Private Accommodation, Shared Studio Community and Time for Your Own Work
A self-funded, self-directed working stay for intermediate and experienced ceramic artists developing a defined project or body of work.
Time to Return to the Work
Some ceramic projects require more than a weekly class or a few borrowed hours in the studio. They need continuity: time to test an idea, live with the questions it raises, make adjustments and return to the work without losing its thread.
The Focused Ceramic Residency & Studio Retreat invites intermediate and experienced ceramic artists to Nelson for a self-funded, self-directed working stay centred on a defined project or body of work.
Who is it For?
- Intermediate, experienced and professional ceramic artists able to work independently and safely
- Studio potters developing a collection or new body of work
- Artists preparing for an exhibition, commission or portfolio
- Ceramic educators seeking personal studio renewal
- Graduate students and independent researchers
- Artists exploring wheel-thrown, hand-built, sculptural or surface-based work
- Potters who want to leave familiar surroundings and work within another studio community
- Experienced makers returning to clay after an extended absence
Applicants do not need to identify as professional artists, but they should have enough ceramic experience to work independently and describe a clear intention for their stay.
A Shared Community Studio
eARTh Studios is an active community pottery studio used by local potters, students and instructors.
The Focused Ceramic Residency & Studio Retreat does not provide exclusive or private use of the studio.
Residents become temporary members of this creative community. At different times, the studio may be shared with local potters completing their work, open-studio members, scheduled classes or private students.
This creates opportunities for conversation and exchange while allowing each resident to maintain a concentrated personal practice.
The Studio Includes Access To:
- Pottery wheels
- Worktables and wedging surfaces
- Slab roller and extruder
- Work sink and shared studio facilities
- Designated project shelving and storage
- Standard studio tools and equipment
- Electric kiln firing
- A selection of studio glazes
- Outdoor garden or work areas when seasonally appropriate
Before acceptance, the artist and host will discuss clay bodies, firing temperatures, glaze requirements, equipment and the physical scale of the proposed work.
Self-Directed, With Mentorship Available
Residents arrive with a proposed project and take responsibility for organizing their working time.
Diane Walters provides an initial studio orientation and project conversation.
Additional technical or artistic consultation may be arranged in advance for an added fee..
Suggested Lengths of Stay
1 WEEK
Concentrated experimentation or development of a small project.
2 WEEKS
Creation and refinement of a connected body of work.
3–4 WEEKS
Sustained project development, research or exhibition preparation.
LONGER STAYS
Considered according to suite, studio and teaching schedules
How to Propose a Working Stay
Artists are invited to send a brief proposal containing:
- Name and contact information
- A short description of ceramic background and current level of experience
- The project, question or body of work to be pursued
- Preferred dates and length of stay
- Processes, clay bodies and firing temperatures expected
- Specialized equipment, materials or mentorship required
- Five to ten images of recent work, or a portfolio or website link
Formal academic language is not required. The purpose is to understand what you hope to make or investigate and whether the project is compatible with the studio, equipment and schedule.
Bring the Project That Has Been Asking for Your Full Attention.
Spend your days returning to the same questions, working within a living community of potters and allowing making to become the central activity of your time in Nelson
Contact and Propose a Working Stay
Propose your working stay through either of the following: