In Residence: Michaela Yearwood-Dan

Can you tell us about the body of work you have been working on here in Somerset? 

I’ve been using this time to reflect and re-center after a small break from painting; the work I made here has been a result of that freedom. I’m not sure I would say the works made here are a full body yet…more like pieces that will potentially inform what is to come. They feel like diary entries that are informed by the feelings of personal moments that happened during this time, and that of seasonal change and the wider societal reflection that usually comes at this time for me as the year starts to draw to a close.  

How would you sum up your practice in three words? 

Personal, dynamic, soft.
 

How has the change in studio space influenced the way you have been working?

For me, I think it’s just been nice to be in a quiet space with limited distractions. I’ve been using this time to think and plan my intentions for projects coming up including my debut solo show with the gallery in London next year, as well as hosting friends and family here, giving myself the openness to commune in the same place as the work, play and share meals together. I find residency experiences very interesting because it’s not until I get some separation from them do I really understand how they impacted me. It’s been great to live and work in such close proximity to each other; I arrive at the studio early and stay late with nice breaks in the day to go on little walks.

Is there anything you can’t live without in your studio?  

Background noise.

What are you currently listening to in the studio?

What have you enjoyed most about your time in Somerset?  

The solitude. It’s both the thing I’ve appreciated the most and found the most challenging. However, the less introspective answer would be the local produce…the access to quality food from this region is fantastic.  

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Michaela Yearwood-Dan’s inaugural exhibition with the gallery opens in London in 2025.

Learn more about our residency program.