Artist in Residence Program – Resonance
Application
Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the Resonance Artist in Residence program. I’m an Edmonton-based illustrator, designer, and ceramic artist whose practice often explores playful themes of connection and community. In recent years, clay has become a more focused part of my creative work, offering a slower process that complements my background in illustration and design. I’m particularly interested in how handmade objects can create small moments of curiosity and wonder within everyday environments, inviting viewers to pause and look more closely at the spaces around them.
I hope to chat with you soon!
Alex
Studio Commitment
I am able to commit to regular studio time during the residency period and would have availability to be onsite Tuesday through Friday between 9–11 AM and 12–3 PM. My approach to the residency would involve completing the bulk of the clay building during the first week to allow sufficient time for the two required kiln firings, surface decoration, and final assembly of the ceramic works in the following weeks. Most of the clay preparation may have to happen offsite, with my studio time focused on hand-building structural components, refining forms, and applying decorative elements. There is potential for me to bring a throwing wheel and move some of the initial clay work onsite if setup allows. Firing would also occur offsite.
One consideration is that I will be away from June 26th to July 19th so work will have to conclude before then. If there is room to start early, that would help ensure there is enough time for kiln firings (2 weeks for bisque and an additional week for final).
Onsite
Handbuilding
Wheel throwing*
Surface decoration
Assembly
Offsite
Clay prep
Wheel throwing/handbuilding*
Kiln firing
Research Proposal + Body of Work
The proposed body of work would explore themes present in wabi-sabi philosophy, focusing on impermanence, quiet beauty, and the relationship between handmade objects and the natural world. I’m interested in artists such as Ruth Asawa, Patrick Dougherty, and Yuko Nishikawa, whose work often blend artistic experimentation with natural themes and environments.
During the residency, I would like to explore the creation of structures inspired by bird houses, suspended mobiles and/or tea light holders which capture the beauty of birds/flight, wind and light. These pieces would be designed to feel at home in outdoor settings where the forms might initially blend into their surroundings before revealing small whimsical details when viewed more closely. My goal is to create objects that feel both intentional and slightly mysterious, encouraging a pause to notice the subtle interactions between crafted forms and their environments.
After residency requirements are met, I would love to explore installing these pieces in Millcreek Ravine so bird watchers, commuters and daycare groups can happen upon these installations by chance as they quietly enjoy the natural surroundings.
By artist Yuko Nishikawa
By artist Ruth Asawa
By artist Patrick Dougherty
By artist Yuko Nishikawa
By artist Andy Goldsworthy
By artist Stan Bitters
Proposed Mediums
The primary medium for this project would be thrown and hand-built ceramics. Clay offers a fun balance between structure and spontaneity, allowing forms to evolve organically during the building process. I would also incorporate simple structural elements, such as found wood and wire, to support suspended or hanging components. These additional materials would help create lightweight frameworks that would not distract from the ethereal aesthetic of the pieces.
Skill-Share Team Workshop
The skill-share workshop would invite the groundcubed team to explore similar ideas of playful structure through clay. I’d like to either play with bird house structures or mini tea light covers where light and shadow play would become the focus.
The workshop would take place in two parts:
Part One (1–2 hours): Participants would learn simple hand-building techniques and create their own small whimsical structures using clay. The focus would be on experimentation rather than technical perfection.
Part Two (1–2 hours, after bisque firing): Participants would return to decorate their pieces using underglaze paints before a final firing. Wire or small wooden elements could then be added to complete their sculptures.
Workshop Materials Estimated for 20 participants
Clay: ~$90
Underglaze paints,
tools + wire: ~$200
Kiln usage (bisque and glaze firings): ~$100–$200
Structure
This workshop would provide a relaxed and hands-on introduction to clay while encouraging creativity and collaboration through simple, imaginative forms.
Artist Bio
Alex DesCôtes
Hi! I am a creative based in Edmonton, Alberta, and the face behind FortyWink, where I blend illustration, design, and ceramics into work that reflects curiosity, colour, and community. With a Diploma in Fine Arts from MacEwan University and a Bachelor of Design from the University of Alberta, my professional journey has moved between in‑house design roles, advertising studios, and software design. Over the past few years, my focus has shifted toward freelance practice, allowing my creativity to evolve in ways that feel meaningful and playful.
