I am settling into the paradise, spaciousness and good company of other artists here at the OBRAS Artist Residency in the Alentejo region of Portugal. I have been lucky enough to be a guest here many times, so it feels wonderfully comfortable to me here and the hospitality and gracious care of Carolien and Ludger (my hosts) is such a gift. I have been shooting “self-portraits” early in the mornings with my relatively new Sony camera. This morning I found a rhythm with the light, the autofocus and the composition. One of Graciela Iturbide’s self-portraits, the remarkable Mexican photographer, was the inspiration for beginning—but no dead birds for me. I am showing her portrait below.

The landscape of earth, ancient stone, cork oak (and many sheep) surrounds me and from my little casa I look up at the mountain of Evoramonte. The building are all made of stone and earth. I found these stones that Ludger lovingly excavated from an ancient stone wall. They look like eyes to me.

Just beginning, so happy to be here and to have the space and stillness.

Lots of love and gratitude to all.