Hannah Morrell

I love music! I have been playing the violin since I was seven years old and I can't imagine the person I would be without it. This year I want to record a solo album and I've been offered the opportunity to do it in Latvia at the Watchman's House as part of their artist's residency program.

My goal is to produce an album that experiments with all possible sounds of the violin; the violin as percussion, lead, and accompaniment, combined with the influences and my experiences of Northern Europe.

The Watchman's House is located in Kuldiga, a small town in rural Latvia and the program has been running since 2010.

Here is what they have to say:

"The mission of the Watchman’s House Resident Artists Program is to support and enhance the creativity of artists by providing uninterrupted time for work, reflection, and collegial interaction in a setting of great natural beauty, and to preserve the architectural monument of State Heritage in which the Program is situated.

The Watchman’s House is the place for performances, exhibitions, presentations, concerts of contemporary music, screenings of experimental films, video art, shows and creative workshops, as well as various interdisciplinary events. " - The Watchman's House mission statement.

The money raised here will go towards my flights to Latvia!

Currently flights are around $2000-$2500. If I could raise the whole amount I would be incredibly happy, but I'm working to get half through busking, teaching and whatever jobs come up.

I only have a short amount of time to gather the funds for this trip so at this point getting there is the main obstacle!
Once I'm there I'm ready to learn new skills in writing, recording, and surviving in a strange country. I have friends and family who have already given me plenty of advice and support, and now it is up to me to use that knowledge! I'll be checking in throughout the trip and I'm hoping to work with musicians and artists I meet throughout my time in Latvia.