The Pouch Cove Foundation – An Artist Residency in Newfoundland

Hidden on a rural road amongst a field and across the road from a church and and a very old gravesite, is the home to a long running Newfoundland artist residency hosted by the Pouch Cove Foundation. I spent my month in the stellar company of Kim Atlin, Karen Marston, Monica Tap, Mario Cerroni, Marianne Barcellona, Wendy Robertson and Orlin Mantchev

The residency created by James Baird in 1990 and incorporated in 1997, has hosted Artists from the world over in this small Newfoundland town by the edge of the Atlantic ocean. Spring 2025 was my second time being invited to this residency in the remote town of Pouch Cove. My first visit was in 2023 during a warm October, exchanging fall colours for Spring snow I found myself once again digging in and becoming part of the community during my one month residency.

Firstly, this place is boundless nature with the crashing waves of the Atlantic the central character. The ocean here ranges from cobalt to ultramarine, Payne’s grey and even teal. The waves roll as forms of glass and the sheer power of the waves churns the top layer creating etchings of white foam. It is a mighty place with some of the strongest winds on the coast.

 

With this residency I came with a plan and prepped four large paintings prior to arrival. The loose canvasses would be stapled to my studio walls to be finished during my month in residence. I also brought extra canvas and made a fifth piece informed by my time in residence and the blue Iceberg beer bottles scattered around my studio.

With every residency there are things to explore, experience and discover. Being my 2nd time in Pouch Cove, it was nice to lean back into the local laid back vibe and unique features of the town and the scenery. I walked every day for 6KM in between working in the studio. I got to know many who also walk the neighborhood as well as friendly locals coming out from their yards to say hello as I passed by, I found the town busier than last time I visited with more people lurking about. Stop to take a photograph and you will surely draw the attention of a passing car. They will stop and tell you where to go for good photos and how to tell what the waves will be doing by the direction of the wind. It’s a charming place with many clothing lines filled with colourful clothes and backyards with ATV vehicles.

Coming back to the residency feels like coming home in a way. I suppose this is what happens when you spend a month in one place, mostly cut-off from the big city except for the odd excursion by car. It can be an isolating place and I find this to be the most challenging part of the residency. The only noise here is the ocean, it’s a ‘nature’ place and we are just guests. It is a wonderful place to write, paint and take photographs. It is a wonderful place to go inward, for a little while anyway.

It is a place where 8 artists come together, each in their own studios, and make art. It is a place where you have to rely on your peers from supplies to groceries, the ones who rent cars become the group leaders. There are many opportunities to drink wine and visit studios, get feedback or just explore together. There is lots of time to work alone and away from demanding schedules. There are also opportunities to collaborate and work on similar subjects, perhaps birthing new things.

I was sad to learn that after 35 years the residency will be coming to an end soon. It is a special place that has welcomed talented visual artists of all stripes; musicians, writers, photographers, and painters. The James Baird gallery in the residence will remain operational showing and selling international contemporary art.

Cheers to James Baird and everyone who has made Pouch Cove the most unique residency I have enjoyed. Looking forward to see what comes next, as I know it won’t just end here…