Joya: AiR / Rachel Clancy / MA Painting / Manchester School of Art Postgraduate Residency

The Joya: AiR residency gave me the opportunity to step back and reflect on my usual painting practice and experiment with other mediums and techniques. Being immersed in the peaceful, picturesque landscape allowed me space and time to develop my drawing technique and allow new subject matter to inspire my future paintings.

Whilst I came with an open mind of what I wanted to create, the freedom and long sunny days allowed time for exploring, drawing and collaboration with other students. Currently exploring interiors in my painting practice, I found myself particularly drawn to the intricate architecture and design of the Joya building itself. The residency has opened my eyes to different ways of working and was the perfect opportunity to break my every day routine and reflect.

Thank you to Donna and Simon for being so helpful throughout the trip and welcoming us into their wonderful space!