Joya: AiR / Eleanor Cunningham / MA Painting / Manchester School of Art Postgraduate Residency

‘My time at Joya: AiR came as a welcome opportunity to step back from my painting practice and focus on drawing. The meditative process of thinking through drawing, in tandem with my experience of the landscape, has driven me into a new phase of working, giving my practice new life.

Aside from drawing, I spent my time walking in the surrounding mountains, exploring the land, quietly reflecting and writing, and having stimulating conversations with other artists. Spending time in the vast natural landscape was a relief from the speed of day to day life in the city. I relished the feeling of slowing down, and found the week at Joya to be a deeply peaceful experience.

Thanks to Donna and Simon for sharing such an incredible space with us and being such wonderful and welcoming hosts’.

Simon Beckmann28 March 2023Manchester School of Art