In August/September 2024, I spent three weeks as the first Do Picho artist in residence. This was also my first time in Galicia. The residency gave me much-needed headspace and time to focus on art making. The residency house is beautiful, with large worktables and lots of light, and faces onto an extensive garden, beyond which are wooded hills – a great view to contemplate while thinking creatively. Coupled with a comfortable living area – bedrooms, kitchen and bathroom – and occasional visits from Ralf’s two cats, this created a space that was conducive to working with a sense of well-being. A big plus: the space was also welcoming to my partner, Ginny, who could focus on her writing work. 

As an artist who works photographically, I needed to be out in the world. The Do Picho team made that possible. I had outlined my project to Ralf before commencing the residency and we discussed the plastic pellet spill that had occurred the previous December off the Galician coastline. So, he planned a two-day field trip to the coast to familiarize me with the area. We visited historic spots in Galicia’s complex past, cliffs and beaches, experienced a full range of weather and overnighted in a house on the beach nearby A Coruña. Day two started with an exhilarating swim in the North Atlantic, with me literally immersed in my research area!  The photographs I made and the experiences I had during this trip informed the direction of my project. I explored different options, making small cyanotypes and printing digital photographs from the trip. My project started to fill the tables in the residency house.   

During the last week of my stay, an event was held at Do Picho to showcase the residency and my project. This was a cheerful and auspicious occasion. Ralf spoke about his motivations for hosting residencies. Guests made comments and suggestions – we talked art!

The enthusiasm and commitment from Ralf and the entire Do Picho team made my residency productive, rich and wonderful. I deeply appreciate everyone’s generosity and everything that made possible the work that I am now returning to Galicia to exhibit at Castelo De Pambre. Do Picho and the community of activists fighting for the environment in Central Galicia and beyond feel like family already; I look forward to being reunited with them.

Jean Brundrit – Artist in Residence at Do Picho (August/September 2024 & September 2025)