PREVIOUS RESIDENTS
Yoshino Shigihara
Artist, musician & Akashic record painter.
|
About Yoshino:
FROM JAPAN
Yoshino is an accomplished musician, illustrator and artist, originally from Japan. From the mid 2000's, she carved a successful music career in Bristol, UK with her first band Zun Zun Egui and later with her current band Yama Warashi, both of which have performed at Glastonbury and appeared on BBC radio 6 many times. Alongside, Yoshino has worked as an animator, illustrator and graphic designer. She creates her band's music videos and visual style. Lately, Yoshino has been exploring the art of Akashic record reading. Taught under the tutelage of a Japanese teacher, she started putting her passion of drawing and Akashic readings together. This is why she came to do a residency, to explore her new practice and very soon most of the village was queuing up to have a reading and drawing done. http://www.yoshinoshigihara.co.uk/ Zun Zun Egui Yama Warashi |
Yoshino's review:
It was my first and the best experience of an artist residency on this beautiful island Thasos! It was perfect- such a beautiful place to stay, a big lovely house with three bedrooms with a beautiful kitchen and garden. It is located in beautiful surroundings. I enjoyed being on top of the roof to see the sunset every day. They had everything well-equipped for the stay. I was very comfortable.
Abby and Leah are both the most friendly, helpful, creative, and kind people. They took me to the top of the mountains, waterfalls, and their favourite local spots.
They have busy social lives and I met amazing people on the island. It was so nice that they invited me to do social things but also respect my own work time so I could both enjoy working and sociable time. We had amazing conversations over dinner with local products. I had a few days on my own just working as well. I felt so calm, refreshed, and rejuvenated.
I totally recommend anyone who likes to have quiet time to create and also be near nature. The tap water was mountain water, I felt it was healing in many ways being there. You can be on your own - or be the most lovely new friends around you in this paradise. I will definitely come back soon.
Thank you so much,
Yoshino
Abby and Leah are both the most friendly, helpful, creative, and kind people. They took me to the top of the mountains, waterfalls, and their favourite local spots.
They have busy social lives and I met amazing people on the island. It was so nice that they invited me to do social things but also respect my own work time so I could both enjoy working and sociable time. We had amazing conversations over dinner with local products. I had a few days on my own just working as well. I felt so calm, refreshed, and rejuvenated.
I totally recommend anyone who likes to have quiet time to create and also be near nature. The tap water was mountain water, I felt it was healing in many ways being there. You can be on your own - or be the most lovely new friends around you in this paradise. I will definitely come back soon.
Thank you so much,
Yoshino
Rebecca Howard
Landscape artist, illustrator & nature rewilder.
|
About Rebecca:
FROM THE UK
Rebecca Howard is one of the artists that we represent in our Water & Rock gallery. We invited her to do some plein air painting, in preparation for the Sky Arts Landscape Painter of the Year competition which she was embarking on the following month. We first met Rebecca at Falmouth College of Arts where we were all studying illustration. Rebecca has been a successful illustrator and fine art painter since graduating, having exhibited all around the UK and been commissioned by many well known clients, often working with charities in the environmental sector. Rebecca is also well know for her intricate illustrated maps. Rebecca is also a keen eco-activist and has pioneered a tree and wild flower meadow planting project in her local neighbourhood. She also teaches natural gardening in schools, bringing in her very own creative touch. http://www.rebecca-howard.co.uk/ Rebecca's instagram |
Rebecca's review:
Initially I was overwhelmed by the beauty and seclusion of The Art house in Kasaviti. As I unloaded my bags and climbed the steps up to the front door I was met with nothing but birdsong and the quiet hum of bees. This entry was to become the make-up of my time at the residency. I was encouraged by Abby to 'Let go' which I agree I found hard at first, my busy life as a mother and teaching constantly rearing its head, but over the 2 weeks I stayed at the art house I learnt to quieten my mind, joining in with meditation exercises with Abby and spending time in the garden with Leah.
I enriched my senses by taking swims in the sea after a day of painting and I explored the new potential head space I had by learning about flowers and picking herbs from the mountains directly outside the backdoor. This escape to nature really has helped me to reconnect with the natural world and also with those around me. I was embraced by the local community who I will no doubt stay in touch with. Abby and Leah are good at bringing people together and do a weekly BBQ for newcomers to the village, which tended to be a feast for not only the stomach but also the senses... with so many different languages being spoken around the table, it was a delight!
Abby and Leah being artists themselves have been both helpful as guides around the island, having so much local knowledge as well as basic do's and don't helping me with lifts to buy food from the market and showing me places to wild swim, eat and hike. I will remember my time in the beautiful island of Thassos for years to come and I hope to return again soon!
~ Rebecca Howard
I enriched my senses by taking swims in the sea after a day of painting and I explored the new potential head space I had by learning about flowers and picking herbs from the mountains directly outside the backdoor. This escape to nature really has helped me to reconnect with the natural world and also with those around me. I was embraced by the local community who I will no doubt stay in touch with. Abby and Leah are good at bringing people together and do a weekly BBQ for newcomers to the village, which tended to be a feast for not only the stomach but also the senses... with so many different languages being spoken around the table, it was a delight!
Abby and Leah being artists themselves have been both helpful as guides around the island, having so much local knowledge as well as basic do's and don't helping me with lifts to buy food from the market and showing me places to wild swim, eat and hike. I will remember my time in the beautiful island of Thassos for years to come and I hope to return again soon!
~ Rebecca Howard
David Willis
Bushcraft guide
|
About David:
FROM THE UK
David Willis is a teacher of Bushcraft and Wilderness Living Skills. He can be found baking bread and rustling up tasty meals over a campfire, whittling spoons, foraging for edibles, walking in the woods and soaking up everything nature has to offer. He has served with the Royal Engineers in Belize, spent time living alongside the Maasai in the Rift Valley and learning from the Bushman of the Kalahari, motorcycled around Europe, built and paddled his canoe along British rivers, and loves heading out on adventures. We met David on the first stone age skills course we did with Lynx Vilden in 2017. David took us under his wing on this challenging course. He is an excellent and patient teacher with a vast knowledge of nature and bushcraft skills. We are excited to organise future trekking and bushcraft retreats with David in the future in the mountains of Thasos. http://www.davidwillis.info/ David's instagram |
David's review:
The most delightful escape - loved my time on the beautiful island of Thasos, especially in Kazaviti, with mountain walks, the scent of wild herbs, dips into rock pools and rivers, delicious produce from the local market, and the loveliest hosts and their cats - it's an ideal place to relax and allow your creativity time to thrive. Loved my stay and looking forward to returning for another nature residency.
Alice King
|
About Alice:
FROM THE UK Alice is an art teacher and head of department at the prestigious Magdalen College school. A keen traveller and a lover of Greece, she decided to spend a month at the Water & Rock art residency to explore her own practice and find inspiration in nature. During her stay, Alice did lots of in situ sketches and studies and completed a fantastic large drawing of the different places she had visited. We went on lots of adventures with Alice, such as Kayaking, hiking, snorkelling and swimming. We were pleased to welcome her the following through as she passed through on her travels again. We hope to see Alice again in the coming years! Alice's instagram |
Alice's review:
The Water and Rock residency gave me the opportunity to experience life on the truly inspiring island of Thasos. Leah and Abby are the most wonderful hosts and everyone I met during my time on Thasos were so welcoming and generous. Not only did this residency offer me the chance to explore my artistic practice but the island, particularly the small village of Kazaviti, is somewhat of a sanctuary to reconnect with nature. The art house and studio is a traditional geek mountain house with stunning views down the valley to the sea. It is a peaceful place to stay and get creative. I feel my time with Leah and Abby on Thasos has hugely impacted my thought process as an artist and educator. I would highly recommend this residency for those who seek inspiration for their artistic practice, anyone who wishes to reconnect with themselves and/or nature and creatives who are open to getting to know a grounded way of life. I hope to return soon!
Kate Evans
Poet & journalist
|
About Kate:
FROM THE UK Kate Evans is a houseboat-based poet and researcher living on the waterways of the South West of England. She is interested in exploring a feral approach to writing and creating. She has a Masters in Poetry from Royal Holloway, has worked variously in film production, as a support worker and researcher in mental health, and as an investigative journalist. She is on the way to publishing her first collection of poems and has been published by Perverse Magazine. Kate's poetry More of Kate's poetry |
Kate's review:
I spent three weeks at the The Art House and it is a very special place. Despite the heatwave, the mountain surroundings are incredibly inspiring and I felt alive creatively. Abby and Leah know a huge amount about the flora and fauna of the island and have fascinating stories about the beautiful complexities of life in the mountains in Greece. They are amazing hosts, generous and thoughtful, and I felt warmly welcomed into their home, their rhythm and their way of life. It was wonderful to explore the village of Kazaviti during my stay, and the natural world around it; the gorge, the fruit trees, the mountain walks, the tortoises and cats. My time at The Art House was generative, enlivening and spiritually expansive, and I am leaving with a renewed sense of my artistic practice and commitment to my work. I am so grateful to Abby and Leah for having me.
Sarah Hutt
Painter
|
About Sarah:
FROM THE UK Sarah trained and qualified as a textile print designer and colourist before transitioning into education, ultimately becoming the headteacher at a performing arts school for autistic children. Her connection to water started in early childhood in Lancashire, where she grew up next to the reservoirs in Darwen. Sarah has also lived and worked in the British Virgin Islands and Lake Geneva before finding her perfect home on a cosy houseboat on the River Nene. Her studio is in the charming Grade II-listed Royal Ordnance Depot in Weedon Bec, Northamptonshire. This site has a rich history, having served as a covert arms distribution point for 150 years. Sarah's website Sarah's Instagram |
Sarah's review:
Why did I choose to do a residency in Thassos with Water and Rock? I sought to explore a different environment, paint under the unique Mediterranean light, and be inspired by a simpler life. And I wasn't disappointed. Abby and Leah were both incredibly generous with their time and expertise. Thassos, with its diverse landscape, from the green rock pools high in the mountains to the marble-rocked beachfront, offered a rich source of inspiration that I could absorb and filter into my work. The impact on my work was significant, and I now have a bank of resources to keep me going for a year, if not more. The experience of working away from the world's noise in this mountain paradise and enjoying life's simpler things was genuinely magical. If you're seeking a place to escape and focus on yourself and your creativity, I cannot recommend Water and Rock enough. I look forward to returning to once again stretch myself and my work.
Fredrik Sundberg Svartnäs
Fashion set designer
|
About Fredrik:
FROM PARIS, FRANCE / SWEDEN Fredrik is based in central Paris but is originally from Sweden. He studied at Chelsea School of Art & Design and now works as a set designer for fashion photography and television advertising between Stokholm and Paris. Fredrik first came for a 2 month residency in 2024 and came again in the summer of 2025. As well as working on his personal projects, he helped out revamping our terrace, breathing life back into second hand furniture and making local signs for the community. Over the course of two summers, we have become very good friends and always start and finish the day laughing! www.fredriksvartnas.com Fredrik's instagram |
Fredrik's review:
This summer I spent on the island of Thassos, at Abigail and Leah's very charming house. I was originally going to stay for six weeks but ended up staying for 2,5 months instead.. if you want to be emerged with Greek culture and getting more of a true experience rather than just going to an island in Greece you should go here. Abigail and Leah are two very accommodating people and rather than being my hosts they became friends for life. This is a place for doing your own thing, they are not there to guide in your creative process and don’t put any pressure or judgement if you just want to stroll along. What they will give you is interesting conversations lasting for hours, their way of living and also the curiosity of the people staying at their place. I was showed around the hidden gems of the island and really an insight of a different way of thinking. It’s a very philosophical place, I came with a lot of curiosity and questions regarding my own practice and left with answers very important for taking things forward. As I said, if you want tranquillity and space for yourself or in my case I got to hang with very inspiring people and getting to know the magical place of Kazaviti with all its inhabitants. I think its speaks for it self that I extended my trip and I feel in high sight it was probably the best summer in my life.
Brian Wadman
Poet
|
About Brian:
FROM NEW ZEALAND / LONDON, UK Brian is a New Zealander wordsmith who visited us for rest, reading time and inspiration. He has been walking barefoot for 4 years inspired by the Discalced Carmelite tradition. As described by Wikipedia: The Discalced Carmelite Order, is a Catholic mendicant order with roots in the eremitic tradition of the Desert Fathers. The order was established in the 16th century, pursuant to the reform of the Carmelite Order by two Spanish saints, Teresa of Ávila (foundress) and John of the Cross (co-founder). Discalced is derived from Latin, meaning "without shoes". His feet are beautifully strong and surprisingly clean. I always thought that we lose a lot by wearing shoes. You lose one of your senses of touch and connection to your environment. It was nice to hear the stories of moving through the world barefoot and shocking to hear of the amount of prejudice directed at feet! |
Brian's review
I have so many great memories of my short time with you at the end of summer last year, and have been inspired - as well as stories to friends!
And I have been encouraged by the words which have flowed since I was with you last year.
And your amazing space is inspirational for words!
And I have been encouraged by the words which have flowed since I was with you last year.
And your amazing space is inspirational for words!
