A Position on Retreat
Lake Cowichan, Vancouver Island, Canada
This residency was a perfect location to do focused, inspired work. The diverse ecosystems and natural beauty of Vancouver Island, and this residency's proximity to nature makes it particularly valuable for artists whose work is engaged with the natural world. You can walk to a lake, river, streams and many trailheads from the house, and drive to many other ecosystems and environmental wonders. The living situation is a comfortable house with different options for studio space, both shared and private, that will meet a wide range of needs; the town is walkable and convenient with groceries and other shops only a few blocks from the house. The host, Brad, is a multi-talented visual artist who offers optional training and professional development in his fields of expertise as well as studio visits and trips around the Island. Artists from all disciplines are welcome (I'm a musician and felt well-accommodated) and all activities are optional, so you have a lot of autonomy. The host does not live on site but is easily accessible for any questions. He and fellow residents create a lovely interdisciplinary artistic community for living and working.
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There are simply none to very little international residencies in Vancouver Island and that's why so many interesting artists come find this heaven in Cowichan Lake, Vancouver Island. Brad, the host and artist himself, is an amazing person and a professor teaching a variety fields of arts in the University of Victoria and you can learn SO MUCH from him. The nature and surroundings are amazing also. It's sitting right at the point where TansCanada trail begins in addition to so many cool trails. There's even an amazing foresty trail hidden in the back of a big supermarket in town. Brad offers a car pickup/dropoff on demand (extra charge but very reasonable price) and arrange cool excursions around the Island based on the needs and interests of each residency cohort. We went to Avatar Grove, beach (forgot the name), Victoria and above all, Brad's cool art studios! And I also went on to a few more trips arranged with my fellow residents during my stay. Amazing sound artist, painter, and a writer. All great people!! And of course you are encourage to rent a car to take full advantages, but I felt absolutely fine and happy even without a car for 3 weeks of my stay. It's a big 2-story-house (very pretty blue house) and they have 4~5 private rooms with 2 full bathrooms and 2 kitchens. And equipment for digital artworks such as photography (they let you borrow their great digital camera), high-end computer for VR, AR, 3D modeling work if you are interested, and also 3D printers in a shared studio space downstairs. And you can learn how to use them from Brad if needed! Some traditional painters in previous cohorts learned these new technology during the stay and created a final artwork at the end of the residency. They also have easels and some tools for traditional paintings also. And A MUST READ for everyone - a book titled "All Sky, Mirror Ocean: A Healing Manifesto" written by Brad Necyk, a founder of the residency. You will find this place peaceful and fulfilling. And if you don't want to create arts and just relax and explore the nature - it's a perfect place for that too!
This residency sparked inspiration in so many ways- a peaceful place with a friendly vibe helped me focus. I usually have difficulty focusing and the quiet environment helped. I was able to work through my creative block by spending time with other artists at this residency.
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