Artist Residency
Providing Artists the Time and Space to Reflect and Create
An Artist Residency at the South Jetty Cottage in Bandon, Oregon gives working artists, filmmakers & writers the opportunity to live and work outside of their everyday places, providing them with time to reflect, research, or create work.
The Residency.
Aesthetically and philosophically influenced by artist / filmmaker / activist Derek Jarman’s approach to stewardship at his healing coastal garden and retreat Prospect Cottage (Dungeness Beach, Kent, UK) — this former fisherman’s cottage on the South Jetty in Bandon, Oregon has been restored and now functions seasonally as a short-term vacation rental, the profits of which fund the artist residency program—typically taking place in the off-season (Spring + Fall). When not occupied by beach-going vacationers or artist residents, the cottage and studio are home to Portland artist Topher Sinkinson.
Founded in Fall 2022, the Artist Residency program at the South Jetty Cottage offers invitational stays (gratis) for flexible and variable lengths of time. These informal, unmediated retreats provide a quiet space for individual reflection, creative introspection and communal exchange with one’s own work alongside the sounds of the ocean, wildlife and migratory birds on the nearby estuary and beach.
The Studio.
Directly adjacent to the all shingle Cottage is a large, open beamed Artist Studio that was hand-built by a woodworker / ceramicist duo in the early 1970’s. The studio has a direct view of the Coquille River Lighthouse and a back deck overlooking Redmon Pond and its ever changing migratory bird population. The Studio is available for use during residencies, although the large desk is better suited for smaller works and writers.
The Work.
Our resident artists come from different backgrounds and mediums ranging from writing + photography, to ceramic + sculpture to filmmaking + design. They each spent time here and allowed the cottage, studio, flower garden and nearby beach - the place - let them slow down, as well as influence the work they made while in residence, some of this work is below (from left to right) : Wayne Koestenbaum, Niki Ford + Sam Ashby.
“I am starting to commune with the spirit of the place. Being here, I am picking up something energetic.”
— Niki Ford, Spring 2023 Artist-in-Residence
The Giveback.
All profits from paid rentals of the cottage go to fund the Artist Residency Program. While in residence, we ask that each artist create a small work (under 6") for inclusion in the South Jetty Artist Residency’s ongoing art collection. The piece will be photographed for inclusion in a limited edition publication, alongside any other documentation the artist chooses to share — photographs, journal entries, sketches, etc. The bi-annually printed catalogue will mainly focus on each resident’s interaction with the place.
For CV, as well as published work inclusion, we ask that artists credit "South Jetty Artist Residency, Bandon Oregon". For social media engagement while in residence, we ask that artists credit/tag @southjettythingz.
Artist Advisory Group :
Topher Sinkinson, SJC founder + caretaker / artist
Garrett Laird, writer / curator
Kristan Kennedy, curator / artist
The Details.
Artist Residencies are currently being offered by invitation only. Length of residencies are typically between 10—14 days and will be determined through conversations about the artist’s goals / ideal use of their time at the Cottage + Studio. The residencies are currently informal and unmediated, with a spotlight on LGBTQ artists, designers, filmmakers and writers.
Lodging at the cottage is provided for artists-in-residence, but each artist will need to provide their own transportation, food/beverage and art supplies for the duration of their stay.
For all other working artists, a discounted nightly rate is available for the Cottage, so it can be used as an Artist Retreat, although the Studio is not available for use during Artist Retreats. To see when the Cottage is available for an Artist Retreat, please email info@southjettycottage.com with a link to your website and the requested dates you’d like to stay and we will get back to you. Artist Retreats are offered on a first come first served basis and are seasonally limited. Booking inquiries can be three months out from date of inquiry.
The Artists.
Wayne Koestenbaum (Fall 2022)
Niki Ford (Spring 2023)
Sam Ashby (Fall 2023)
Manu Torres (Visiting Artist : 2024)
“But the wind does not stop for my thoughts. It whips across the flooded gravel pits drumming up waves on their waters that glint hard and metallic in the night, over the shingle, rustling the dead gorse and skeletal bugloss, running in rivulets through the parched grass.”
— Derek Jarman, Modern Nature