Artists’ Responses

“This space was the largest and most well equipped I’ve ever had, and it transformed my work. I’ve created a lot, worked much larger, and taken risks that have pushed pieces in completely new directions.

I’ve relished every part of this residency. I thoroughly enjoyed helping out with the estate. It was very helpful in creating a routine which studio time could be structured around. Getting outside first thing, doing something physical and productive, and interacting with other residents, artists and gardeners – this was all really beneficial too. It made you feel part of the natural rhythm and community at High House, and grounded you in its landscape.

The comfort and beauty of High House (inside and out) was very conducive to positive studio time. Everything felt easy, and there was so much space to be alone if needed, or find others if you fancied company. Seeing the surroundings flourish over spring into summer was a real privilege, and I felt very lucky being able to roam as far as I could see.”

- Eleanor Rodwell

“Working outside was a great way to start the day. I liked feeling that I was useful, albeit in a small way – it offset the inherent doubt of painting. The accommodation and studio were dreamy, with amazing light to paint by. So great to be in the countryside with a lovely artistic community made up of really kind, interesting and fun people. The clear brain space to work without the clutter of everyday life was invaluable and I have learnt so much about how I work given ideal conditions.”

- Edith Dormandy

“High House is the perfect location for a residency, it’s remote enough that you can just ‘check out’ of the real world. Having the cafe just on the other side of the wall lets you slip back into reality for a few hours if you want, but you really can remove yourself to focus at High House.

The gardening aspect was a great way to touch base everyday and really get involved with the way things go at High House. It allowed us to fall into step really quickly and made us feel part of the place, rather than just guests. It was also nice to have something to “complete” that let me be completely non-art for a few hours.”

- Maddie Exton

“I achieved much more than I set out to. Norfolk is an incredible place, rich in written history, ecology, community and material. I had no idea just how crucial this place would become to my practice. I came to this residency to make work for a show, but unexpectedly, I also found a deep relationship with the land itself, and became ever more inspired and activated to continue my practice in more experimental ways.”

- Julia Bennett

“The residency…allowed me time to reflect, slow down and re-evaluate my practice.

I loved the landscape and sense of space, where I was able to go for walks every day and explore. To have quiet time with my thoughts, my ideas, and to feel inspired. I enjoyed the morning work on the estate as it gave me a chance to clear my head and familiarise myself with my surrounding and the different aspects of the estate. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, and the interactions and chats with people on the estate in addition to the artist I shared the residency with were all inspiring. The studio was a dream. So conveniently placed, perfect size and beautiful light.

The residency stays with you when you leave, it all trickles in to be tapped into at a later stage.”

- Noa Weintraub

Ika Schwander and Lizzy Deacon