Stephanie Brown

“Hambidge was a special time and place to return to my creative self. At a heightened time in my life with new jobs, recent deaths in my family, and the increasing pressures of homeownership and wearing several hats in my work life Hambidge gave me a much needed respite. I followed the advice of so many before me and spent the first 3 days doing nothing but listening to my body and the weather outside my cabin. In that time I was challenged by the art of doing nothing with is very difficult especially when you are a high-producing and performing individual in your day to day life. In first those 3 days I had to reassess what I deem as successful, I did a lot of reflective writing to get things off my brain and onto paper, and then I felt a sense of freedom to create, exist and just be. Listening to my body that wanted rest, support and appreciative care. Over the days that would follow I intuitively got so much done not because I was ambitious but because my mind felt free enough to dive into new ideas and thoughts. Stepping away from all my responsibilities in the everyday to nurture my creative practice, mind, and self here at Hambidge was the most restorative process I could have asked for. It is truly a gift to my creative self, to who I am, and worth every penny. I look forward to returning again and continue to learn how to bring some of that cabin in the woods sense of peace into my hustle and bustle everyday life in Atlanta.” 

– Stephanie Brown, Georgia, Photography