A First for the PThU: an Artist in Residence
Biologist, writer and Libris Prize winner Mariken Heitman will be regularly present at the Jansdam from January through March. During her artist residency she will, together with students and staff, explore the relationship between theology and soil—work that is intended to grow into the “Liturgy of the Garden.”
With this project, Nieuwe Grondtaal (“New Ground Language”), university lecturer Joyce Rondaij and Mariken Heitman aim to bring art and theology into conversation. Rondaij and Heitman have already begun a public exchange of letters; there will also be lectures and workshops, as well as space for practical gardening tips. For Heitman, the garden is the perfect place to learn to look at soil differently.
For Team Ground, Heitman’s work is highly relevant because she writes about earthly matters in a way that is almost religious. Heitman, who is also a gardener, recognises this: 'I don’t do it consciously, but exploratory writing suits who I am and what I want to convey.'
Biblical stories
Heitman grew up in a churchgoing family. As a child she attended a Samen-op-Weg congregation with her parents. 'At my non-religious primary school, I chose religious education. My teacher could tell Bible stories beautifully. I was impressed by the wild, raw and dramatic narratives. These biblical stories have played a major role in my formation as a person and as a writer.'
'I’m fascinated by stories in general—and also by the stories that aren’t told. As a scientist you’re trained to look objectively. That’s why I also pursued agricultural training: to really be part of something. I’m curious how theology students view this—the relationship between scholarship and practice.'
What connects us
Heitman is curious to see what this residency will yield. 'It’s new for all of us. From our own perspectives we look at what connects us: care for and love of nature. I’m also fascinated by the enlivened quality of nature. Finding words for that together—that appeals to me.'
The Artist in Residence hopes above all to be inspired by encounters at the Jansdam. 'I want to talk a lot about life in the soil, about sowing, about compost and how we handle our waste. I want to have conversations with everyone about that. These conversations, along with all the workshops by lecturers and by me, will ultimately inspire the final project: Liturgy of the Garden. I hope to celebrate that with everyone.'
