Joya: AiR / Kay Walsh / NZ
photo Simon Beckmann
Joya: AiR / Kay Walsh / NZ
“Returning to Joya: AiR in Spring cast a different light and view onto a now remembered landscape. The ground cover of wild flowers circling the house and beyond softened the terrain and covered the cracked clay. Sways of purple and yellow meadows spread across the immediate landscape and beyond.
It felt familiar but different from my previous visit.
I was excited to be back at Joya and to spend time outside in the landscape when the heat was less imposing.
Daily walks traversing the immediate high points was a focus for a collaborative piece of work with fellow artist Gill Ord. Conversations, impressions and objects collected on these walks became the starting point of a drawing in response to these meanderings.
I also wanted to use the time to try out some new ideas and ways of working related to my current research into rewilding here in the UK. Having the time and space to experiment was invaluable and will inform how the work evolves now back home.
Thankyou to the fellow artist and writers who shared their practise generously.
Evenings were spend immersed in performance, reading a part from a developing play, applying face masks sourced from the surrounding barranco along with many conversations and amazing food.
Thank you Donna and Simon for your care and kindness in creating a truely inspired place to explore, create and just be, far away from the usual distractions of daily life”.