Research & Learning Archives - Studio H Canada International Artist Residencies

Embodied Weaving: An Open Studio with Nishra Ranpura

September 19, 2026

During her residency at Studio H Canada, Nishra Ranpura used the studio as an active laboratory. The interdisciplinary artist, researcher and creative technologist was investigating crafted machines, woven computation and embodied making. Her research brings together traditional textile processes, physical computation, digital fabrication and participatory practice. Rather than treating weaving and technology as separate fields, … More Embodied Weaving: An Open Studio with Nishra Ranpura

Sculpture Residency Outcomes Article

May 26, 2026

Failing Upward: Eco-friendly Sculptural Materials Research by Kathy Bussert-Webb Discover the innovative journey of eco-artist Kathy Bussert-Webb as she explores the challenges and breakthroughs in creating sustainable sculptural materials. This article documents her hands-on experiments with hempcrete, vegan leather, Roman cement, kombucha scoby art, lime stucco putty, and a proprietary organic sealer. Through a process … More Sculpture Residency Outcomes Article

Zoryu – The Night Sky Above Where I Stayed

August 20, 2022

Zoryu – Artist in Residence Residency Dates: July 22-August 18, 2022 I am in a place which would have been unimaginable to you and me in front of that rotary pine tree last August. How could I have imagined that I would fly across the Pacific Ocean and write a letter to you, surrounded by … More Zoryu – The Night Sky Above Where I Stayed

Jay Lind – Solo Improvised Music

July 22, 2022

Leap of Faith – The work during my residency at Studio H Canada International Artist Residency explores ideas of vulnerability, grief and how our perceptions of these emotional aspects of life are impacted by solitude. This is improvised music where there has been limited preparation in terms of composition. The immediacy of making choices in … More Jay Lind – Solo Improvised Music

Kirsty Nicoll – ‘In Mourning and Rage’

April 20, 2022

I arrived at Studio H Canada at the end of a five week trip travelling America’s west coast, during which I was told that – despite feeling nothing of the sort inside – I was harbouring a lot of anger. And so, I wanted to unpack this for my project at Studio H to see … More Kirsty Nicoll – ‘In Mourning and Rage’

Under the Influence at Dinosaur Park -Artist Talk with Heidi Bergstrom

February 24, 2021

Date: Sunday, March 14, 2021Time: 2:00pmPlace: ONLINE, Zoom and Facebook Live Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta is one of the most important UNESCO World Heritage sites in Canada, and the largest late Cretaceous (75 million years ago) find in the world (so far). They say, “if you drop your hat and don’t find a fossil, then … More Under the Influence at Dinosaur Park -Artist Talk with Heidi Bergstrom

Under the Influence – Day 5-7

January 8, 2021

These days are about exploration and absorption. Hiking out with the guides and my guest Kelly is amazing – we are sweating like mad but thrilled and amazed at every turn. The staff are so knowledgeable – they ignite a passion for paleontology in everyone. Its all about bones, stones, hoodoos, heat and cactus. Doesn’t … More Under the Influence – Day 5-7

Under the Influence – Day 4

October 26, 2020

I am going nuts with the bugs, disoriented being on my own for the first time (feeling a bit giddy), and the heat is amazing. We hike into an area to do some digging and I wander off a bit and find a place to sketch. Plein air is so tricky in this place. I … More Under the Influence – Day 4

Under the Influence – Day 3

October 21, 2020

Day 3 at Dinosaur Park is really about Dean and Sue de-camping and a leisurely walk around the camp. I check out the field station museum (buy some pottery of course and a DP patch) which is wonderfully air conditioned, the outdoor amphitheatre, the river and some nearby hoodoos. I get a quick sketch in … More Under the Influence – Day 3

The Cowichan Women’s traditional sweaters, issues of intellectual property and cultural appropriation.

October 21, 2020

by Heidi Bergstromre-post from NorthernWomen.org I wanted to contribute a blog to the Northern Women’s Art Collaborative (NWAC) about the Cowichan Tribe’s struggle with the Hudson’s Bay Company in 2010 over their intellectual property rights and the cultural appropriation of First Nations cultural expressions. I am from the west coast of British Columbia in Canada … More The Cowichan Women’s traditional sweaters, issues of intellectual property and cultural appropriation.

Zoë LeBrun

9 months ago

I had an amazing time at Studio H in the View Suite! Heidi and Michael were excellent hosts and I had a great time creating art and researching alongside the other artist there. Highly recommend!

Leslie Savage

10 months ago

Studio H was a wonderful experience. Did a ton of work, both in the studio and. on the patio, stitching and making cyanotype prints, and Heidi and Michael's generosity, sense of both fun and diligence, and their wide-ranging experience were inspirational.

B Wass

11 months ago

The most amazing experiences are here in this oasis within the rainforest

trish baggott

1 year ago

I spent a month at Studio H Canada in March 2025, and it was an incredibly rewarding and inspiring experience. The residency gave me the time and space to reflect on my art practice, explore new ideas, and create new work in a peaceful, supportive environment. Heidi was a gracious and thoughtful host, and the studio—with its lovely view—offered everything I needed to focus and recharge. It was my first visit to Vancouver Island, and I found both the location and the community welcoming and full of quiet inspiration. A perfect setting for a residency.

ruby webb

What a sweet gem of an experience! I couldn’t recommend it enough! Every moment was refreshing. I adored my studio and suite spaces, plus the view! The openness for possibilities was wide and I was continuously inspired to create! Heidi is the best and I’m so grateful to have been able to meet so many great people during my time!

Hailey Kennedy

Studio H International is truly a remarkable experience! Heidi is an amazing mentor, providing me with many new skills and feedback to further my art practice. Being here has shaped my career as an artist and provided me with the much needed time, inspiration and direction I never realized was missing. I look forward to implementing the things I've learned and my work will be inspired by the beautiful landscape in the years to come. I hope I can return again soon.

Miyoko number2

2 years ago

My time as an artist in residence at Studio H Canada was unforgettable. First of all, Heidi and Michael are exceptional hosts, and the environment of the studio is outstanding. Everything about Studio H is absolutely perfect for an art residency: its natural surroundings, the retreat-like atmosphere, free from distractions yet full of inspiration. There's so much more I could say, but you just need to go and discover for yourself how positively impactful this art residency will be for you. Miyoko (from France)

Ashlee Banxxs

I had a truly incredible experience at the residency. The stunning location provided the clarity and inspiration I needed to focus on my art. Heidi was a gracious host, creating an environment where I could explore my own techniques while also learning from fellow artists. We shared our knowledge and honed our craft together. The landscape surrounding the studio is breathtaking, filled with vibrant herbs and flowers, immersing us in nature. The ocean views are simply spectacular. I genuinely believe this is one of the best residencies out there, and I would love the opportunity to visit again.

grace s.chwarz

heidi is simply the best :) sharing such a beautiful space and studio with artists is truly a gift, that i got to thankfully experience back in april this year. a worthwhile experience and beautiful place to experience it. thank you heidi!

Jenn Pearson

Studio H residency was absolutely ideal for me, which at the time was cozy and peaceful. Heidi is a fantastic host, who not only facilitated my needs, but also provided inspiration, knowledge, and friendship. I highly recommend this residency.

Daniela P. Meier

After my long and sometimes somewhat turbulent journey, Studio H was the perfect place for me to regain my creative strength! I was able to devote a month to art in the middle of nature. I was inspired by the surrounding nature, the collected flotsam and the conversations with the super friendly hosts. With yoga in the forest and walks on the beach, the stay felt like an art-peace retreat. In addition to the hospitality, I was also super happy with the accommodation itself. It was well equipped, offered all the necessary comforts and also had breathtaking views of the sea, Vicotria and, if the weather was clear, Mount Baker. It was an unforgettable time. Thank you very much for everything, I hope to see you again and come back!

Vanessa Valero

Not enough good words to describe this residency and this place. Really magical. The landscape was just breathtaking, but what I will remember the most are the hosts. I really enjoyed my time here—very productive and very comfortable. I would definitely go back!

Laura Kunciūtė

3 years ago

Heidi is a gem and Studio H Canada, that she shares wholeheartedly, is the most welcoming art residency there is. Since the studio is crafted by a fellow artist, the space is very intuitive and full of inspiration. The experience the Studio H Canada International Artist Residency brings is a balance between solitude, sheltering nature and abundance of wisdom from Heidi.

Art Action Earwig

We had the pleasure of learning how to make art-soap with Heidi. Our experimenting was a success thanks to Heidi’s insight and expert advice. Spacious and versatile studio space with lots of light. Comfortable, clean and cozy living space. Gracious, encouraging and communicative hosts. Beautiful and inspiring location in Metchosin with views of Victoria and the Salish Sea. Its easy to walk in the woods or explore nearby lakes and coastline, not too close and not too far from the city.

Studio H Canada International Artist Residencies

Artist-run. Artist-centred.

Category: Research & Learning