Past Artists-in-Residence

Welcome to our Artist Residency Alumni page, a space dedicated to celebrating the incredible talent, creativity, and vision of the artists who have taken part in our residency program. Moku Art Studio, in partnership with MANGO, proudly presents our virtual residency programs, which unite art, environmental awareness, and creative research across multiple themes.

Artists from our Ocean, Our Land, Sustainability, and Atmos-fear residencies bring diverse perspectives, practices, and lived experiences to their work. Through these programs, artists explore the complex relationships between humans and the natural world, contributing to ongoing conversations around climate, ecosystems, stewardship, and collective responsibility.

We have chosen to display our residency alumni on a world map to highlight the global reach of our programs and the shared nature of the challenges they address. This format reflects the interconnectedness of our planet and underscores how artists, regardless of location, play an essential role in imagining more sustainable futures.

Ocean Virtual Art Residency Archive

  • The Ocean Virtual Art Residency experience was both grounding and transformative for me. The flexibility of the virtual format made it feel more approachable than a traditional residency program, especially as a parent, but what truly stood out the most was the depth of connection fostered by the organizers. Frieda and Mercedes created a space where artists didn’t just work alongside one another—we built real relationships. This program also helped me reflect more deeply on my own connection to the ocean and offered moments of healing I didn’t expect. You don’t have to have it all figured out to benefit from this experience; just bring your curiosity, your creative voice, and a willingness to explore and grow.

    Connie Lee Lynch

  • I was initially drawn to the residency because of the enormous potential that cross-disciplinary collaborations between art and science can have in the field of ocean conservancy. In practice, I found the relationships between the participants transformative to my art practice. Frieda and Mercedes facilitated a comfortable, inclusive but creatively challenging environment that kept the group engaged in conversation and experimentation. I hope the program can continue to run for years to come so that we can all work in concert, each from our own perspective—and populate that world map of participants!

    Una Janicijevic

  • When searching for residency programs, I normally try to find opportunities that will advance my creative thinking and allow time to expand a focused body of work. Oftentimes the residency periods are solitary and reflective allowing for a deep dive into the self creative process balanced with pursuing elusive concepts while expanding artistic philosophy. Selected for the Ocean Residency 2024 presented a unique opportunity for creative self growth amplified by open interaction with other artist and Residency hosts. The format of the residency was remote, conducted through weekly free flowing Zoom meetings fitting my creative process and busy schedule. Although remote, I became very close, comfortable and connected to the residency group. The collective group creativity and unique conversational dialogue greatly influenced my process and resulting artwork. Well organized topics developed into effective visuals and inspirational progress. The group of selected artists were well curated each bringing new ideas and barrier breaking ideas to artistic life.

    Dodd Holsapple

  • The residency created a dynamic atmosphere of community. I had several aha-moments in my creative process that came from the conversations and sharing of information with both the residency organizers and the other artists. I love the way my work came together for the exhibition and also being a witness to how other’s work came together. We influenced and inspired one another in unexpected ways and our exhibition reflects that dynamic in a wonderful way.

    Kirsten Carlson

  • The Oceans Residency was a breath of fresh air! I met dynamic artists, I learned about ocean conservation, and I created award-winning art that has been on display in two galleries. Additionally, the Residency allowed me to be more informed as a conservationist, an artist, and a human. I am grateful for the friendships and the instruction that I established and received during my Fellowship. I look forward to continuing my sea-related studies!

    Van G. Garrett

  • This art residency has been such an amazing experience. It’s my first time participating in a residency, and I felt so comfortable and welcomed from day one. It’s been incredible to connect with other artists who share the same appreciation for both art and the ocean. The support and guidance throughout every step of the residency were truly helpful. I highly recommend giving yourself the chance to live and learn from this kind of experience 100%. What I enjoyed the most was meeting other artists, building new connections, and gaining a deeper understanding of the ocean. I’m so thankful I got to be part of this!

    Kelly Perez

  • The rapport and bonds formed among the artists during the last residency were subtly, yet profoundly, reflected in our music and video. The ocean is a symphony of nature that never stops playing. In it, We feel the rhythm created by the waves and the breath of life. The waves sound like a piano, the wind like strings, and the songs of whales like the breathing of woodwinds. This experience made us a small messenger who tells the story of the ocean through music. We write these sounds into scores and wish to carry the voice of the sea through music.