Klud Dabash
Screenwriter and novelist
|
About Klud
FROM GERMANY / SYRIA Syrian born, Klud is an award-winning screenwriter and novelist. Transitioning from academia to creative writing, her global journey across Los Angeles, Latin America, India, Southeast Asia, and Berlin has infused her storytelling with diverse cultural insights. Klud blends Eastern and Western techniques to craft multi-dimensional characters and uses natural imagery prominently, like seashells in her screenplay "Her Whisper." As a certified coach, her work explores human complexities through various literary and film mediums. Klud's Instagram |
Klud's review
COMING SOON
Inga
Holistic coach and designer
|
About Inga
FROM GERMANY / LITHUANIA Inga's journey, driven by curiosity and creativity, encompasses various artistic forms such as painting, music, writing, acting, dancing, and performing, alongside a professional career in design and systemic coaching. As a holistic coach, she emphasizes wholeness—integrating authenticity into personal and professional development, helping individuals uncover their true essence and embrace it fully in all areas of life. Her diverse creative background provides a unique perspective, enabling her to guide clients toward personal growth, creative freedom, and meaningful connections. |
Inga's review:
COMING SOON
Sanneke GriepinkLandscape painter
|
About SannekeFROM THE NETHERLANDS
Sanneke's work is inspired by life in all its manifestations: nature, people, cultures, landscapes, botany. She is filled with wonder and strives to understand and translate it into form, colour, and dynamism. Sanneke work in watercolor, oil paint, pastel, ink, printing ink, acrylic, and mixed media. Explored themes: the macro and the micro world of plants, stones and mosses, plant life on the unique location, specific of the different locations of the world; light; time, seasons, cyclical processes; growth and destruction, decay and rebirth. Sanneke came for a 3 week residency during the height of Spring. When whe wasn't painting in our local gorge, we spent many hours hiking and seeking out the famous wild orchids of Thassos, and many deep conversations were had about art and life. www.artstudiosanneke.com Sanneke's Instagram |
Sanneke's review
COMING SOON
Adelle PattenMixed media artist
|
About AdelleFROM THE USA As a creative, Adelle is passionate about the intersection of art and tech, human centered design, and digital storytelling with a love of painting and yoga. Adelle came to explore her painting and digital art further, by exploring the local Thassos landscapes and turning her paintings into beautiful GIFs. She incorporated yoga into her daily practice during her stay at the start of every day as well as regular trail running with her host Leah. www.adellepatten.com Adelle's Instagram |
Adelle's review
COMING SOON
Nicole SmedilePainter and art teacher
|
About NicoleFROM THE USA Nicole is a painter and a high school art teacher, teaching art and fashion since 2015. She takes inspiration from nature and her local surroundings in her work and is particularly keen on plein-air painting. During her month stay, Nicole really took advantage of the outdoors and the studio during her stay, painting at any opportunity, on the beach, at the gorge, back in the studio or garden and anywhere else she could think of. We had a lot of fun with Nicole who's smile, energy and laughter was infectious! www.nicolesmedileart.com Nicole's Instagram |
Nicole's review
I am a high school art teacher and painter and did a residency with Water and Rock for a month in July 2025 to escape and rediscover my creativity in a beautiful setting. My paintings are inspired by nature, especially water and I was moved by the landscape of Thassos. I also have Mediterranean roots and feel a deep connection with Greece. I made a collection of plein air paintings inspired by the island. Views of the mountains and sea from the exceptional view at the house, the wild beaches and stunning water at different times of day, and the magical forest that was just a short hike behind the house.
Leah did an incredible job as our host. She introduced us to many different parts of this complex and beautiful island and educated us on the history, culture, biology and geography of the landscape. Any artist could come here and have so much to work with. It was not only a place to soak in and be inspired, but it was educational and social. We shared meals together, went to the local markets, and socialized with the wonderful community of friends and family. Overall, a 10/10 experience and exactly what I was looking for. I would recommend this residency to anyone!
Leah did an incredible job as our host. She introduced us to many different parts of this complex and beautiful island and educated us on the history, culture, biology and geography of the landscape. Any artist could come here and have so much to work with. It was not only a place to soak in and be inspired, but it was educational and social. We shared meals together, went to the local markets, and socialized with the wonderful community of friends and family. Overall, a 10/10 experience and exactly what I was looking for. I would recommend this residency to anyone!
