Cow House Family

I was lucky enough to experience Art on the Farm at Cow House in July of 2023. Two years later and I still talk to some of the friends I made there almost daily. Being from so far apart we sometimes exchange letters and have met for holidays. I am at University now and nothing could have set me up for a creative degree as well as Art on the Farm. Spending everyday enveloped in discovering my practice and learning new skills while surrounded by incredible creative peers and tutors is something both experiences have shared.

When I look back at my time spent in Ireland I am baffled at how many rich experiences were packed into that one month. The whole farm is a beacon of love and creativity. I felt so incredibly safe and cared for- by week two it felt like a family and by the end it was so difficult to leave.

The environment was so stimulating, I was inspired the whole time and learned so much, both skill wise and about myself as an artist. Rosie had said in the application process how a lot of past students had said that they had never made so much art and she was entirely right. The sheer quantity I was able to create was so impressive and it felt natural and easy in the cowhouse environment. The teaching was of serious quality and I have so much respect for everyone who spent time helping us improve. At the time I had more confidence in photography and chose Painting so I could grow my confidence and left feeling very proficient and a love for the medium. Life drawing was also a massively useful skill we were taught towards the end.
I was also actually really grateful for the phone time restriction, I had plenty of time to keep up with family(and had the option of the landline regardless) but I found less screen time was hugely enriching and I was much more engaged than I would have otherwise been. It felt very healthy.

I can wholeheartedly say that going to Art on the Farm is one of the most important things I've done. And one of the most fun months of my life. It may seem like I'm being overdramatic but Rosie and Frank have created an incredible environment and they take so much care over everyone who stays at the farm

I have so many highlights, so many times of laughter and connection. We all did cold water swims alongst the ducks on the sunnier afternoons; we ate INCREDIBLE food everyday; we explored so many different cities in Ireland- and on one of our day trips Frank and Rosie treated us to Barbie tickets so we wouldn't miss the premier; we spent time in the woods and absolutely loved sharing rooms, and sharing clothes; we loved having access to the studio at all hours; and every time anyone had a birthday while with us an incredible personalised cake was made for them. Everyone in our year's art on the farm had so much love for eachother, we became so close and we all felt encouraged and special. We also loved the animals so much.

Cow House is vibrant and genuine. It still feels like a second home to me after two years. And Ireland will forever hold a special place in my heart. I now have friends all across the globe and an improved confidence in my art.