Reconnecting: Aleka Potinga reflects on her NAVIGATOR residency at Garter Lane Arts Centre

I started my musical journey as a child studying cello. Recently, we grew apart, and I could never find the time to reconnect with my childhood instrument. I played it occasionally, but I never wrote a piece for my cello playing. I was thrilled when I found out I would do a Navigator residency; finally, some time for myself and my cello.

I received a very warm welcome in Waterford at the Garter Lane Arts Centre. Derek was the first person to greet me, and I want to extend a big thanks to him for taking care of me for the two weeks. I can be forgetful, sometimes a space cadet, and he was amazing at solving everything for me. Sile (director of Garter Lane) and Aoife (IMC) were there to introduce me to the studio: a gorgeous bright white room with big windows. It was an interesting contrast, my white studio against the grey rainy backdrop of Waterford. Not a complaint, as rain is the best motivator for staying inside and writing music. I loved both the rain and the grey.

The first day was for sightseeing. I loved the new Viking statues around the city; it's all very mysterious. I felt lucky with the number of Indian restaurants in the city as it's definitely my favorite cuisine. The quiet Waterford evenings were also a great change from my Dublin 1 nights. I was so tired when this residency started; tired from working on all the non-musical things. Sleep and finding inspiration were my most important goals.

I came to Waterford with the idea of writing music based on Irish Mythology and doing some reading. Of course, I ended up doing everything backwards. I sat with my cello and just played. Good ideas emerged. I started the pieces and later found mythology ideas to connect with. Most people compose from a story or lyrics... I just love the sound. For me, sound is the first line of communication. I wrote two pieces in the first four days of the residency. The theme was the witch Fuamnach and her curses, a rather dark story. At the end of the first week, we had an informal gig in the center. Guitarist Chris Guilfoyle came over to play this new music with me. With the risk of sounding too sentimental... what would I do without my partner in crime, and music? Not only for the personal support he offers but also for his uplifting musicianship; he is truly irreplaceable.

During the second week, I continued my cello practice but also spent quality time with the visual artists I met at Garter Lane. Three recent graduates with incredible talent: Rachel Roberts, Maddie Cahill Byrne, and Burke. We're already planning a collaboration, and I'm thrilled about having great visuals to complement my music. I also had a small recital at SETU with some of the jazz teachers and had lessons with some vocalists from their music program; beautiful voices.

Dooley's Hotel was also a wonderful space, very warm and homey. I look forward to going back and exploring the surroundings of Waterford.

Thank you all for your support: Garter Lane (Sile, Derek), Improvised Music Company (Aoife, in this case, for taking care of everything), Chris for playing with me, Rachel, Maddie, and Burke. Special thanks to my cello for waiting so long and not growing legs and leaving me.