by Heather Watt
I’ve just returned from one of the most colourful and inspiring experiences of my life — a month-long art residency in Puebla, Mexico. From the moment I arrived, Puebla felt alive.
The streets were lined with brightly tiled buildings, markets overflowing with fruit, flowers, and handmade crafts, and music spilling out from every corner. It was the perfect backdrop to immerse myself in artmaking. For four weeks, I was able to fully focus on creating, with no distractions except the swirl of colours, textures, and patterns all around me.
Every day brought something new — wandering through bustling markets collecting materials, sketching the city’s ornate facades, and experimenting in the studio with ideas sparked by Mexico’s energy. I found myself layering bolder colours, building more texture, and letting the vibrancy of Puebla seep into my work!
The residency wasn’t just about the place, though — it was also about the people. I met artists from across the world, each bringing their own stories and practices. Our conversations over meals, late-night studio sessions, and walks through the city became just as inspiring as the art itself.
At the end of my time in Mexico, I joined an Intrepid tour through Cuba with a small group of eight fellow travellers. Cuba was challenging at times, but utterly unforgettable. Havana’s crumbling beauty, the pulse of music on the streets, and the resilience of its people left a strong impression on me.
Coming home to Whangamatā, I feel both grateful and inspired. Travel has a way of opening your eyes — and it reminded me how lucky I am to live in the paradise of the Coromandel. My suitcase may be unpacked, but the colours, textures, and spirit of Mexico and Cuba are still buzzing inside me, ready to spill into my next body of work.
Heather has two upcoming artbeat spring festival workshops in November, both areDay of the Dead/Frida Kahlo Mixed Media Workshops. To find out more and to book, use the below link to the event in our artbeat online event listing.
