Joya: AiR / Alessa Joosten / DEU

‘My two weeks in Joya: AiR were the best start into the new year I can imagine. It was not only a good way to escape the gray cold winter in Germany. The stay also grounded me again and helped me to get new energy. After a long creative break, Joya was the perfect place for a fresh start, freed from pressure to go new ways. A big part of this was the warm community. The common exchange with the other residents about the work, the state of mind or common interests were very fulfilling. Going for walks together and evenings spent together in front of the fireplace helped make us feel like a little family.

Donna and Simon also played a big part in making me feel very comfortable. It seems like they dedicate their lives to the Joya project and you can feel the warmth and joy they have in being surrounded with the artists. The varied and nourishing dinner that Donna lovingly cooked for us was the highlight of each day.

I enjoyed the silence and tranquility at Joya. The world seems to turn a little slower there and life is dictated by the rhythm of nature. We witnessed a breathtaking starry night with shooting stars and a full moon night as bright as day. Besides the old riverbed, the back of the house was one of my favorite places. There was the best space for sunny breaks from work with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.

The first week was full of excursions into nature and collecting objects from the surrounding area. There was only us there. Influenced by the landscape and by the other artists, my work in the second week was affected by the surroundings. Surrounded by so much clay, it was natural to make clay myself. This process was lengthy but created a bond with the material. Baking the clay in the fire also felt very close to nature.

I thank Simon and Donna, as well as the other Residencies for this inspiring time that I will always carry in my heart. I took home so many good memories, and a suitcase full of works’.

Alessa Joosten