Los Angeles artist retiring in France

 

Taylor Barnes, an artist from Los Angeles, decided to relocate to the medieval village of Saissac near the French Pyrenees in 2021. The move came as a response to the increasing cost of living in the US and Barnes' desire to create an affordable space to support other artists. Saissac, with its picturesque surroundings and fairytale-like ambiance, offered the ideal setting for Barnes to establish her residency programs for fellow artists.

The decision to move abroad was not made lightly, but Barnes felt an emotional connection to Saissac during her visit in 2018. The village's pristine environment reminded her of coastal California, where she had spent her entire life near the ocean. Built on a granite outcropping and anchored by an ancient medieval castle, Saissac provided breathtaking views of the Pyrenees mountains and the valley below.

To facilitate her relocation, Barnes hired a consultant to navigate the bureaucratic process, ensuring a smooth transition. In 2019, she purchased an abandoned crawfish restaurant and transformed it into 3.1 Art Sassaic, a residency where artists could stay and collaborate. The building underwent extensive renovations to provide maximum privacy and creative space for guests, including living quarters, a large studio overlooking the Vernassonne river gorge, and a garden terrace for outdoor events.

The residency programs, held from spring to fall, require artists to apply with specific projects they plan to work on during their stay. Saissac's ancient setting, with its cobblestone roads and stone walls, has proven to be a rich source of inspiration for visiting artists, reminiscent of the landscape that once attracted impressionist painters.

Since moving to Saissac, Barnes has embraced a slower-paced lifestyle, enjoying leisurely two-hour lunches, five-day work weeks, and a deeper appreciation for holidays and weekends. The village's close-knit community of creative individuals and artisans has welcomed Barnes and her residency programs, fostering a vibrant cultural exchange between locals and expats.

Overall, Barnes' relocation to Saissac represents a pursuit of artistic fulfillment and a commitment to supporting fellow artists in a serene and inspiring environment.