Travis Paterson

I have recently been granted the amazing opportunity to undertake an artists' residency at MoKS in Mooste, Estonia, for four weeks during November and December this year. During my time at MoKS I will be working on several projects, participating in workshops and also working on collaborative pieces.



"Postcards from Estonia" is one of the main projects I plan to work on during this residency. I hope to gather a substantial number of requests for postcards which will all be handmade at the residency and posted from Estonia. The postcards will be made with you in mind with either drawings, text, collage or a combination of media and will include a personal message just for you! Finished postcards will be scanned or photographed with the view of compiling them into either artist books or zines in the future.

In Tartu, the closest major city to the residency, is the Estonian Printing Museum and the Paper Museum which has accessible letterpress, printing and papermaking facilities. They also run workshops in letterpress, papermaking and 3D paper design. Letterpress is a process I have wanted to engage with for some time and papermaking is part of my existing arts practice. The opportunity to visit and work in these two museums, as well as being around experienced practitioners, is an exciting prospect and valuable learning opportnity.

Naturally my biggest concern with this project is not securing enough advance funding. But, as they say, the show must go on. Even if it makes your credit card cry.

A few of the things that some might find challenging (an average high temperature of -1.7°C, six hours of daylight, extreme climate, cultural and geographical differences from what I am used to) are the things that will make this residency a unique and exciting experience.