Join an internationally known ceramic artist and potter living in beautiful Dordogne, France

Details

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  Description

  Hi, I am Mike, My career experience has always been in the visual arts. First as a painter then a Graphic Designer, running my own design studio: and finally as a Ceramic Artist. My wife and I moved to France thirty years ago, Where I worked and developed my ceramics, eventually becoming well known in my field and exhibiting all over France and Europe. Sadly, some years ago my dear wife developed Alzheimers; I cared for her for many years until there came a point when I was forced to place her in a full time care home.
  I then had to sell our house in order to meet the costs of the home. This included my ceramics studio.
  
  I now live in, and look after a beautiful old house which is owned by good friends who had to return to the UK, due to bad health. Unfortunately there is nowhere to continue making ceramics, but it does have a superb space in which to paint.
  
  When my wife and I lived in our old ,beautiful house we experienced several "workaways" staying with us, every one of which proved to be a successful and happy relationship.
  So, now that I find myself in a very different situation; I would like to re-kindle the hosting experience.
  
  I can offer comfortable accommodation, good food and company, use of a studio: in exchange for GARDENING, as the grounds are pretty extensive!
  Look forward to hearing from you;
  Mike

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Gardening

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  I am an English and French speaker. (I spent 7 years in Israel and speak Hebrew). If you are creative and interested in art, pottery or ceramics then you would be welcome, although even if you are not that is ok too.
  
  Our area is rich in history, with castles and chateaux and medieval villages at every turn in the road.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  Help around the garden...planting, weeding, cutting grass pruning bushes and trees. splitting logs for the wood-firedstove. Help around the studio. If you are creative then you could learn by doing and obtain extra skills.
  
  You don't need to be experienced as I can show you how. I simply could do with some 'extra hands' to get all the jobs done that sometimes seem to take longer than expected!

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent
  Hebrew: Intermediate

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  Accommodation

  I have two extra double bedrooms IN the house and a separate self contained space outside.
  Food and its preparation is an important part of French life, and I wholeheartedly prescribe to that. So sharing and preparing meals which we will all enjoy together is great.
  This is an area renowned for its wine growing, with many vineyards nearby, so there is always a bottle or two on the table.


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  What else ...

  I am situated in the countryside near a small picturesque village. There is no public transport. I am getting on in years and live a calm, quiet life although am still active and young at heart. This is countryside France and therefore you get to understand the French a lot more than living in a town. As I am English you get a mix of the two languages and cultures. This part of France is rich in medieval heritage and there are dozen of small picturesque villages, Chateaus and Castles nearby. The Dordogne river is not far away.
  
  There are no buses here as it really is countryside, but I would be quite willing to take you on visits in the car. I have 2 cars so if you have a clean driving licence you could always borrow one.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Space for parking camper vans

  No problem!

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  Can possibly accept pets

  Yes; but I already have a cat; .

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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