Ceiba Grafica
“La Ceiba Grafica” is graphic institute located in the hearth of the rain forest, in a tiny village, called la Orduna, in the State of Veracruz Mexico, far away from tourists. I spent three month there on a production reisdency focused on lithograhy. His founder, the Swedish master lithographer Per Aderson, invented a way of making lithographs using the local marble, allowing this technique to be more affordable and widespread all over Mexico. The centre is a living museum, where printmaking processes are unveiled and experienced, and it focuses on sustainability and ecology, communitarian work and research. La Ceiba Grafica is named after a huge tree that protects and dominates the the centre. The actual estate used to be a coffee factory from 1593. It survived the Mexican revolution and it was abandoned till the local artists' community gave it a new life. The colonial look disclose an enticing variety of studios: paper making, stone lithography, moku-hanga, etching, letter-press, book-binding, ceramic and a life-drawing. I met artists from the Americas and the States, researched about myths, dances and traditions, connected with the local community. From February till April I created 12 lithographies based on human anatomy and mysticism . I came back shipping 18 Kilos of printed paper on an extra luggage! Lumen Residency Lumen is an art collective who explore themes of astronomy and light, based in London. They aim to inspire a dialogue about how humanity understands existence, space and cosmos.
This two-weeks residency is set up in the peaceful village of Atina, situated 154 km away Rome. At night time Atina benefits from natural darkness and is a great spot for viewing the Moon, stars and meteor showers. Lumen selects 25 artists from all over the world to partake this programme. During the first week the group visits several astronomical sights and then have the opportunity to create works responding to that experience and place. The resulting artwork or the draft of a project is showcased in exhibitions in Atina and London. Studio space is large and bright. This programme represents a unique occasion to get toghether with other artists, learn and observe from one another, widen our practice trough confrontation and different approaches. I found it inspiring, the challenge of changing studio lead me discover new methods of making my own work. I particiated for two years and I still partake Lumen events. |
If you like to know more about these residencies you will find the right links here
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