Joya: AiR / Crystal Fischetti / UK
photo Simon Beckmann
‘The space, to think, be and feel in such a pure environment.
Founders Simon and Donna welcomed me into their little oasis. I have high praises for their commitment living off-grid, their ethos and life’s work related to art with sustainability, the environment, connection and history of species and people of the area is so inspirational.
The works I have created here has been in pure flow, I had time and space to think and connect, to relate to my passion for the ‘leave no trace’ approach but creating three projects on site, on land and then removing them.
These three projects surrounded the theme of Air and what it means in Ayurveda. As humans, without Vayu ( air) we cannot breathe and this does not allow for Prana ( life force energy to come through).
The projects were painted on, printed creating memory with hands and paper appreciating the present moment, installed in a semi sculptural format. They included upcycled bed sheets soaked in acrylic water, dried, printed with washi paper, soaked in by upcycled paper form my studio, London which I brought up here, pastels, … Each project was filmed with me in and out of the context of my work , no words out loud, documented, written about in my notebooks, sketchbooks and on my online portal: Instagram. There will be an ongoing dialogue and continued approach to the SERIES: AIR practice online and if I am allowed back I would love to continue to explore it here again.
Somehow and maybe unknowingly, Simon and Donna have helped to unlock the truest essence of me and my work without apology, with reverence for nature in a way I have only dreamed my work could be.
It’s not surprising either than on this occasion all the creatives on this art residency were empowered, inspirational, leading women, living and being their truth. I have made beautiful friendships. We had fun each night, eating together as a Joya: Air family and then drinking red wine, talking, playing and watching movies together.
Unforgettable.
Thank you’.