AGA LAB

I felt the residency was very strong for graphic work or silkscreen. I enjoyed everyone I met and my time at AGA Lab. Getting the resources and funding for my projects would be the obstacles that if given the chance to return I would like to do better.

I produced a lot of work. The facilities are quite run down. Very good for screen print. Poor technical assistance in etching. I found the money part of the residency pushy; they doubled their rate while I was there and tried to add extras to the bill when I came to pay at the end. I had to hire a drawer to store my paper; I had to hire a box to put my materials in. It leaves a bad taste in the mouth at the end of the residency, which is short-sighted on their part. Reputation is everything. However, I made a lot of work and really enjoyed that. 24 hr access is brilliant and the residency room is in the same building so it’s all on site.

Benefits: possibility to experiment with many printing techniques: silk screen, riso, digital printing, toyobo. Also an inspiring environment to work with people using these techniques. Challenges: high material costs, not that much time slots to reserve printing machines because many people use them. Practical advice: get funding for your materials, have a clear plan.

The AGA LAB residency is really worth attending. I did silk-screening during my residency. But you can also work with other graphic techniques. In a short time you develop new work. It’s inspiring.