Joya: AiR / Nathaniel Marchand / CAN

“I spent most of my days at Joya: AiR with my camera in hand, exploring the terraced fields of the surrounding almond farms and the rugged foothills of Parque Natural Sierra María - Los Vélez. At once tranquil and full of splendor, the natural backdrop provided space for reflection and inspiration. I pondered the natural colours available in the region, from the earth pigments, to the possible hues that one could yield from the orange lichen on the almond trees, or the acorn caps of the kermes oaks. Rosemary, thyme, and almond hulls were gathered and steeped into eco-developers for my rolls of film - a recipe I only successfully concocted weeks after my time in residence.

In contrast to the solitude of my days, my evenings were filled with delicious food prepared by our hosts, as well as convivial and critical conversations with my fellow artists-in-residence. As much as I benefited from the time for contemplation and experimentation, I also appreciated the opportunity to engage in discourse regarding creative processes, ecology, and journeys of self-discovery”.

Nathaniel Marchand

Nathaniel Marchand (Métis/Franco-Canadian) is an interdisciplinary artist and educator whose artistic practice involves exploring relationships to the land and the use of natural materials. Through collage, sculpture, photography, video, audio, performance and installation, he investigates environmental policy, ethnobotanical histories and natural phenomena. An advocate for community and creativity, he frequently facilitates intergenerational and cross-cultural collaborative programs and workshops ranging from eco-arts to new media.

Simon Beckmann3 June 2024