ARTIST RESIDENCY AT POTTERY STUDIO
ABOUT ARTIST RESIDENCY
We provide a space for all creative thinkers and makers to reflect and experiment. Relaxation, creativity, and well-being comes from being free to work and rest to your own timetable, in such tranquil surroundings.
Come and work, dream, contemplate and rejuvenate your creative self among the vast fields of Rundale in peace. Community of like-minded creative people, animals and nature.
The residencies are self-directed - please have enough pottery knowledge to work independently.
STUDIO SPACE
Set up with 2 pottery wheels, electric kiln, working table, shelving, sink.
We have a stock of materials available for purchase but please check with us beforehand to make sure we can provide what you need. Also available:
gas kiln (1300 C)
raku kiln
wood-fired kiln for reduction fired earthenware (1100 C)
PROPERTY
Located in the rural Zemgale countryside, closest town Bauska is 25km, the vibrant capital Riga convenient 70km away, surrounded by vast farming fields, horse farm and enchanted apple orchard. With no pressure to produce, as we promise no exhibition for residents, artists are free to fully immerse into their practice.
All who apply need to be self-motivated and resourceful and appreciate a quiet working environment.
What is unique to this place?
Access to a well-stocked material library and equipment (porcelain, clay, more than 6 different stoneware bodies), fully equipped glaze room, wood, gas, raku, and electric kilns! It's truly a Potters Paradise :)
You are in the middle of "nowhere" yet Somewhere where everything is provided for you.
There is both solitude and community. I find that both are equally valuable, there are creatives around to reach out for company and space to retreat into for more inner journey.
Latvia doesn't feature magnificent mountains or a fascinating jungle, yet the subtle beauty of our nature invites the soul to notice the details. Perfect training for the Potters Eye.
THE FOUR SEASONS
When is the best time to visit Latvia? Latvia is distinctively divided by the seasons, each one offering a different rhythm and energy.
THE SPRING
In early March- the earth is just about waking up from deep sleep, snow is melting, and the rivers and the sea bulging with the moving ice. It takes a few weeks to settle and become in Tune – just in time to really Feel the Awakening.
You must blink slowly because every day new buds are sprouting up, Life Awakens so quickly after winter Hibernation. A special time in Latvia – to replenish the bodies after winter mode we drink Birch and Maple Sap and eat all the first greens (nettle, linden buds, and such). The first radish coming up in our very own greenhouse and Latvia’s specialty - the cold Pink soup with all the aliveness of Spring is on Menu often!
And finally, in May – the apple, the plum, and the cherry trees put on the most beautiful show of the year- similar to Japanese Sakura – without the mad traffic though- enjoy the full splendor of orchard in peaceful quiet - the Nature puts on this show just for VIP guests :)
For studio practice – it's a perfect time, just as nature awakens through these 3 months, you will too culminate in Full Blooming.
The summer
The plants Explode in a certain hurry and passion in Summer, after all, they only have a few months to show their power and beauty! The Energy is buzzing all around, the farm is productive and so must everyone. Yet the temptation to glide through the lakes and rivers on your back, or simply lie in a meadow and enjoy the outdoors is high too. It's the best time to explore our beautiful country in comfort. Studio practice and relaxing and enjoying life go closely together, and balance will be found.
The most cherished event of the year for all Earth children - the Midsummer! I dare to say- the tradition is nowhere so well preserved and widely celebrated (in a neo-pagan way) than in Latvia! Weaving flower crowns, singing folk songs, and joining folk dance circles as well as jumping over bonfires is kind of obligatory.
Then July- I dare say we have the biggest non-commercial sweet cherry garden in the country- so a bucket of cherries is guaranteed every day of July, self-service. Wow. If you think strawberries are a luxury...you haven’t been in Latvia in the summer- you get them in big wood boxes or pick yourself to fill the bodies strawberry reserve for the whole year! All while singing Strawberry fields forever!
August- the harvest time going full speed both in nature and in the studio, amongst the beauty and deliciousness of nature’s bounty- we are certain you will harvest your own special gifts too, in abundance!
The Fall
It's an interesting time to Start something, as everything else in Nature is finishing something. A cycle is slowly completing, inviting us all to slow down and count our blessings, to slowly start going within and build a reserve. While the summer hype got us all buzzing, now is the time to be more mindful, a great time to consider your creative practice and see what to bring further, and where to delve in deeper.
