The Riding Mountain Artists’ Residency gives Manitoban artists time to focus on their work in the beautiful natural setting of Riding Mountain National Park.
The next artist-in-residence for the 2026 season is Brendon Ehinger. Ahead of his time in the historic Deep Bay Cabin, Brendon answered a few of our questions about his work and how he’ll be spending his residency.
MAC: Tell us a little about yourself as an artist and your practice.
Brendon: I like to say that my artwork kind of sits somewhere within the Venn diagram of electroacoustic music, sound art, composition and improvisation. I like to treat sound like a pliable medium that can be manipulated and reimagined into new forms, new contexts and new meaning. Using electronics and modular synthesis, I transform the organic sounds of nature, acoustic instruments and other random things into long-form ephemeral sonic performances that are approachable, relatable, and challenge perceptions of what is real and what is synthesized. To date I have primarily created solo works that explore personal themes and are performed by only myself. Lately however, I have been thinking about ways to invite other artists into the work. Opening up my compositions to their interpretation and adding their voice to the performances.
Tell us about your project — what will you be working on in the Deep Bay Cabin?
“Land Suites” is the working title for this new body of work which I will be starting on during my residency. I plan to find areas of RMNP that I have not yet visited and spend time with the land. Guided by principals of “take only photographs, leave only footprints” I will engage in active listening exercises and document my experiences with minimal intrusion. Back in the Deep Bay Cabin I will review and reflect on the documentation and experiment with musical sketches that will serve as the basis for the creation of the “Land Suites” graphic scores.
What is your relationship with the park?
I’ve lived in Brandon for the past 10 years, and this has given me and my family the proximity and opportunity to visit Riding Mountain National Park frequently. We visit and enjoy the landscape year-round, hiking & skiing on the trails and paddling & swimming in the lakes, creating memories. We count ourselves lucky to have access to such a beautiful piece of Manitoba and I consider the park as one of my “happy places.”
How do you hope the park will influence or inspire your project or practice?
I am hoping to spend time in areas of the park where I can immerse myself in my surroundings, allowing land to guide me in this new work.
Anything else you’d like to share with readers and the Riding Mountain National Park community?
If you see me around town or out on a trail feel free to smile and say hi. I’m happy to meet new people and chat about sound, art, nature or whatever.
The Riding Mountain Artists’ Residency is offered in partnership by the Manitoba Arts Council, Wasagaming Community Arts, and Riding Mountain National Park.
Interested in the staying in the Deep Bay cabin? Find out how to apply to the Riding Mountain Artists Residency through the Learn – Residencies grant stream. Apply by January 15, 2027 for a residency in the summer of 2027.
