Joya: AiR / Amanda Brown / CAN

photo Simon Beckmann

Joya: AiR / Amanda Brown / USA_CAN

”I started this residency thinking about having time to create several sculptures.  Once I got to Joya: AiR, off-grid and surrounded by nature, this ephemeral and tranquil place lead me to explore my relationship with creating and listening instead of just creating objects. At first overwhelmed by the amount of quiet and solitude, I found a meditation on creating and a complete creative and spiritual reset.  This alone time was balanced by the connection to a small group of creative people with whom I shared meals, hikes, presentations, and studio visits.   

Every morning, I began my studio practice just outside my studio arranging and rearranging rocks and small branches to make sculptures.  With no city noises, and only the sounds of insects, birds and the wind, my practice was pared down.  I experimented with hand-stitching starched lace pieces to form an arch sculpture formed by the undulating shapes that followed the contour of the lace pieces. The knots and seams were bared and turned to the outside.  Working in the warm sun with views of olive trees, wildflowers, and mountains, I was trying to reflect lightness amidst the heaviness of contemporary society. 

Donna and Simon are kind and welcoming hosts.  They have created a beautiful space in harmony with nature to give artists space.  Thoughtful touches like evening wood stoves make a chilly evening feel cosy and at every moment you feel looked- after especially when enjoying delicious home-cooked meals at the end of the day”.

Amanda Brown

Amanda Brown is a sculptor and video artist who grew up on the southern coast of Rhode Island and currently lives in Montreal with her family.   In her Installations she combines sculptural materials such as wood, clay or fabric with found objects such as household furniture to create intimate experiences within public spaces.  Amanda has an MFA in 3D from Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She has shown her work in galleries and museums in the US, Canada, Denmark, and China.  Her other residencies have included a NCECA fellowship in Ghana, Guldagergaard in Denmark, and Studio Beluga in Montreal.