Katie Barron

A look back at my time as Artist in Residence

My time in Cossack was deeply inspiring and I returned to my home studio with a renewed energy. Spending a month in such a unique and beautiful environment inspired me to create new works that I had never considered before and taught me to look at the landscape in a new way.

The artwork I created while in Cossack was completely different to my normal practice and I'm excited to carry that with me as I dive back into my normal practice at home. The creative connections I made in Cossack can't be understated either. Friendships and professional connections I made while Artist in Residence have brought about new exhibition opportunities, ways of creating art, and creative partnerships.

My advice to artists considering applying…

My advice to future Artists in Residence would be to get out and connect with people in the area as much as you can in the beginning. Four weeks in a ghost town can feel quite long and lonely if you're alone but it's also plenty of time to form great relationships. Get out to local beaches, markets, cafes, and more to get to know the locals in the region and you won't regret it. As powerful as the landscape is, it's the people that will stay with you when you leave. 

I would also recommend considering your materials and travelling lightly wherever you can. In Cossack, the buildings are old and beautiful but that comes with its challenges when it comes to art-making. If possible, consider using materials that can be used anywhere and avoid methods that require specialised spaces to create the artwork. As a bonus, if you can make work anywhere you'll be able to get out into nature and make art wherever inspiration strikes you.