Joya: AiR / Brianna Beckford / MFA Painting / Manchester School of Art Postgraduate Residency

‘What initially attracted me to doing a residency at Joya: AiR was the freedom of being away from digital mediums I learned to have a crutch on. Recently, I've appreciated exploring new modes of making, and that's what I intended to continue doing here.

In Joya, I found a place that resembled a home I was used to, while still existing in a completely different environment. Joya: AiR and Velez-Blanco as a whole are incredibly enriching and made me think about how to mesh the new and the old, how to bring old crafts and workflows back into the present day. There's an amazing confluence of presences at Joya that make it a ghost site sprung anew, especially considering its ecology and history.

Although I didn't come with a set plan, my intention was to create and have fun. Plant weaving, 3D modeling, and alternative photography became the prime areas I navigated. Donna and Simon were incredible in giving me insight that informed my work and research. An absolutely amazing experience and place’!