Fernanda Ferrari, Multidisciplinary Artist
“This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to be part of an Artist Residency in France, a partnership between La Devignère and Mother Tongues Ireland, I spent two weeks immersed in their beautiful space, meeting artists from around the world, sharing experiences, and taking the time to develop ideas for exciting new projects.
The experience of being in an Artist Residency was invaluable to me. During this time, I created new puppets using materials I found in my surroundings, and I engaged with wonderful young people from the village. The result was a pilot video for a YouTube channel I intend to develop in partnership with Mother Tongues. Additionally, some photos I took with my puppets in La Devignère are now featured in the new Wexford Women’s Refuge building.”
Choy-Ping Ní Chléirigh-Ng 吳彩萍, Theatre Maker and Designer
“I spent a month on residency at La Devignère in the summer of 2022, while writing a theatre piece titled WINDOW A WORLD. It was a joyous time with Zoë and Alain as kind hosts who made sure I felt welcome, comfortable and nourished, in all senses of the word. From the moment I arrived, Zoë and Alain ensured that I had not only the physical space to work but also a sense of creative freedom. They took time to understand my needs as an artist and ensured I was able to help my process thrive. It was refreshing to be in a place where being an artist was understood and supported in such a genuine way.
The house and its surroundings are totally picturesque, making it the perfect place to focus on writing. There was a vital balance between productivity and relaxation. The pace of life allowed me to settle into my own rhythm, unburdened by external pressures. I was able to explore ideas more fully than I usually do. When I needed solitude to work, I could find it easily, while the communal rhythm of our days added structure. Weekly excursions to the market brought new inspiration, as did swimming in a nearby river, especially in the midst of creative work. Dinners shared together were a highlight for me, with delicious meals and meaningful conversations that brought everyone together. I felt connected and uplifted.
Looking back, my time at La Devignère is definitely woven into WINDOW A WORLD. Its quiet introspection and meditative nature owe so much to this residency. I can’t imagine a better environment to nurture both the work and the artist in such a holistic way. I would definitely return and recommend it to anyone seeking a peaceful place for a residency.”
Adrienne N. Wartts, Writer
“The La Devignère Residency in Lussac, France is an advantageous setting for artists who seek serenity. The beautifully restored 15th-century, castle-style house offers picturesque views of nature and serves as a haven for self-directed artists to concentrate on their craft. In addition to having my own writing and living space, the common areas created opportunities to commune, collaborate, and be inspired by artists of all disciplines. During my time as a resident, I was able to focus on a nonfiction literary project and benefit from the skills and expertise of other artists who kindly took interest in my work. In addition to time to write, network, and research, the setting gave me the opportunity to dedicate time to another nonfiction project, which is now being pitched for publication—-thanks to my time at La Devignère residency.”
Dorit Cypis, Artist, Educator, Mediator, and Community-builder
“In July 2018 I was hosted at La Devignère for a deeply satisfying 2 weeks to focus on processing the complexity of my practice as an artist through writing, drawing, daydreams, and long hikes. I’ll never forget the day I arrived, greeted at the train station by wonderful Zoe O’Reilly, the co-founder and co-director with Alain, gifted composer, musician and life partner. The drive through the richly green local countryside welcomed my entry and softened my landing at La Devignère, a large 15th Century stone residence that took my Los Angeles breath away – regal yet basic, commanding yet porous, historic yet present. My head
turned incredulously to Zoe as she opened the barn door. In my urban naiveté I was eagerly expecting lambs, goats, ducks… but was greeted with a circus high wire trapeze, net, theater lighting and sound system and an explanation that La Devignère often hosts circus performers and musicians. “And me!?!”, I added.”yes, and you”, Zoe replied. I was so excited to meet the other guests. Close by the gardens wielded our daily lunch and dinner vegetables, daily prepped with terrific stews in the ground floor kitchen open to a large dining table where we met each other daily. Other garden and field to table goods would come from the terrific nearby village weekly market. Every aspect of my stay was thoughtful, generous, creative and supportive. I loved my privacy and I loved every social moment at La Devignère.”
Anne Sipos, Sculptor
“My time at La Devignère was impactful in many ways and I still look back on my time there fondly. I am still thinking about the stillness and peacefulness of the location. The landscape is beautiful, and prompted much space for reflection to learn that journaling is a form of art, and a rested and processed heart produces profound work. It was clear that God had me there,
and it was beautiful to slow down and be with other incredible artists from a vast range of mediums. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been a resident at La Devignère.”
Clare Hughes, Photographer
“I had the pleasure of attending the La Devignère Artist residency in the summer of 2024. The location was so peaceful and surrounded by beautiful countryside. Zoë and Alain made me feel really welcome and at ease. The residency was incredibly productive by not having the pressure to complete something, using my time instead to experiment with new approaches to future work ideas. Having this time and space meant that when I returned home, I felt inspired from the encouraging conversations I had to help bring new ideas to life.”