Joya: AiR / Alastair Fallon / MA Painting / Manchester School of Art Postgraduate Residency

At Joya: AiR I left behind my painting practice to focus on creating new work which reflected the unique soul of the landscape that I had the privilege to witness. I decided I would make charcoal from the local almond, pine and olive trees so I could make organic and authentic marks that could only be made in Joya. I began to make charcoal drawings by a formula of small repetitive movements that reflected the process of carving the wood when making the charcoal itself. These repetitive movements slowed the work down and allowed me space to make more careful considerations when guiding the work.

The rest of my time was spent on daily hikes and meditations, moments of quiet reflection, and inspiring conversations with the other resident artists.

The work I made in Joya I could not have made anywhere else, it is a truly special place. Thank you Simon and Donna for giving me an experience that I will carry with me in life and in my work

Simon Beckmann28 March 2023