It's harvest time, and eating pumpkin is obligatory every other day, and so are apples and pears- unlimited amounts fresh from the garden. Of course, everything is organic. You are reminded daily about the bounty and generosity of Mother Earth and thus replenished- you too can become generous- in your own way showing love for this Earth.
Sky puts on a special performance at every season, but Fall is magnificent! The cloud performance over the open, flat landscape is something Extra-Ordinary, giving some great inspiration for glaze development. As the earth cools -October, and November is special due to many misty mornings, that transform the surroundings into an enchanted fairy tale. And of course- an extra special dose of Yellow covers the country- like daily vitamin C for the soul- the autumn trees dance their way to winter.
As you finish this making cycle, Nature goes to rest, we are all well-stocked for beauty and vitamins for winter ahead.
The Winter
Winter term might be the best time to be in the studio. Especially November, while the moisture in the air makes it feel extra cold- no better excuse to be totally immersed in the studio practice. Some Christmas songs and everyone is ready to Elf-away in this cozy nest! Soon though the land is covered by winter fairytale and time for fun in the snow! Cross-country skiing is popular here in the flatlands of Latvia, but some more extreme winter fun is possible too of course. It gets dark around 4 pm, so what else to do than to keep potting away?
The energy in the air is grounded and relaxed, further enhanced by the winter menu- all the root vegetables, legumes and sour kraut and the bounty of the different home preserves and jams (all locally handmade) to get us through till spring.
It is a productive kind of hibernation and like Bears who emerge in spring with their cubs who have appeared as if by magic - you too can emerge from this slow season with newfound direction and skill, ready to sprout up into Blooming.
WHERE
“Laima Ceramics” z/s Urštēni, Svitenes pagasts, Bauskas novads, LV-3917, Latvia
HOW
Application via email- ongoing - laimaceramics@gmail.com
In your application please mention:
What is your previous experience working with ceramics
What will your focus be during your residency (e.g. wheel-throwing, glazing, alternative firings, sculptural/functional etc.)
Will you require any lessons
Watch the guided tour around the main “Laima Ceramics” studio below.
ABOUT ME AND THIS PLACE
Hello, my name is Laima. I grew up on this farm next to what is now the Artist Residency.
In 2013, after finishing my BA degree in the UK (Falmouth University), I set up my pottery studio in my childhood home, next to my parent’s agricultural farm.
In 2016, I had already outgrown the small studio space and with my ceramic income as well as EU funding - built the large "Laima Ceramics" space as well as renovated the attic known as the "Loft" which serves as accommodation for my students.
In 2020 I had the chance to take over the neighbouring 1878 brick building and give it a New Life. I call her "My Lady" and her spirit is rather flirtatious and full of gentle humour, she told me in the very beginning that she will be filled with people, who will all be nurtured and protected by her thick red brick walls. So, my job was to fulfil her wish to the best of my abilities. It is a special kind of honour to be trusted by a 142-year-old giant for her full renovation.
The house had been derelict for more than 10 years so the make-over was BIG- new sewage system, new water source, central heating, all new electric wiring, new roof, wood windows, wood doors. In the interiors, we used as much natural materials and local craftsmanship as possible. Featuring natural oak veneer flooring with flax oil, natural Lime paint, and linen curtains. Much of the furniture is locally made from hardwood, and doors and kitchen units are made from reclaimed wood boards. In 2021 it welcomed its first students :)
As a potter, I am mainly self-taught, and I give most of the credit for my work to my natural environment and simply the time invested in uncovering both the voice of the materials and my own creative voice.
The simplicity and genius of this approach are what I would love to share with people. What I consider most important is setting yourself up for success via the environment setting. That means- taking time out from your usual busy life into stillness. Here we provide you with exactly that. The location is quite isolated, you must make some effort to venture out. This we consider a gift because you soon find that in the stillness and lack of other agendas- you can get that perfect studio practice flow.
I invite you to take care of this place and let it nurture you in response. Find the gift of reciprocity available to us through every interaction.
It is our divine right to create a heavenly reality here on Earth, a Sanctuary where creativity can flourish.
By deciding to join me here - you are supporting and actively participating in helping me further nurture and develop this little corner of Earth that we hold as our Creative Sanctuary. Thank you!
Please send your application via laimaceramics@gmail.com and then make your reservation via the booking link below:
