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Le Clos de Saman
Bert Wils
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Description
Le Clos de Saman offers artists a place to work and stay. Located just an hour south of Toulouse in Southwest France, it has an unobstructed view of the Pyrenees mountains. The workspace is particularly suited for painting, writing, composing, translating and other projects of that kind.
The residency is located in the old barn. The living, which is on the ground floor, features all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay (kitchen, bathroom, bed) for a maximum of two people. On the first floor (once an open space used for drying tobacco leaves and corn) is a 40 m2 light and airy studio. The barn was renovated using materials that preserve the authenticity of the structure (wood, stone and clay), without compromising on modern comfort requirements.
The studio on the second floor is equally light and can be equipped with basic artist’s materials (in consultation). Adjacent to this residency is the “bûcher” (woodshed), a high open covered workspace that is well-suited for sculpture work and/or installations.
Outcome
Nothing specified, but negotionable is a presentation at the residence.
Studio Information
Beside the studio there is a sheltered outdoor working space, suitable for more rough, dusty work. There is a ( shared) workshop with electric tools. The studio is basic, with a working table and painters easel. There is wifi. but not the fastest.
For composers the organizers offer a piano in the main house. There is also a yamaha DX7 synth.
Accommodation Information
One room stay, bed, kitchen, separate bathroom / toilet on ground floor 40m2.
Studio, 1st floor 40m2 - the accomodation is completely separate from the house, and totally self sufficient.
Technical Information
Library in French, Dutch, and Russian. For photo printing there is an A3 Epson photo-style printer. In the studio, you find basic acryl paint/brushes and drawing material.
Location
Saman is a small village of just 160 people in the rural Bas-Comminges, a region of the Haute-Garonne department. Originally a farm, the house was built in 1760 and renovated in the early 1980’s. It is located on the outskirts of the village and surrounded by 5,000 m2 of grounds with an orchard, a vegetable garden and a natural swimming pool. The house faces south towards the majestic Pyrenees.
The Comminges is a relatively unknown province with a rich history. The first known settlement dates back to the Aurignacian period (35,000 BC, named after the town of Aurignac). Since those ancient times, the hills on the north side of the Garonne valley have been continuously inhabited and continue to be dotted with authentic villages today. The art of “Joie de vivre” is alive and well here; market days abound and there is a rich cultural life. For those interested in sampling an urban setting, Toulouse is just over an hour away. And of course the Pyrenees are never far. The Tour de France cycling race often passes close by. And while sunflowers are part of the visual décor, church bells and the hum of tractors provide background ‘music’.
