La Maison Kintsugi
Art Residency

La Maison Kintsugi was set up by the artist Garth Bowden to reflect a vision of a life infused with art. A place where creativity, playfulness, contemplation and exchange are valued in equal measure. Where individual practice is balanced with collective conversation. 

​

The word 'Kintsugi' comes from the Japanese 'Kin' (gold) and 'Tsugi' (join), and therefore literally means 'to join with gold'. Kintsugi can be seen as a metaphor for resilience and transformation.

​

The purpose of the residency is to give you the breathing space to fully concentrate on your work, research or writing in a beautiful and supportive atmosphere. The standard cost is 550€ per week. For artists on a low income the rate is 450€ per week, and for those with a higher income the cost is 650€. Those paying the higher price help subsidise those on the lower income. Guests are expected to be self led, but some technical assistance, tools and equipment are available including photo studio lights, Steinway grand piano and Korg SV1 keyboard.

​

LMK offers guests spacious, comfortable bedrooms and bathrooms, dedicated studios, music room, cosy lounge and dining room, a green courtyard and rooftop terrace. Situated in a picturesque village with bakery, cafe and village shop within a minutes walk. The village dates back to Roman times and is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves - ten minutes from a lake and local market. 

​

Residents have access to a fully equipped kitchen stocked with basic food staples. Meals are often communal with guests taking turns to cook, however there is no obligation to do so. We have close ties to the family restaurant Grand Cafe Occitan nearby that specialises in using locally sourced organic produce.  

​

Bicycles are freely available, and a car for occasional local outings. 

​

There is no pressure for any particular output from your time here but at the end of each residency there is the chance to share work, exhibit, open your studio, read your poetry or perform! 

​

To apply send a bio and a brief description of your work, how you would like to spend your time here, as well as the dates you would like to attend to garth@garthbowden.com

The residency is currently open during the months of April, May, June and September, October, November.

 

Outside of these dates the whole house is available to rent, so if you are interested in using the house to host workshops, as a holiday house, as a group of musicians or artists - please get in touch!

​​

​

'My stay at La Maison Kintsugi far exceeded my expectations. Not only were the accommodations spacious and absolutely charming, the hospitality was perfection.  Garth finds the ideal balance of being available to residents and also giving people the time and space to work and explore.  He quietly anticipates everyone’s needs, whether it be a roll of tape or that raisin pastry that you didn’t know you needed. 

 

The studio spaces are bright and welcoming with a subtle breeze punctuated by birdsong (and occasionally the patrons of the local Boulanger.) Just being in the elegantly simple studio provides inspiration and motivation and it sets the optimal stage for creativity.

 

Garth is well-equipped and generous with emergency provisions both in the studio and in the large, communal kitchen, which serves as the heart of the house. As a bonus, Garth with his Japanese knives can whip up the most delectable chicken you ever tasted within the blink of an eye. The adjacent courtyard is the perfect place for a quiet breakfast or a festive supper with other residents.

 

Garth’s cultural recommendations are spot on and he’s always surprising you with the perfect excursion to pass a little time. The village of Siran and the surrounding areas feel authentic and welcoming, and are brimming with historical Gallic charm and beauty.

 

My residency at La Maison Kintsugi could not have been more perfect and was a much-needed respite from the pressures of everyday life. I’m so proud of the work I created and so grateful for the relationships I made.'

​

​Kim Hall

artist, photographer and interior designer - New York