RSJ (Residência São João)

Verãozão na Fazenda São João is an unique experience for creative work without time, alone and with others —a selected group of artist of different countries and disciplines—. A space for exploration and enrich deeper the roots of ours actions, surrounding by waterfalls and butterflies, mangos, fireflies, frogs and rains. On a valley that give as present an indescriptibles skys. And even more, coffee fields and agroecological farm. Everywhere great views and calm. Then the living working spaces, lovely and lovely home and studios, private and collectives. My favorites, among the natural exuberant environment, on the central house: the library and the book collection, the kitchen, the sophisticated living room, the bar de sinuca late at night, the pool. And the roads, the chapel, the stables. And over all, the people, people. The ones that pulse it Antonio, Amanda, Verónica, Inaie, Sandra in memorian, and the ones that share that moments, unforgettable. I always recommend Verãozão, and always was great. For immersive experience, full of joy, an intense exploration with wifi disconnection. Go! juliet.b.a

The summer artist residency Verãozão at RSJ was a unique experience of creative immersion and knowledge exchange. During the program, we had the opportunity to experience an inspiring and welcoming environment that fostered collaboration between artists from different fields. One of the greatest personal achievements was the opportunity to delve deeper into the study of bamboo, a material that has always interested me due to its versatility and artistic potential. I had the chance to test it in different techniques, such as construction and sculpture, exploring its structural and aesthetic properties at various scales. The freedom to investigate the material was essential for developing new approaches and applying what I learned in projects that became true collaborations with other artists in residence. The interactions and exchange of ideas were one of the highlights of the experience. In an environment that promoted dialogue and mutual support, it was natural for us to get involved in each other's projects. I participated in collaborative installations, helped build structures, shared knowledge about bamboo, and learned from each participant’s unique techniques and perspectives. In short, the residency was an intense and enriching experience, marked by the exchange of knowledge and the opportunity to experiment freely. I returned from it with fresh ideas and a renewed sense of belonging to the artistic community. More than producing works, it was a moment of building bonds and collective growth — something that I will take with me to future creations.

My artistic residency at RSJ was an overall positive experience. The possibility to work surrounded by so much nature helped me focus and gather insights. The fazenda has so much space to collaborate or work solo so I enjoyed painting alone and having the chance to get creative input about my work from other fellows on the spot as well as dive into their own practice. A highlight for me was the mix of body work we did; yoga, meditation and walks kept me grounded all through my stay. The whole team was very welcoming, the food delicious and can only recommend Residência São João to other artists looking to develop or write the first stages of a project surrounded by nature.

I had participated in the residency in January 2024 and it was an unforgettable experience... I was able to carry out a research, in a place of huge historical importance for Brazil, and I was graced with the presence and collaboration of other residents who were very open and courageous in sharing knowledge and body to raise and dissolve questions about the limits of art. Not to mention that the convergence, of the residence, with organic agriculture, and natural food, are a key point to allow, feel and tell a story of Brazil that is truly reconciled with the natural, fertile, and abundant power of the country.

The farm is an incredible, unique, and enchanting place! The entire community and the land of Guaxo are kind and filled with amazing artists. It’s a place for deep and essential exchanges. A Fazenda é um lugar incrivel, unico e encantador! Toda a Comunidade e a Terra de Guaxo são amaveis e artistas incriveis. Um ligar de trocas profundas e necessárias.