My Art Residency Project in Portugal (part 3)
Sharing my creative process and artistic explorations
If you have missed the beginning, you can find them here:
Part 1, Part 2
Phase 2: Exploration, Gathering & Research (cont’d)
Yes, we are still in Phase 2. This is usually the longest part of any project, especially when it comes to a creative one. So follow along for more exploration.
TOMAR
The town of Tomar was created inside the walls of the Convento de Cristo, constructed under the orders of Gualdim de Pais, the fourth Grand Master of the Knights Templar in Portugal in the late 12th century. (source)
It is a small city, but a historical jewel and I was in awe of many of the things it had to offer.
The Convent of Christ, Unesco World heritage, was built over a span of 5 centuries and I could feel the history in all the footsteps that have walked here before me. The 12th century rotunda (oratory of the Templars) in the Charola (romanesque church) was breathtaking. The castle was unfortunately closed when I was there.
I had lunch at, you guessed it, another bookshop/café called Insensato and as it was a sunny day, I walked around the town and the river.
I visited the very unusual but amazing Museu dos Fósforos, a museum filled with over 50.000 matchboxes, the result of one dedicated collector called Aquiles da Mota Lima. The idea started on a ship to London where he was to attend the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. He met a woman who asked him for the special occasion matchboxes and he decided to keep one for himself. From then on, he would start collecting interesting matchboxes resulting in a collection from 127 countries.
I ended my visit with a walk in Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes, a 39 hectare historic woodland park that belonged to the Knights Templar. And of course I went on the swing!
WINDMILLS
Portugal has a lot of old and new windmills. There are a lot of hikes that take you along them, often with breathtaking views.
And of course it is windy!
LISBON
My son came to visit me for a weekend in Lisbon and before he arrived, visited the Museu do Fado to gather information on one of my main topics for my art project.
I also visited the MUDE (Museum of Design), which is located in a former bank which makes for an interesting exhibition space.
We stayed in a lovely Lisbonaire apartment (I can recommend!), right in the centrally located Principe Real area from where one can walk just about anywhere.
I love to explore cities alone because I can visit what I want and spend my time however I want to. But I also like to explore with other people as you get to see the place from their point of view and interests. My son is 18, and mainly wanted to shop and eat… LOL.
We had Pasteis de Nata in Belém, visited one of my favorite bookstores, bought sardines, went axe throwing at LX Factory, watched the sunset, had Ramen brought to us by a robot, tasted lots of different food at Time Out Market and shopped mainly for the young man.
Click Next below for Part 4.
Besides your art project, these posts of phase 2 are amazing travel diaries!
Following your residency through words and images has been such a gift, Miranda. I can feel the layers of history, texture, and atmosphere you’re gathering — especially in Tomar. The way you honor Phase 2 as deep exploration and research feels so true to the creative process. It’s inspiring to witness the patience and presence behind your work. Thank you for taking us along — each photograph feels like a doorway.