativity. The residency helped me grow both personally and professionally, and I left Sweden with a renewed sense of purpose and direction in my work.ening i mitt arbete.