My work is deeply inspired by family, my neighbourhood, and the tactile joy of working with materials like clay, paint, and bold colourways. I strive to make work that adds value beyond the noise. Creative projects that resonate with people and foster connection rather than just fill a portfolio.
I love a collaboration and aim to be an active community member. I helped launch the Edmonton chapter of Ladies, Wine & Design, creating space for women and non-binary creatives to support and inspire one another. In the past couple of years I’ve engaged with public art through murals and participatory projects that aim to bring people together.
Recently, ceramics have become a central focus of my practice. Working with clay offers a slower pace and a deeper engagement with process, something I highly value as both a creative and a parent.
CV/Resume: LinkedIn Resume
Instagram: alexdescotes
Website: fortywink.co
Relevant Projects
Ottewell Community Mural 2025
A designed and hand-painted mural for the Ottewell Community League. Inspired by the neighbourhood’s green spaces and shaped through community voting and painting, the mural captures local spirit while adding colour and character to the heart of Ottewell.
The Flower Shop – Tiny (free) Gallery in collaboration with Good Neighbour Arts Network
An installation for the Holyrood Tiny Free Gallery inspired by the small bouquets my kids pick for me. The project offers handmade flower magnets, mini dandelion vases for bouquets, and mini prints as takeaways for the community to share. A basket within the gallery has also become a place where daycare children leave their own artwork. A planned kindergarten workshop will add handmade paper flowers to the exchange, celebrating small gestures of creativity and care within the neighbourhood.
Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market Mural 2025
A hand-painted window mural for the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market, using bold typography, floral motifs, and nostalgic local references inspired by the market’s refreshed brand. The mural brings the community spirit to life and adds a splash of character right at the entrance.
Candle Collaborations with Ebb Candles (Replenish Zero Waste)
A series of ceramic candle projects that combine pottery, scent, and community engagement. Together, we created Brush + Wick, a two-part workshop where participants decorated hand-thrown ceramic vessels before returning to pour custom soy candles into their finished pieces. Our partnership has also included a seasonal Candle Club subscription, featuring limited-edition ceramic vessels paired with curated scents, and a candle fundraiser supporting the Bissell Centre. These projects explore how functional objects can bring together craft, creativity, and community care.
Proposed Materials Budget
Body of Work (Residency Project)
Clay: 3 boxes = $270
Wire: Assorted lengths = $150
Underglaze paint: For surface decoration = $200
String: For hanging mobiles = $25
Total: Approx. $645
Skill-Share Team Workshop (20 Participants)
Clay: Small portion for each participant = $90
Wire: NA (already purchased for residency) = $0
Underglaze paint: NA (already purchased for residency) = $0
String: NA (already purchased for residency = $0
Kiln usage: Bisque and glaze firing = $100–$200
Total: $190-290
Total: Approx. $835-$935
High-Level Project Plan
Week 1 – Clay Building + Part 1 Workshop (12–15 hours)
Throw and hand-build main clay components for bird feeder, mobiles and tea light structures.
Workshop Part 1 (1–2 hours + prep): Introduce team to hand-building techniques and small-scale structures.
Prepare pieces for bisque firing.
Week 2 – Decoration + Structural Planning (7 hours)
Decoration + colour placement (4 hours): Begin underglaze testing, colour decisions, and surface work.
Found material integration + assembly planning (3 hours): Determine how wire and wood will integrate with structures, plan hanging and mobile assembly.
Week 3 – Decoration + Part 2 Workshop (7 hours)
Decoration completion (3 hours): Apply underglaze and finalize design details.
Workshop Part 2 (2 hours + prep 2 hours): Participants decorate bisque-fired pieces with underglaze paints.
Prep residency (and workshop) pieces for final firing.
Week 4 – Assembly, Installation + Documentation (7 hours)
Assembly + installation (4 hours): Construct and install completed works for Art Exhibit Reception (or plan if exhibit will happen at a later time).
Site-specific planning / outdoor installation (1 hour): Consider placement for potential external installation.
Documentation + wrap-up (2 hours): Photograph and record process and final pieces, reflect on outcomes, and finalize project notes.
Total Hours Across 4 Weeks: 33–36 hours