Barehands Residency was an iterative residency that supported sculptors working ambitiously with stone, wood and aluminum casting.

The Jordan iteration ran from 17 April to 7 May 2015, but the planning had begun in 2014 in Malaysia through the minds of artists Mamoru Abe, Anees Maani and Juhari Said.

The visiting artists first had the chance to travel across Jordan visiting numerous archaeological and natural sites which showcases dramatic variety in rock and wood formations. And then, an immersive experience in Jordan’s industrial area- Sahab, allowed the artists ample space and tools to produce.

For Samer, who deeply appreciates his friendships with like-minded artists, particularly Anees, he reflects on working in isolation in one’s studio, and the opportunity to share resources and space.

“I work alone most of the time but the good thing about residencies and workshops is that it gives me the opportunity to work with other artists which allows us to exchange information and technologies that we have developed ourselves. But it is not just talking about art. There was Anees and Juhari. It was Anees’ studio and we joined in, and Anees were a big help for me in making my works. Juhari too as every once in a while we would also interact. He was working on some smaller pieces. It is about being together, having breakfast and lunch together, taking a break together, and driving back home together. That was really inspiring.” From an interview with Anees Maani in 2017

Some of the photos were taken by the late Bill Lyons