Painter Carly DiFraia joined us at Paintrock Canyon Ranch this fall as part of the Ranchlands Collective Artist Residency. During her time here, she explored what it means to live and create with intention.

The average person spends only 7–15 seconds looking at a work of art before moving on. This short attention span mirrors the way we move through our own lives. Caught up in the fast-paced routines of every day, we allow days to slip by almost unnoticed.

In my art practice, I focus on the intimacy between people and place, doing so on a small scale. By working small, there becomes a physical demand for the viewer to approach the painting and spend time with it. In order to see the subject matter, you must take time and lean in close. Through this act, the viewer becomes immersed in the setting and story of each piece. I have long used the term “Slow Down, Lean In” to describe the content and experience of looking at my work.

Through my participation in the Ranchlands Collective Artist Residency, I was shocked to understand how fast-paced and hectic the routines of my everyday life had become. Despite my emphasis on slowing down and leaning in in my art, I realized I had not truly practiced this in my own life. Living at the Paintrock has taught me what it means to live a slower-paced life. Not in the sense of moving slow or doing less, but living with intention, focus, and presence. In observing the lives of others and reflecting on my own, I’ve discovered that true hard work is not separate from intention and focus, but strengthened by them.

Back home, however, I often find myself caught up in chores, errands, and the lives of those around me. I even find myself squeezing in time for art as my last priority. By contrast, living away from distraction and being removed from the chaos of everyday life has allowed me to connect more deeply to myself and my creativity. I have discovered that true creative freedom happens when we are allowed time to fully connect to ourselves, to the land, and to others. This is something that isn’t so easy when we are caught in the motions of life. Stepping away from that pace has helped me to rediscover the meaning of slowness and further lean into my passions.

What I have long asked others through my art, I am only now learning to embrace in my own life. To truly connect with art, and with life itself, we must create space for stillness and intentional focus. My practice is not only about how I see the world through art, but also how I choose to live within it. To “Slow Down, Lean In” is not only a way of experiencing art, but a way of approaching life itself.

At the conclusion of her residency, one of Carly’s original works from the Paintrock will be available for sale, with 50% of proceeds supporting Ranchlands Collective’s arts and education programs. Sign up for updates about the artist residency and works for sale.