Lisbon-based visual artist Martim Dinis completed a residency with Skimstone Arts in 2018.

Martim was one of four artists awarded residencies in the summer of 2018, each responding to the theme of ‘celebration’, as Skimstone Arts marked its 10th anniversary.

During the residency Martim worked closely with members of Skimstone Arts’ Young Artists Collective and produced a utopian series of works called Inner Paradise. The process of working with the young artists involved using photography to capture moments of movement, individual statements, pleasure and dream, transforming these into allegorical paintings.

Martim said: “I had a very inspirational time at Skimstone Arts. I loved getting to know the Young Artists Collective, their stories and explore with them places of utopia (so in need in current times). I was moved by their everyday trust, engagement and excitement with the proposal. I think the final work was very influenced by this creative atmosphere.

“The artist looks for what does not pass – or for what gets eternalised – in the present. On the exhibition day I was very moved to see the relation between artwork and viewers to take place, to see the YAC watch themselves and to eternalise that moment we worked together. The presence of the other artists in residency, the talented Rosanne Robertson, Debbie Sharp and Irantzu Agirre, also added to an immersive and sharing creative time. I also wish to thank Claire and Peter for the amazing support and artistic guidance I got during the residency. Thank you!”

Ben, a member of the Young Artists Collective, said: “Martim is adventurous and has a great imagination and I liked how he got me to image things, like what it’s like in a paradise. I thought his painting was amazing especially as he got our resemblances so well and I loved the collaboration when he painted to Irantzu’s harp playing, their interplay and interaction, like how he used the brush strokes to show intensity. I’ve started using his strategy to go to my place of paradise when I get stressed.” 

Claire Webster Saaremets of Skimstone Arts added: “Martim brought a playful yet very focussed sense of exploring the theme of inner paradises, which stimulated a range of emotional, intellectual and physical responses. His approach to testing ideas and theories through movement and interviews gave a deep one-to-one connection with each young artist. The opportunity to see work progressing in the open door philosophy within the studio space we had provided was fascinating. Martim’s energy, commitment and honesty about his work was really important to experience. A favourite moment was when the young artists saw the final work .. with themselves incorporated into the painting. Something I strongly shared when my own portrait was revealed on the opening night!” 

Martim Dinis is currently studying a Masters degree in Painting at the University of Lisbon and also holds a post-graduate level course in Creating Theatre and Performance at the London International School of Performing Arts (LISPA).

The residency was supported by Arts Council England’s Elevate fund.