Alba Terra residency

A private studio residency for experienced ceramic artists working with paper porcelain, porcelain, or both.

For 2 to 4 weeks, you will have the time and space to focus entirely on your own project in my light-filled studio, set in a beautifully renovated old barn in Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, one of France's most beautiful villages.

For summer 2027, I am opening my studio to one selected artist for the first edition of this private residency. You will work independently, at your own pace, with 24/7 access to the studio.

I will work alongside you on most days, offering the opportunity to exchange ideas, gain a fresh perspective and draw on my 25 years of experience in ceramics and paper porcelain.

“TIME, SPACE AND QUIET TO FOCUS ON YOUR OWN WORK.”

Why this residency
is different

A quiet place to focus on your own work

Think of a writer who goes somewhere quiet to finish a book, away from daily routines and distractions. This residency offers ceramic artists the same opportunity. Your days are dedicated to your own project. You have the time and quiet to explore an idea in depth, experiment, take new directions and see where your work leads.

An expert working alongside you

This is not a teaching programme. You lead your own work and make your own decisions. I work in the studio most days, usually from 10am to 6pm, developing my own pieces. I am there to share my knowledge, answer questions and help you work through technical or creative challenges when needed.

With 26 years of experience in ceramics, including 18 years specialising in paper porcelain, I am happy to share my knowledge and experience openly.

A sparring partner for your ideas

Think of our time together as an ongoing creative exchange. We can discuss your project, your choices and possible next steps. I offer honest feedback, ask questions and share my perspective, always starting from your vision and artistic intentions, never imposing my own.

Learn through shared experience

Being in the studio alongside someone with many years of experience offers a different kind of learning. You can observe how I approach my own work, solve technical challenges, experiment with paper porcelain and make creative decisions. You can draw on my experience without following a programme or having to work through every challenge alone.

I have spent 18 years developing my knowledge of paper porcelain. I am happy to share what I have learned, including the things that usually take years of experimentation to understand.

One artist, selected by application

For the first edition in summer 2027, I will welcome just one selected artist. This creates a very personal working environment, with the freedom to concentrate on your own practice while sharing the studio with me.

What your stay looks like

Welcome dinner.
On your first evening, we share a dinner to get to know each other.

Your project and the village.
The next morning, we take a walk through the village, so you feel at home.
Then we talk in the studio about your project and your plans.

Your weeks in the studio.
You work at your own pace, with 24/7 access to the studio. I'm there most days from 10am to 6pm for support, feedback and conversations about your work.

Firing.
Your pieces are fired in my kiln during your stay.

Your photo booklet.
At the end of your stay, your progress & work is photographed and presented in a small, simple booklet.

Exhibition, for 4-week stays.
If you stay 4 weeks, we organize a small exhibition and presentation of your work for a group of interested people.

After you leave.
Pieces that were not ready to fire before you leave are fired afterwards, shown in the studio's small exhibition space.

Who this residency
is for

This residency is for experienced ceramic artists who already have hands-on experience working with porcelain, paper porcelain, or both, and want to dedicate time to developing their own practice.

It's a good fit if you:

  • Have experience working with porcelain and understand its specific properties and behaviour.

  • Have a clear project or an artistic direction you want to explore in depth.

  • Can work independently, without daily instruction or technical guidance.

  • Value time, quiet and the opportunity to exchange ideas with an experienced artist.

  • Are curious, experimental and open to new perspectives on your work.

I speak Dutch, English and French, so we can work together in the language that feels most comfortable for you.

This is not a class or a teaching programme. If you are new to porcelain or paper porcelain and would like to learn the techniques step by step, my 5-day masterclass in France or my online masterclasses are a better place to start.

Residency period

The first edition of the “Alba Terra residency” will take place between early July and mid-August 2027.
The exact dates are flexible and will be agreed with the selected artist. Residencies are available for two to four weeks.

Price

The residency fee is €1,500 per week. You can stay 2, 3 or 4 weeks, with a minimum of 2 weeks.

Your residency includes:

24/7 access to the studio (yes, you get a key)

My presence in the studio most weekdays from 10am to 6pm, for support, feedback and conversation

Use of my kiln, part of my big work table, and all my tools

10 kg of Limoges porcelain per week, plus the firing of those pieces

An apron and basic packing material for your work

A welcome dinner on your first evening and a farewell dinner on your last evening

Photos of your progress, documented in a small booklet

Firing of unfinished pieces after you leave, by prior arrangement

For 4-week stays: a small exhibition and presentation of your work at the end, if you wish

Firing, packing and shipping after you leave

I fire any unfinished pieces after you leave, by prior arrangement. This is included in your fee. Packing and shipping are not included in the fee. You arrange and pay for them separately. I can help coordinate the collection of your finished work from my studio, but I do not offer a professional packing or shipping service. Sculptures larger than 20 × 20 cm, and delicate or complex pieces of any size, need professional packing, so your work is well protected on its journey. All shipments must be insured for their declared value.