    Art Farm LK

  • This project was an experience that went beyond just art for me. It led me to deeply contemplate the ocean, whales, and the value of life. It was a precious time of self-reflection, as an artist, on what I should express and what responsibilities I hold, and it allowed me to transform in new ways.

    Bass Baritone Byeonghee KIM

  • This project has become a profound opportunity to deepen our understanding of the intimate relationship between the ocean and humanity. As human beings have evolved and pursued increasingly convenient ways of life over millennia, we have come to realize the profound impact these choices have on the sea. Witnessing the deterioration of marine life and the wounded beauty of nature has brought us great sorrow. As artists, we hope that through music, we can awaken a deeper appreciation for the ocean’s value and inspire people to reflect on what must be done to preserve it for future generations. It is our hope that our art not only raises awareness but also evokes a sense of urgency to care for and protect the ocean before it is too late.

    Cellist Kyungmi Anna LEE

  • Through this project, i aimed to reinterpret ocean and environmental issues from a new perspective. I hope these small steps become a catalyst for moving towards a better future.

    Violinist Jueun KIM

  • Art that communicates through sound and movement closely resembles nature, and we saw that humans are merely a small part of nature's vastness. It was a valuable time that reminded us once again of the critical need to live with constant awareness of the crises humans have caused and the suffering lives endure because of them.

    Actress Jeong SEO

  • Music, through its lyrics and instrumental melodies, creates a compelling voice. This made me reflect on how proactive my artistic actions have been.

    Pianist Jueun Grace KIM

  • This virtual residency was a truly great experience. It really helped me develop my work through weekly discussion and critiques with fellow artists in the niche practice of aquatic art. Though the ocean was a key element in all participating artist practices,’ we all came across making work through very different aspects of the sea, whether it be scientific, anthological, spiritually, or formally, we all shared a common thread that is important to us all. I am glad to have met and foster continual relationships with other artists from the residency and outside researchers introduced by this program. A truly unique and positive experience, I would recommend for any artists interested in our ocean.

    Richard Vivenzio

  • The Ocean Virtual Art Residency program offers a remarkable space for curiosity, reflection, and dialogue between artists and scientists. As a returning artist, I knew I would be challenged not only creatively, but also personally as I sat with the sense of responsibility to care for our ocean for future generations. Frieda and Mechi have created something really special here and I highly recommend this experience to any artist seeking to bridge the gap between creative expression and environmental awareness.

    Connie Lee Lynch

  • I'm an experienced Art teacher so it was really enlightening and fascinating to find myself as the student, the Artist being asked questions of ourselves and our practice. It was great experience for me personally, and I would certainly recommend it; the support and being around like minded people was such a privilege and joy!

    Lucinda Button

  • I stumbled across OVAR II while browsing the Art Residency website. Most residencies take place on-site, but OVAR stood out with its interactive website and world map showcasing artworks from around the globe. I thought—how cool would it be to put the Thai ocean on that map? That was the beginning of this journey. What’s unique about this residency is that you can design your own project. I chose to travel to an island and interview local divers. Having complete creative freedom allowed me to explore not only the marine environment but also the people connected to it. At first, I was nervous—I didn’t have much knowledge about fine art or marine life, and I felt like a complete beginner. But the residency community was incredibly supportive. The other artists helped me break down the overwhelming tasks into smaller, manageable steps. They encouraged me to try diving, and once I booked my first interview and signed up for lessons, everything began to flow naturally. This residency helped me step out of my comfort zone. It deepened my connection with the ocean and gave me the chance to understand others who love and care for it as well. It even led me to take a diving lesson for the first time in my life. After this experience, I want to continue exploring the relationship between art, science, and nature. This project feels like a strong and meaningful start.

    Apitha Thanin

  • I found my Ocean residency informative, inspiring, and highly productive. Weekly online meetings hosted by Frieda and Mercedes, alongside sessions with marine scientists, provided both structure and credible insight. Sharing artistic processes with a diverse group of practitioners from around the world sparked new ways of approaching my own practice. The unique blend of science, art, and community extends well beyond the residency itself, with ongoing connection fostered through newsletters, online sessions, and opportunities for future creative collaboration.

    Dagmar Radmacher

  • I really enjoyed participating in this residency. It helped me explore a new direction in my artistic practice and provided invaluable feedback and support from the group. I particularly appreciated the structure of the program and the prompts, which kept me focused and productive throughout. The experience has already led to new opportunities, and I’m very grateful to have been part of the program.

    Sabine Joseph