Two artists, one landscape: Barbara Claes and Lies Van Gasse at Cove Park

In April 2025, we launched a call for applications for a residency at Cove Park in Scotland, open to illustrators and authors. Barbara Claes and Lies Van Gasse were the fortunate recipients, selected to spend two weeks in this unique and remote natural setting. The reports they shared with us clearly show how the experience inspired their creativity.

On 28 October, I take the train from Brussels to London. In London, I take the train to Glasgow. In Glasgow, I take the train to Gourock. In Gourock, I take the ferry to Kilcreggan. In Kilcreggan, I take the bus to Peaton Road. Cove Park is further along.

I live in a cube. The cube has a table, a bed, a bathroom, a kitchen and a large window. My table is by the large window.

I find myself in the landscape and see stories everywhere.

In Glasgow, Amy pushed a bit too hard against a rickety apartment building. We were eating, a woman said on the news, when suddenly a tree fell on the roof.

Amy didn't hesitate. And where we hesitated, she lingered.

This residency was made possible by Flip through Flanders, an initiative that promotes Dutch-language literature from Flanders across the UK and Ireland.