Joya: PDP / Esme Badham / GBR

“How grateful I am to have had the opportunity to spend three amazing weeks participating in the Joya: Air graduate/undergraduate Personal and Professional Development program. What an incredible place Simon and Donna have built to share with and welcome artists from all over the world. As my first time at a residency this has been an eye opening and inspiring experience for me as I go forward into my third year of BA Fine Art and Art History at Goldsmiths University London.

I have been energised by the other artists at Joya: AiR, and have created close bonds, through the sharing of walks, studio visits, meals, presentations and mutual creative passions.

In my free time I have had the chance to share and reflect on my own practise as an artist, which is heading in the direction of sculpture and body armour, combining traditional metalwork techniques with modern notions of seduction and beauty, as I aim to attach bodily immediacy to the works.

Walking, hiking (and occasionally sleeping outside!) in the beautiful landscape has allowed me to develop a more considered practise of thinking, writing and reflecting. I hope to continue to return to Joya: AiR as it combines the amazing elements of an unparalleled landscape, continually fascinating people and artists, and the kindest and most dedicated hosts”.

Esme Badham

Simon Beckmann3 August 2025