The Journal of Australian Ceramics Vol 53 No 2 July 2014

Artist in Residence
Time Out
julie Pennington reports on her Spanish residency
In 2013 I applied for an artist's residency at Can Serrat. situated within the National Park in the small
town of EI Bruc near Barcelona. It was exciting to be accepted for a support stipend and in September
2013 I set off for a month in Spain! I had given careful thought to applying to Can Serrat as this
residency was open to visual artists and writers and there were no specific facilities or kilns for ceramic
work. So my intention for this residency was not about making a lot of pots.
Can Serrat provide accommodation. meals and studio space in a 200-year-old farmhouse set in a
rambling. somewhat whimsical garden. a short stroll from the village. This setting gave me a perfect
opportunity to think about my arts practice and gain inspiration for new work. At home in the studio
I often feel the need to be constantly producing work and I think it is useful at times to step back
a little to think about new ideas and the direction you want to take. As well as ceramics. my work
encompasses drawing and printmaking. so one of my aims during this residency was to develop this
2D work further and consider how best to combine it with my ceramics. Transporting works on paper
is easier than packing clay. so I was able to bring home many of these drawings and sketches for
future reference. The residency also provided the opportunity to exchange ideas with artists from other
disciplines and from other parts of the world.
In terms of inspiration. Can Serrat seemed to offer the best of both worlds: beautiful natural
surroundings and the city of Barcelona only 45 km away. From the town of EI Bruc you can walk
through the olive groves to other small villages. or for the more serious walkers. there are many hiking