Living my dream — Full Shelf Crafts

Over the last two weeks, I got to live out my literal dream: running away to a lighthouse to make brooms. It might seem strange, but trust me when I say this has been years in the making.

I was ecstatic when I found out I had been selected as Port Bickerton Lighthouse’s 2024 Artist in Residence. Spending two weeks on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia was a refreshing and inspiring opportunity. Though this experience has been about much more than broom making for me; it feels like the culmination of the past five years of my life.

I have always been interested in history, but my passion for museums was solidified when I began interning at the United States National Lighthouse Museum in high school. I was able to do low-level archival research, give tours of the museum, and share my passions with visitors all while quickly falling in love with lighthouses and the rich history they hold. I am now a passport-holding member of the United States Lighthouse Society and patiently awaiting more stamps :) Maybe it was the maritime allure that drew me to want to continue my education in Nova Scotia, ultimately pursuing a degree in history. While at school in Nova Scotia, I’ve done my best to make it to as many lighthouses as possible, though that proves to be difficult without a driver's license (I swear I’ll get it next summer). Their charm still has not worn off.

While at university in Nova Scotia, my love for public history only grew which led me to apply for a summer job at Historic Richmond Town back in Staten Island after my first year. It was there where I became absolutely enamored with broom making. I received nothing but encouragement as I started learning the trade and the history that came along with it. It quickly became so much more than a summer job to me; it became meditation, reflection, and a connection with the past. I brought my broom making back to Nova Scotia with me for the following two school years.

After trying to juggle farmer’s markets, university classes, and work, I realized that I just didn’t have the time or space to work on my brooms in any meaningful capacity. Like many other creatives and artists, my art unfortunately has to be the first to go when trying to balance school and/or work. I started searching for artist in residence programs, even if just to go through the application process and nothing else. Though Port Bickerton’s program immediately caught my eye because of my love for lighthouses. When I found out that I had been accepted, I was over the moon.

The weeks passed by and I counted down the days until I left, anxious about what it would be like. I set out to use my phone as little as possible and to focus on being present and creating--something that sounds ideal, but became more daunting when I considered this would be the longest time I have ever spent alone. Those thoughts circled around in my head as I packed everything I could possibly need for my two week stay in the remote area. Though every worry subsided when I arrived. After a long and winding drive, I came upon the site of the lighthouse where I would be staying and creating for the next two weeks.

One of the largest challenges I have when it comes to broom making is the lack of a dedicated space. In a shared university apartment, I can’t really leave my materials out, and anyone who makes brooms knows that set-up, prep, and clean-up take longer than making a broom itself. As soon as I got to the old light keeper’s house (where I stayed and worked), I was able to spread out and make a work space. Instead of rushing to meet a deadline, I was able to work at my leisure and not feel guilty about putting something down for the day.

These past two weeks have taught me an incredible amount about not only broom making, but also how to sit in silence, pay attention to nature, be by myself, and take deep breaths. This time has been an incredible privilege that I know many artists long for and I feel spoiled for receiving an opportunity like this so early in my broom making journey.

Before I wrap up this adventure, there are a few people that I have to thank in helping make this happen. Thank you to everyone at Port Bickerton Lighthouse who made my dreams come true. Thank you to Laurie and Trevor for being more than okay with me taking off work for two weeks to run away to a lighthouse. Thank you to Simon and Cathy for your generosity in trekking me and all of my broomcorn there and back. Thank you to everyone at Historic Richmond Town, especially Ian, who have supported me, provided encouragement, and entrusted me with the Kruser-Finley. Thank you to Jim and Bob who ignited the love of both museums and lighthouses within me. Thank you to my professors, especially Dr. Rombough, for encouraging me to include my passions in my academic work. Thank you to all my friends who support my weird interests and listen to me talk about brooms. Thank you to my family for raising me to be inquisitive, curious, and willing to try and making things.

If you’re looking to take a vacation in Eastern Nova Scotia, I implore you to look into staying at Port Bickerton Lighthouse. Their website has more information about renting the keeper’s house. Please consider donating to their association to provide assistance in maintaining their historic light. Enjoy some more photos I took on my grandfather’s film camera :)

Living my dream for two weeks

Brooms in early modern European art: feminine oppression, resistance, and reclamation