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Debora Ando

Deutschland, 2021
Between June and July 2018 I did a three-week residency at the Druckvereinigung Bentlage. The place offers something really unique: the combination of a fully equipped studio surrounded by the woods and the Gottesgabe Saline, immersed in a historical location, and the warm support from all involved. It isn’t common in residencies to find such high standards at every front.
„Space and quietness are fundamental during the conception of new ideas and reflections about my work.“

For the period I spent in Bentlage I could work continuously in a spacious and well-kept etching studio, which was an invaluable support to that stage of my practice, when I was preparing an installation for an exhibition, and needed privacy and time. Having the distinctive architecture and the beauty of the woods and the Saline as a company for my breaks throughout this residency was of a key contribution for a good balance between all the activities that I was carrying on at that time, for instance printing, reading, writing, reflecting.

During that time the artists from the Künstlerhaus Dortmund were having a group exhibition at the main gallery hall. I had then the chance to learn more about the German contemporary art scene and to develop an interesting network, in which I now actively participate.

Under the same roof you can find comfortable rooms, a common kitchen and dining room where meals and thoughts are shared with the other artists in residence, but most importantly two amazingly well equipped printstudios. I had access to everything I needed in the printstudios to work on my projects, mainly intaglio plates and linocuts. I could also work with other techniques and use many of the beautiful machines and presses that the space offers. It is a place that really makes one want to work, to create. One thing I really appreciated, is that from the printshop windows you can look at the adorable cows in the fields and enjoy all the energy of the green nature surrounding the building.
During that time the artists from the Künstlerhaus Dortmund were having a group exhibition at the main gallery hall. I had then the chance to learn more about the German contemporary art scene and to develop an interesting network, in which I now actively participate.

Last but not least I would like to make a point about the value of the properly furnished premises such as the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. At the end of the day, after working for long hours, it did make a difference to stay in a comfortable and clean place, where everything works and I could relax. Cooking a nice meal, sleeping well, reading a book in the evening or having a chat with other artists were also important and did have a positive influence in my residency. The vegetable garden is also a very special feature and creates a nice connection between the past, current and future artists, who work(ed) in Bentlage.