Jack Pierce
|
About JackFROM IRELAND Jack is a multi-disciplinary artist and educator, specialising in textile art. His practice integrates costume, sculpture, and paint to explore themes of queerness, Irish identity, and the current ecological crisis. His current research explores ‘unruly heritage’ and queer ecology. Jack is interested in the haunting/afterlife of discarded materials and how they intersect with queer philosophy; particularly its rejection of fixed categories and emphasis on interconnectedness. Jack spent a month with us at the Water & Rock art residency, during which time he did a lot of sketching, writing and weaving! We had a great time with Jack. https://sites.google.com/view/jack-pierce/ Jack's Instagram |
Jack's review
COMING SOON
Sophie |
About SophieFROM GERMANY / FRANCE
Sophie is a University lecturer and freelance translator in Germany. Our longest resident yet, Sophie stayed at Water & Rock for 3 months with her lovely dog Outis! Sophie's Instagram |
Sophie's review
I spent three months of my sabbatical at the Water & Rock residency. I arrived at the end of July and didn’t originally plan to stay that long, but I enjoyed it so much that I ended up staying until the end of October. It's simply the perfect place for creativity and reflection, and for meeting inspiring people from all over the world. It's also a great place to take a break from the frantic pace of modern life. Leah will make you feel at home from the outset, sharing her love of the island and Greek culture with you, and ensuring that your stay is an unforgettable experience!
For me, my sabbatical is an opportunity to think deeply about my current situation and consider new paths. I currently have a project to translate a German book into French, which would present a new challenge in my career as a translator, as I mainly work for businesses and as a university lecturer. During my time at the residency, I started translating an excerpt, which I will submit to the editor. As an amateur artist, I also felt inspired to sketch the beautiful village and the stunning natural surroundings.
For me, my sabbatical is an opportunity to think deeply about my current situation and consider new paths. I currently have a project to translate a German book into French, which would present a new challenge in my career as a translator, as I mainly work for businesses and as a university lecturer. During my time at the residency, I started translating an excerpt, which I will submit to the editor. As an amateur artist, I also felt inspired to sketch the beautiful village and the stunning natural surroundings.
Camilla Berggren Lundell
Writer
|
About CamillaFROM SWEDEN Head of Fundraising and Communications Editor at Royal Institute of Art of Sweden and good friend of regular artist resident Fredrik Sundberg Svartnäs. They met in their art school days in London and have been friends ever since! Camilla joined us for a short writing break and to find inspiration in the natural beauty of Thassos. In between the creative work, we had a great time exploring the island, eating delicious food and listening to lots of Swedish being talked between the artist residents. |
Camilla's review
Just wanted to write and again express how much I loved staying at the house this week.
It is filled with so much love and beauty both inside and out and run by top top top person.
It is filled with so much love and beauty both inside and out and run by top top top person.
Sarang ByrneArtist & Photography Producer
|
About SarangFROM THE USA
Sarang Byrne was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She receive a Bachelors of Fine Art in Illustration Design at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA. She now resides in San Francisco, CA where she currently works as a Studio Manager and Photography Producer at a clothes manufacturer. She came to the Water & Rock art residency to spend some time building a series of paintings for her first art fair. Taking inspiration, from the local plants and flowers, Sarang produced many stunning, expressive paintings during her stay. www.sarangbyrne.com Sarang's Instagram |
Sarang's review
Water & Rock was my first artist residency and was the reason I went to Greece for the first time. I went to Thassos all the way from San Francisco to experience travelling solo and to focus only on my art. I spent about 10 days in the quiet village on Thassos, in early Sept. It was hot, but not too hot - a good time of year to go. It was really lovely to wake up and head down to the local cafe for a cappuccino, to read and draw before working on paintings. It was also really special to have a local (Leah) take us around the Island and introduce us to others living in the area. Everyone was really welcoming. The sunsets and beaches were gorgeous. It was a wonderful place to reflect on my practice and create a body of work. One of my favorite things about the property were the views and the grapes growing wildly right outside the house, oh and the cats! This residency ignited a desire to do more travelling and art. I can't wait to see where art takes me next.
Jay Whitby |
About JayFROM THE UK Jay is a Fine Art Student at Bristol School of Art and she came to us on a scholarship. Jay primarily makes work about climate change, protecting waterways and making and using natural materials. During her stay, Jay was researching work for her university project and was collecting 'found' objects for her art. Jay was a joy to be around, inquisitive, and interested in everything in the natural world! We had fun hiking and looking at plants, rocks and lichens together. |
Jay's review
COMING SOON
Jess BelnickFood photographer
|
About JessFROM AUSTRALIA
Jess is a photographer, food and product stylist who has experience across art direction, content creation, recipe development and video. During her stay, we organised photo shoots with a local Greek chef, trips to the market and a photo shoot with a local biodynamic wine maker. www.jessbelnickcreative.com Jess' Instagram |
Jess' review
COMING SOON
Marieke Ruytenbergexhibition curator
|
About MariekeFROM THE NETHERLANDS
|
Marieke's review
COMING SOON