Driftwood Studios has a self-funded art residency facility developed in 2007 by sculptor George Kockott and his wife Claire, situated by the Indian Ocean, near the city of East London, South Africa. There is a pottery, woodwork facilities, forge, shared Gallery space as well as private art spaces that can be set up according to artist requirements. The 6 x 14m Gallery also makes a fine rehearsal area for performing artists.
Art facilitator Claire is available to mentor and support those accepted on the programme to achieve their creative goals and connect with the local community. Accommodation is in Driftwood Treehouse, or for shorter stays of up to 2 weeks Driftwood House. Partners, friends and family are welcome.
This family residency is idyllically located adjacent to pristine coastal dune forest and a few minutes’ walk to Rainbow Valley beach for swimming, snorkelling, surfing and canoeing all year round. The sea life is truly incredible, from whales and dolphins to tiny starfish. Out of the water there are dramatic sand dunes, beautiful pebbles, shells and of course driftwood to inspire.
Facilities and services inclusive of the residency cost include:
There is no public transport but taxis and tour guides can be booked in advance.
A hire car is recommended if you want to make regular trips to explore the area.
Accommodation is in the thatched Driftwood Treehouse, or for shorter stays of up to two weeks there is an en-suite room with own entrance in the adjacent Driftwood House, the Kockott home. Both rooms are suitable for two artists or an artist and a friend or family member.
Artists can choose to self-cater or have meals included. If the catered option is taken Claire will take dietary preferences into account when shopping. Claire will cook the main hot meal of the day and it will be shared in Driftwood House. Food for the other meals will be provided in the artists own fridge for preparing in their own time. If self-catering there are still regular ‘bring and share’ meals enjoyed around the large yellow wood table. Progress can be shared and ways ahead planned around a good meal. South African wines are varied and excellent!
Fresh wholesome and sustainable food is a passion at Driftwood and we grow fruits such as bananas, protected as best we can from the forest monkeys (!), and our own salad vegetables and herbs. Try free range eggs from our own ‘happy hens’!
Driftwood has hosted artists from a wide range of disciplines with facilities for: painters, potters, photographers, musicians, multimedia artists, writers, stone and woodcarvers.
Share your aspirations, plans, ideas and we can see how to realize them in our unique context. We enjoy putting visiting artists in touch with similar local practitioners, community groups for learning, sharing, inspiration, collaborations and art practice. We’ve facilitated collaborations between a leatherworker & a photographic sculptor, between felters and beadworkers, poets and painters, fabric artists and sculptors in diverse media. There are regular dance meditations and yoga workshops in the gallery.
Enquire if we have the equipment required for your project. There is a range of workshop items and some natural materials that can be used. There are good local art supply shops and we can usually help source materials at a preferential rate.
Since George the resident sculptor passed away only those experienced in using and maintaining the equipment can use them. However, lessons from a range of external crafters and artists can be arranged.
A workplace will be set up as far as possible to suit the needs of each artist. There are tables and easels in the spacious shared studio and gallery space, pottery, woodworking studio and in the private accommodation. The excellent climate makes working outside very pleasant, either at the beach, the reserve or in the garden. Artists can discuss needs before arrival.
There are no artistic expectations. Explore where your intuition leads you. Ask questions and Claire will endeavour to answer.
Residents are asked to look after their environment, recycle, contribute organics to the garden compost and use water sparingly.
You will be asked to provide medical insurance and family contact information.
No smoking on the premises.
Recent residencies include collaboration with poet Silke Galla from Germany where local artists put her Prayer for Peace to especially composed music and a Youtube video was made of a performance on our beach.
Amer Rashid from Bangladesh/Canada took time out to paint and make landart using our stock of shells and clay figure. He also produced a Virtual Reality tour of Driftwood Studios during his residency showing his work and that of artist Kristin Palana who brought her family.
Diane Deery and photographer partner Doug created land specific artworks then physically became part of their art installation by having residency inspired tattoos with their works in the Gallery. At the same time, Shamin Chibba shared his stunning dream imagery, exploring roots and shadows. We connected him with a dream artist and he attended his first sound journey.
Art Residencies and Accommodation
RAINBOW VALLEY, EAST LONDON, SOUTH AFRICA
Driftwood Studios
26 Rainbow Valley Complex
Nr Sunrise-on-Sea
East London
5201
South Africa