Not included:

  • Accommodation

  • Travel and car rental

  • Stains, under-glazes and other raw materials (available at extra cost)

  • Shipping of your fired work, quoted separately (see above)

Please note: the studio has no pottery wheel and no spray booth. For glazing, I know the basics of glazing, but it is not my specialism.
You can bring your own glazes (for firing at 1280°C).

The studio and Aubeterre-sur-Dronne

The studio

My studio is a beautiful old barn, recently renovated, with lots of natural light. It sits in a calm part of the village, a peaceful place to focus.
The studio also has a small exhibition space, where finished work is shown.

The village

Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is one of the most beautiful villages of France, in the south of the Charente. Its old name, Alba Terra, means "white earth", after the white chalk cliff above the village. White houses climb the hill above the river Dronne, around an underground church carved into the rock.

In summer, you can swim in the river, have dinner on the village square, and visit Angoulême, Bordeaux or the vineyards of the Cognac region on your free days.

 

The region

  • Angoulême
    (about 45 minutes)
    A lively town with a historic centre, ramparts and a famous comic strip museum.

  • Brantôme and the Périgord
    (about 45 minutes)
    Green valleys, castles and the “Venice of the Périgord”.

  • Bordeaux
    (about 1 hour 15 minutes)
    Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk along the water, see the famous “water mirror” at sunset, and visit the design museum (MADD) with its fine collection of ceramics and porcelain. Browse the antique shops in the Chartrons quarter or the flea market at Saint-Michel, then eat oysters with a glass of white wine at the Capucins market. Wine lovers will enjoy the Cité du Vin, and in the evening the city is full of great restaurants and bars.

    Saint-Émilion
    (about 1 hour)
    A medieval wine village on a hill, surrounded by vineyards. Like Aubeterre, it has a church carved into the rock. You can easily combine it with Bordeaux in one day.

  • The Gironde estuary
    (about 1 hour 15 minutes)
    Wide views over the water, the citadel of Blaye and the little white village of Talmont-sur-Gironde.

  • The Atlantic Ocean
    (about 1 hour 30 minutes)
    Long sandy beaches near Royan, perfect for a day of sea air and a swim in the waves.

A day away from the studio brings fresh ideas. The light, the landscape and the textures of this region have a way of finding their way into your work.

Where to stay

Aubeterre-sur-Dronne has guesthouses, holiday homes and rooms to rent, many within walking distance of the studio. I'm happy to help you find a place.

For a stay of 2 to 4 weeks, a place with a small kitchen is often the most comfortable choice. Summer is busy in Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, so book your accommodation as soon as your place in the residency is confirmed.

How to apply

The residency is by selection. Applying is free.

Deadline: 31 of December 2026.
I will let all applicants know my decision by mid January 2027.
Before I confirm your place, we have a call together to talk about your project and make sure the residency is the right fit for you.

studio LOCATION & Contact

Aubeterre-sur-Dronne
France

Studio “La grange Guicherot” in Aubeterre-sur-Dronne

+33(6)70 88 36 06
info@tinnedebruijne.com

Reservation

Once you’re selected, you’ll receive an invoice for a deposit of 20% of the total price. Paying this deposit confirms your place.

The remaining amount is due 6 weeks before your arrival.

Cancellation

Life happens, we understand. Because the residency welcomes only one a year, a cancelled place can’t be filled by someone else.
That’s why this applies:

  • The deposit is non-refundable.

  • Once the full amount is paid, no refund is possible.

Accommodation

Accommodation isn’t included in the residency. You book and pay for it yourself, so please check the cancellation terms of the place you choose.
I’m happy to help you find a good place to stay.

Travel cancellation insurance

We strongly recommend taking out travel cancellation insurance. It protects your residency fee, your travel and your accommodation if something unexpected comes up.

Getting here

Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is a small village in the countryside of southern Charente.
To live and work here comfortably, you will need a car, for groceries and for visiting the region.

By plane:
fly to Bordeaux or Paris and rent a car at the airport.

By train:
take the high-speed train to Angoulême, about 50 km from Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, and rent a car at the station.

For a stay of 2 weeks or more, booking your rental car early usually gives you a better price, especially in summer.

What to bring

Your favourite tools, if you like working with them

A notebook and a camera

Other materials you'd like to combine with (paper) porcelain, after we have talked about it together first

An apron and packing material for your pieces are provided.