It was a delight to welcome artists Hannah Ekuwa Buckman (England), Hannah Leighton-Boyce (England), Jessica Crisp (Scotland), Lily Lavorato (Scotland), Maïa Taïeb (Netherlands), Molly M. Whawell (Scotland) and Nicky May Bolland (Scotland) to SSW in October, as our third and final cohort of artists selected for Group Residency 2025.
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, snowy saunas, shared meals, birthday celebrations, artist sharings, candle making, haggis sampling and peer learning.
It was beautiful to witness the community that formed through the residency, and the care and generosity that the group brought to SSW.
Please come back to SSW again soon!
Below are reflections from the artists and images taken during the third Group Residency of 2025, which took place 27 October – 21 November 2025.
Words from the artists, images by SSW & Lily Lavorato.
“I have gained skills in stone carving, blacksmithing and glazing, all of which I had never done prior to the residency. I developed my skills in metalworking and now feel comfortable working independently to create larger scale metal armatures that will support the ambition of my practice.”
“I worked with new materials, such as paper clay, which allowed me to explore and push new forms within my practice.”
“Personally, it was extremely valuable to be surrounded by such an incredible group of artists for the entire month and greatly appreciate the care of the SSW team to match the groups based on cross-overs in practice. I was able to see my work in a new way, bounce off of the energy of others and test my boundaries with the safety and support of the other artists.”
“This has been extremely significant to my practice and me as a person, meaning I have come away with more confidence, a strong group of peers and a reinvigorated passion for sculpture.”
“Thank you so much to the team for the care, opportunity and support. It is difficult to put into words how meaningful and pivotal the Group Residency was.”
“It was the best experience I have ever had on a residency/working with an arts organisation and I have come away with the most amazing memories, friends and new skills all of which have given me a new lease of life, both personally and in the studio.”
“Thank you for all the hard work you put into creating such an incredible space for artists to connect, recharge and grow, it really is very magical.”
“I loved my time at SSW, the staff team and facilities are amazing, everyone is so flexible, knowledgeable and supportive, SSW gave me the nurturing space and peace to make and develop my work and I’m so grateful.”
