Fish Factory Creative Centre
Stöðvarfjörður, Iceland
I had never done an artist residency so my point of view has no comparison to others. I decided on Fish Factory because of it being in a remote part of Iceland and because the program did not ask any specific things from me, nor did it offer any specific things from the staff. It's important to say this because I wasn't looking to make connections in the art world and I wasn't looking for classes or guidance - if these things happened then it would be great but I was just looking for a space far away and different from home where I could spend time doing what I like the most, which is painting. I found there that I could use the ceramics studio and that Una, one of the owners, was willing to give us a fast course on how to start our ceramics journey. She did not have to do that, and still she did, so it was awesome for me. I went for one month but I would recommend going for two - the place is so magical it takes you at least two weeks to settle down and start really focusing on working, so by the time you do it's almost over. Come with a well mapped plan of how to use your time there and not expecting peer reviews or any type of learning structure. If you are a person who doesn't enjoy sharing a house with people who also work in the same space, don't do Fish Factory or ask if they can find you a space where to rent in the same town. There is almost no way in or out of the small, small town if not by walking, so also think of that. No museums, no restaurants, no cinema, no supermarket. Yes beautiful fields, waterfalls and if you are lucky, aurora borealis. I think the cost was perfectly fair because they give you a private room to live, trips to the next town to the supermarket, and 24 hour access to the workshops, which had the heating on all the time. All and all I loved Fish Factory and would do it again for an even longer time if I could, but I do think people have to know what they are signing on for so they have the best experience they can.
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More reviews of Fish Factory Creative Centre
This is an amazing experience, with great shared living houses in the east fjords village, and a spacious shared studio building (with many options for workshops and studio). The cost is very low, especially for Iceland.
Incredible equipment, very kind, helpful and passionate staff. It was a wonderful space and environment to dive into your craft and imagination.
I think it is good to take in consideration that the hosts of the Residency do not lead crits and give constant feedback but instead they lead an independent Residency. The feedback they do give to you on request is brilliant and very thoughtful. I went on this Residency knowing no one and knowing little about it. The location is very remote, be prepared for a little amount of contact with other people unless you hire a car! However, the remoteness was exactly what I needed for my project. The houses they provided where very comfortable and gave opportunity to bond with the fellow residents on the programme. The weather, light and remoteness were challenging. I went during October/November so I expected typical beginnings of Winter Weather and became accustomed to the lack of light and high winds - added to the experience! The Fish Factory facilities are unique and you have so much space and help from the hosts to create anything you want with the supplies they provide/find. Make sure when booking this Residency to take note of the time of year you go because of the weather. Other than, enjoy the surroundings, the people, the fish and the Aurora...if they decide to show!
I loved being at the Fish Factory. The studio space was a huge room which six of us shared. I had a large table and a vertical board to hang work on. The entire building had many different workshops available such as woodworking (not available when I was there), a sound studio, pottery, metalworking, small printshop. Opportunities abounded though there was no one there for guidance so it was necessary to already have the knowledge of how to use it. I did watercolors. The environment was stunning. I love Iceland. The town is isolated so without a car, one would be stuck in town. There are hikes to go on, and the residency provides transportation (at a minimal cost) to go to a grocery store each week. I had a car and was glad to be able to explore on my own. A question asked about networking and professional development. I met the other artists, of course, and the folks who run the residency (they’re super nice!), but there was no professional development. They provided a place to work and a place to stay (a house up the hill, shared with other residents) and weekly rides to the grocery store. They were available for questions. The town is tiny - about 150 residents - so there weren’t opportunities there either to make connections. There are two galleries in town and I met the folks there. It’s a beautiful tiny town in a beautiful setting. The house I stayed in was nice. The work space was good. I loved having a month to do my work!
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