Joya: AiR / Susan Calverley Parker / MA Painting / Manchester School of Art Postgraduate Residency

‘ The residency at Joya_AiR in Spain offered me a wonderful opportunity to make some expanded paintings surrounded by nature. Simon and Donna have created a peaceful, contemplative environment for any creative

person to develop their art.

I was particularly keen to study the landscape, light and colours so very different from my Yorkshire Dale. There are land management issues to address here, as in Yorkshire, so my existing artistic practice could continue but with a different focus.

On our first day at Joya Simon explained the complex water management and regeneration of native species that is part of the ethos here. After centuries of cultivation the area is now becoming abandoned so needs care and thoughtful use.

For my work I turned to collecting water, dried vegetation and dusty rocks from which I made paint and inks. Iam a process led artist so was then inspired to start developing some images which, Ihope, will reflect the delicate balance and beauty surrounding us.

One week is not enough!’

Susan Calverley Parker