Artist Retreat and Residency in the wilds of Celtic Cornwall

To choose to take time out from the business of life and all it demands takes courage and even determination. It is also key for the artist. It can be hard to value what we need to invest in ourselves and so our work. Whether it is deep time undisturbed in nature, silence and solitude, reading or meditation this art residency embraces you. Your home will be a beautiful shepherd’s hut overlooking the unihabited land around you, you can be totally independant there with all that you need. And your large studio is around the corner, with a woodburner and lots of natural light – you can make and mess and respond until your heart’s content.

“Living life as an artist is a practice.
You are either engaging in the practice or you’re not.

It makes no sense to say you’re not good at it.
It’s like saying, “I’m not good at being a monk.”
You are either living as a monk or you’re not.

We tend to think of the artist’s work as the output.

The real work of the artists
is a way of being in the world.”

Rick Rubin

You are surrounded by Cornish countryside with temporate rainforest on your doorstep, huge granite stones that are part of the Cornubian Massif, the Saints Way passes through the wild fields of long grasses, bats, and owls and many more small friends including my two dogs. Luxulyan valley and viaduct and also Helman Tor are a walk away, as is the local pub in Luxulyan, a stunning woodland walk from your hut.

You will be able to be self-contained with or without transport. You can enjoy local produce from our nearby village and markets, walk along ancient ways, and be inspired by nature. You can choose to be solitary in your time here or enjoy the garden and walks with our two friendly dogs. You can walk to the village shop and pub in nearby Luxulyan. There is also a local train station here for transport. 

A New Clarity

“Allow your judgments their own undisturbed developments, which, like any unfolding, must from from within and can by nothing be forced or hastened. Everything is gestation and then birth. To allow each impression and each embyro of a feeling to complete itself in the dark, in the unsayable, and humbly and patiently to await the dawning of a new clarity: that alone is the way of the artist – in understanding as in creating.”

Viareggio, April 23, 1903
Letters to a Young Poet
Rilke

We have created the residency opportunity with artists in mind, so the costs have been kept low and the we have included as much as we can for both studio and private use of the Shepherd’s Hut. The kitchen is fully equipped for you to cook or prepare meals, as well as a fridge, kettle, gas hob and drinking water in the studio. We also supply wood for the wood burner to keep you warm.

Any art materials you would like to order for delivery here and there is a local art supplies store a short drive away. Costs include cleaning of the hut and studio as well as high-speed WiFi. Pets are welcome, please let us know in advance.

Shepherd’s Hut Includes: 

• Private bathroom with hot shower and loo
• Electric hob to cook on with pans, crockery, and utensils provided
• Comfortable double bed with clean sheets and towels
• Relaxing Arm chair
• Drinking water on tap

Studio space size 11m x 4m 

• With woodburner
• Armchair
• Desk and chair
• Table
• Running water and drinking water and sink
• Fridge
• Kettle with a gas hob

Materials:  

You are welcome to order art materials in advance to be delivered here. Best local art supplies shop is called Stable Art, near Bodmin and 15 mins drive.

Nearest Train main line stations:
Bodmin, Lostiwthiel or Par

Luxulyan has a local train that is daily and this train will not stop unless you wave and when boarding you will need to request for it to stop at Luxulyan.

Application

Please submit a proposal for your residancy outlining why you would like to do it, what you hope to achieve and the project you have chosen to pursue.

Please see the application form here. Contact for more information at info@wendyrolt.co.uk
There is also a facebook page with details here

• Cost – £450 per week
• Running from Tuesdays until Mondays
• Minimum 5 nights
• Maximum 2 weeks
• Please enquire for availability – from April 1st 2024 onwards. Please be in touch over booking dates, there’s always room for flexibility.Find out more information here at Resartis.

If you are looking for finding to support your application for your residency, there are some grants available here: Arts Council England
Creative Scotland
Arts Council Ireland
Arts Council of Wales

Reviews of the Artist Residency

Faye Dobinson, Artist

“Wendy has created a site with an extremely special feeling to it: it is both inspirational and very moving. 
I had taken some incomplete work to further and I also began to generate new pieces which felt like the perfect outcome for such a time. 

The landscape itself proposed many potential starting points, be it the unique geography or the fact that a pilgrimage route runs through the land. I responded in some way to both while also weaving in other threads from my work. 

Since returning my process feels reinvigorated from the chance to really ‘see’ my work without the clamour of outside culture and decision-making, a context which is key for my art making process. The peace proved essential to generate a reflective and responsive creative space. 

I feel opened up to possibilities for myself and my work and expanded in my ways of thinking and making.“

Caroline Pedler, Artist

“The shepherds hut I stayed in is so well placed, and although near the house, it feels as though it is private enough for free thought and creative idea making. The studio is large and tidy enough to feel grounded and supported, yet free, and also not so pristine that you would be in fear of making a mess. A perfect location and conditions for a variety of makers. There was also a trolley to load all the supplies and materials from the car to the studio, which really helped.