Joya: AiR / Lucy Ridges/ GBR

‘I came to Joya: AiR for a short time only, without any heavy expectations of what I wanted to get done. I came with a few loose new ideas I wanted to work on, and a couple of almost-completed projects that I wanted to think over, consider, and complete. 

From the moment I arrived, I felt calm and welcomed, and I knew it was going to be a great week. There’s a real energy to the place, everyone is cracking on and doing their thing, but there’s a really beautiful atmosphere of sharing, support, and friendship. 

Donna’s cooking was a highlight! Some of the tastiest, most nutritious, wholesome food I’ve ever eaten. Meal after meal was just incredible. Sharing meals together in the evenings with the other artists quickly became one of my favourite times of the day. Enhancing the sense of community that I was already feeling. 

I’m really happy with the work I ended up producing, my studio was ample sized and filled with loads of natural light. I felt like I had so much time to breathe, in a way that I don’t really get at home. I love residencies for their ability to take you to a different place with your creativity, without distractions. The location is great, most afternoons I went for a big walk in the beautification surroundings.

I had some lovely talks with the other artists and writers, and it felt so nice to talk through my ideas with other people, who gave a different perspective to the work. 

I really hope to return to Joya: AiR soon! Thanks so much Donna and Simon. 

Lucy Ridges