It was fantastic to welcome artists Ali Farrelly (Scotland), Dani Andres Ordoñez Muñoz (Netherlands), Kim West (Catalonia), Ruby Reding (Netherlands) and Stefan Jovanović Kaasa (England) to SSW in August, to take part in the second Group Residency of 2025.
The Group Residency artists were also joined by Ecologies in the Making: Sculpting Futures artist Harriina Räinä and RSA Residencies for Scotland artist Jodi Le Bigre.
Over the course of their month-long residency, the group had inductions and support in ceramics, metalwork, blacksmithing and stonework. Alongside developing their practices in the workshops & studio, the group took part in a collective programme of walks, saunas, shared meals, artist sharings and peer learning. The group also enjoyed a visit to Cruden Bay to forage for wild clay to process and fire back in the ceramics workshop, as well as trips up the road to Huntly to sample Cafe India’s Thursday buffet and a ride on the e-bike to the Kildrummy Inn!
It was a delight to work with and learn from the Group Residency artists and inspiring to see their committment to materials and experimentation. We hope to see you at SSW again soon!
Below are reflections from the artists and images taken during the second Group Residency of 2025, which took place 18 August – 12 September 2025.
Words from the artists, images by Felicity Crawshaw & SSW.
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All of the inductions are very well throught out and I loved having the oppportunity to experiment with new matierals and techniques.
I developed my skills as a metalworker by having the guidance, time and space to experiment with tools, materials and techniques that I had not used before.
I really enjoyed the rest I was able to get and the connection to the surroundings.
As a complete beginner to ceramics, I feel I gained a strong foundation working with clay thanks to the openness and patience of the technicians.
I really appreciated having the freedom to experiment with different materials under excellent guidance.
I loved the sauna.
