Relais de Camont Fellowship
Winners and Honourable Mentions
“The many applications for the Relais de Camont X Faire Creative Fellowship offer a treasure of talent from which to choose. As the diverse creative team, organised and assembled by Ruth Ribeaucourt EIC of FAIRE, honed in on the shortlist, it was obvious that two outstanding creatives touched us all in similar ways. I felt compelled to offer two fellowship places so that we could honour both Lydia Rose… and Natasha Marshall … as the two recipients of this new Creative Fellowship that draws on the bounty of FAIRE magazine’s audience and Relais de Camont’s hospitality. Thank you everyone for your consideration and serious applications.
Both applicants mentioned a certain longing for mundaneness, the quotidian solitary chores, and day-to-day quietude to listen to what surrounds you. The Relais de Camont is a perfect place to unwind from the noise and let the gentle acts of country living dictate a rhythm of work and repose.” Kate Hill
Our joint winners
Lydia Gilroy
Artist and trainee art psychotherapist, Lydia Gilroy spends her time between Derbyshire, England, and the Charente, France. As a self-taught artist working in pencil, oils, or mixed media, Lydia’s work has shifted between the figurative and the still life; and is currently entering a state of transformation as she begins to discover a space of liminality between the two. Her work is much inspired by the lived experience; responding to feelings, moments in time, and journeying.
For more information, follow @lydiarosegilroy on Instagram
Natasha Marshall
Natasha Marshall is a photographer based in London, UK.
Her work is reflective of her interest in people and nature and the elements that tie them together. Taking a collaborative approach to making pictures with sitters, often creating quiet and sensitive portraits of women and the natural environment they work or interact with.
For more information, follow @natashasmarshall on Instagram
Our wonderful shortlist finalists who deserved an honourable mention
Raquel Aranda
Raquel Aranda is a photographer, writer, artist, mother and friend – and there’s a story behind every role of hers.
“I notice the ordinary moments, the little things that get you to look a little closer and see yourself, product or space differently.”
When she’s not taking photos, you can find her browsing ceramics in op-shops, working on personal projects, writing, or planning the next road trip.
For more information, follow Raquel on Instagram and take a look at her website
Dorothée Catry
Dorothée is an artist passionate about colour and materials, she has worked for more than 19 years in major opera houses, where she collaborates and monitors the production of costumes. She reveals her pleasure in antiquing old clothes, assembling materials, dyeing, and creating colour palettes.
Her love of know-how naturally led her to follow various training courses in millinery, floral finery, and natural dyeing.
For more information, follow Dorothée on her Instagram and take a look at her website
Photograph by Karen Hilmersson
Katie Rodgers
Katie Rodgers is an artist based in NYC and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Clients include Estée Lauder, Oribe, Veuve Clicquot, Diptyque Paris, Christian Louboutin, La Maison du Pastel, Don Julio, Focus Features, Seedling by Grove, Harper Collins, Jaeger- LeCoultre, Noble Panacea, Google, DOVE Chocolate, Boston Ballet, and Disney, among others.
Her work has appeared in Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Glamour Magazine, Elle Magazine, and The New York Times.
For more information, follow Katie on Instagram and take a look at her website
Portrait Photograph by @jamiebeck.co
What our panelists had to say…
Kate Hill:
Lydia Rose Gilroy: While her application focused on her personal drawing, painting, and writing, it was clear that Lydia‘s study in Art Psychotherapy had a way to reach many voices as well as listening to her own needs. Her application was a clear and open appreciation for time dedicated to both practice and rest and a quiet muse of nature to inspire her to inhabit the spaces in a painted still life.
Natasha Marshall: As a professional freelance photographer who manages commissions and commercial work, Natasha spoke of how difficult it is to stay tapped into her own personal well of creativity. By focusing on, ‘habitual and solitary acts…. daily acts of love, self-care and believing in the future’, as an observer and a creator, photographers like Natasha, bring a timelessness to their work.
Betty Binon:
They’re all fantastic. Raquel’s thoughtful writing really jumped out for me. I took a look at her page on Instagram and I feel she is close to making a breakthrough with finding her voice so to speak. I also appreciated her perspective on your questions. They were honest and real.
Trish Deseine:
What fascinating women and reads! There is, however, for me, one profile that stands out as being most suited to make the most of the retreat at Camont, and that is Lydia's.
Her rich life experience, reflected in her simple, sensual painting, her obvious connection to food, and her desire to reignite her 'rusty' writing practice, (she's a lovely writer!) all make her my pick to be awarded the retreat.
Rebekah Peppler:
Wow, what a HARD decision, all the candidates would bring so much to and stand to take so much away from this residency. I especially felt drawn to Dorothée Catry, Natasha Marshall, and Lydia Gilroy's applications.
After some thought, the one that resonates with me most for this residency, in particular, is Lydia. I am so interested in how time at the residency will contribute to, open up, and shift her personal work and her future work as an Art Psychotherapist.
Niram Watthanasit:
As a multi-talented artist with a strong sense of being a doer, I’m wondering what and how Katie Rodgers will express her deep connection with nature, and her inner self, and connect with the soul of the surrounding. Her simple, subtle perspective and intention would appear to fit the essence of Relais de Camont beautifully, in very much a give-and-take way, and I would hope her creative experience at Camont would also spread widely to others out there.
And if I can choose more than just one, it would be Lydia Gilroy. The idea of painting and writing during the residency at Camont is very practical and will offer a sense of newness and freedom that might influence her career as an Art Psychotherapist- I love the idea that a stay at Camont could and will impact not just one sole individual.
Emiko Davies:
I’ve read through the entries and those that I think struck me most are those of Natasha Marshall and Lydia Gilroy.
What struck me about Natasha’s entry is the theme of slowing down to notice the small, mundane details like laundry. I also truly loved her response to the 'courage question' 'being myself'. She sounds like she could use a reset after the pandemic.
Lydia’s entry was compelling too; I felt that between her work as an art psychotherapist and her long history of illness that this opportunity could really make a difference for her. Her artwork is beautiful too, and very emotional.
What is the Creative Residency at the Relais de Camont?
Le Relais pigeonnier is dedicated especially, but not exclusively, to the French food arts. All writers, photographers, cooks, and other creatives who want to take the time to steep themselves in the rural traditions of France are welcome.
This was an opportunity to win a two-week creative residency at the beloved Relais de Camont, a quiet rural creative retreat in the heart of Gascony in southwest France.
Many artists and writers, photographers, and dreamers have found their inspiration at Camont over the last 30 years. Published author and professional cook Kate Hill has opened the pigeonnier, a private part of her 18th-century farmhouse, as a contemporary retreat and residency for those seeking a less structured yet productive environment.