“Joya:AiR!! A little oasis in the desert, there is a certain familiarity and comfort in the majestic mountains that remind me of home, so I’m immediately seduced! My work process is informed by the architecture, archeology, and visual language of the landscape, and therefore it is imperative that I physically connect with a place, to embody the fragility of what lies beneath the very ground we take for granted. Painting for me is like an archaeological dig, layering the now, revealing and juxtaposing with the marks of the past. I'm going to be in my element here exploring and understanding the fundamentals and the diversity of my new temporary surroundings, and how it differs from the landscape at home, considering the implications of climate change on both environments.

The main house flows sympathetically and unobtrusively complimenting its natural surroundings, the studio which I shared with Rennie is neatly tucked away behind the main house, so leaving the house every morning became part of my daily ritual, along with the making of the log fire,  which warmed us through the self imposed long evenings making art, the comforting whir of the wind operating the wind turbine, a constant reminder of our power source and remoteness.

I’m aware of the stillness evident even in the breeze,  there is a calmness a sense of place interrupted only by birdsong and the welcoming buz of the bees, watching the changing light revealing the grandeur of the mountains beyond, and the vultures in flight high in the sky above, dwarfed by the majesty of the landscape, the delicacy of the wild flowers blowing in the breeze, reminds me of the fragility of our planet and how small we are in comparison.

Discovering the Barranco was a truly magical experience for me, so enchanting it’s like a huge natural theatre, a surreal organic landscape, which snakes its path through the rock, where water has historically coursed its way relentlessly moving and repositioning rocks, uprooting trees and carving ravines, where, as a spectator I’m drawn back daily, to wonder at and witness the creeping shadows inhabiting this evolving landscape, the distinct smell of the Aleppo pines and rosemary, the silence punctuated by the distant sound of cow bells, upon the the necks of a local goat herd, and the intermittent sound of the woodpecker making his presence known, the abundance of fossils to remind me that this was once a sea bed, and home to ancient ancestors. Here, sitting upon a huge boulder I feel embedded, and connected to this place.  I’m overwhelmed by the sheer scale and presence of history and connection to this primeval landscape. 

As the sun sets in this magical place, a warm fire awaits in the house, around which memorable conversations, games and laughs, and new friendships are forged.  Not forgetting the laughs and further conversations had around the dining table, when our amazing hosts Donna and Simon joined us to share the delicious food, cooked up by Donna, always an unforgettable feast, for the eyes, stomach and soul. 

Thank you Donna and Simon for your warm hospitality and glimpse into your special life that you have carved out, and for sharing your space, lovely family, and of course Frida, Fufu, not forgetting the cats, and the incredible landscape with all of us kindred spirits, who came together, connected, shared experiences and forged lasting friendships. These memories will remain in my heart, inspire and inform my future creative practices”.  

Vicki O'Donoghue

Visual Artist

Vicki holds F.E.T.A.C Certificate with Distinction level 5 Fine Art, F.E.T.A.C level 6  Advanced Certification with Distinction. London Art College Distinction in History of Art.

She also owns and runs Blackwatch Studio, where she facilitates an open studio for artists, and many creative multidisciplinary workshops.