SANTIAGO DEL POZO CASTRO

Day01

I have only been here for a few hours and I feel privileged. I am eager to get to know the place better and to start developing my project. A project thought in Arcadia and for Arcadia, but first I would like to share where I am starting from.

A few weeks ago, when I was offered this opportunity, I planned to approach this residency with nothing defined. With an empty mind, to live the experience in a freer way and take advantage of all the possibilities that the place offers, without limitations.

I must say that it has been impossible for me, it is difficult to change the way I work. I have a very active mind and I have been thinking about the word EMERGER and its meaning for days. A meaning that must be interpreted and understood in its original context.

I have come with some sketches in my mind, somewhat blurred. Some of them will probably fade away during my stay and others will emerge, or at least I hope they will.But I want to use every minute to explore this unique place. With the permission, of course, of our friends the midges!:).

To do so, I see fieldwork as essential and collect useful samples that will help enrich my practice.

I have thought of doing it in two ways: the first would be to collect all kinds of seeds that I come across and later, when I return to my workshop in Edinburgh, I will continue working on them.

The second way will be with the collaboration of the passage of time and the natural environment. I have thought of placing circular pieces of carpet on the floor. These will be scattered in different carefully chosen locations, clear examples of the diversity of the environment. The aim will be to record any type of natural life in the environment. Observe how the natural environment interacts with the pieces and what emerges from them.

I am a little clearer about the way I want to work, with a work philosophy that I have been developing for some years now and which is based on respect for the environment.

For me, working in a sustainable way has become a necessity and does not have to be incompatible with contemporary art, but rather the opposite, an ally. That is why the whole of my practice is involved and revolves around this idea. This includes the concept, the materials and the way they are found, collected, treated and worked. Trying to produce 0 emissions and 0 costs. Relying on the practice of recycling as the main protagonist in this creative process.

Day02

Today I combined workshop work with field work. In the workshop I worked with recycled materials: wood and carpet. I have made progress in the manufacture of the pieces which will be placed in points of interest in the natural environment of Arcadia.

Bearing in mind what they are designed for, I thought it appropriate to give them a circular shape, making reference to Petri dishes, laboratory utensils used in biochemistry for the study of microorganisms.

Each piece is made up of two parts joined together. The wooden part is to make it more resistant and will be anchored to the floor and the carpet part will be visible, exposed to the elements to record the mark that nature will leave after the passage of time.

For the moment the aesthetics of the pieces is secondary, we will have to wait and let the elements collaborate to see this transformation from ugly duckling to swan.

I also spent some time exploring the surroundings. With magnifying glass in hand the afternoon flew by as I observed the local flowers and their friends the bees. Now time to relax in the cosy hut and enjoy watching the sunset.

Detail of a Digitalis purpurea

Now time to relax in the cosy hut and enjoy watching the sunset.

Day03

One more day in the workshop and The Arcadia Cells are almost ready. I hope they will see the light of day in the next few days.

The Cells of Arcadia is the title I have chosen for this bio-sculptural installation.

I think the colour of the carpet was a good choice. It is a very discreet grey and will not alter the harmony of the natural environment. My intention is that the pieces will blend in and end up forming part of it.

Day04
Today I used the day for contemplation and inspiration. A very important part of the creative process.

Contemplation of the environment

The sun has shone and it has given me the opportunity to explore Arcadia at its best. I show you the path that leads to how I imagine paradise, with the two things I like most in this world, Art and Nature.

Day05

I left the pieces glued yesterday afternoon and today I found them dry and ready for the final finishing. I have applied a couple of coats of beeswax to protect the wood from the weather and to make it last until our next meeting in 6 months. At that time, I will photograph and report on the progress of each of them.

In between layers, I have taken the opportunity to assemble other smaller pieces to found trunks. Prototypes of experimental bio-sculptures created in collaboration with nature.

Looking at the surroundings of Arcadia and the buildings that house the workshops I think the pieces will be successful. Interesting how nature grows over any architectural element. It comforts and inspires me how these two worlds coexist.

Day06

I am very excited to start with the installation of the pieces. Once I have decided where they will be placed I start to make the pegs with which they will be fixed to the ground.

The most important moment came, showing them their new home and saying goodbye to them until our next meeting.

Day07

After a week of intense work it is time to rest. I see no better way to do this than by visiting the natural surroundings of Arcadia. Nearby, just a few miles away is Balmaha, a small village on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond and the point where the Scottish Highlands begin. I decide to climb the iconic Conic Hill and see the beautiful views it offers of the loch and islands.

In the evening, farewell dinner in the best company; Rob, Susan and Suzanne. I only have words of thanks for them. Thank you very much for allowing me to live this experience.

Farewell Arcadia