Join us at the cusp of Winter, for a weekend of creativity in a wild and beautiful place. As we enter this period of darkness, this time for incubation, we will explore the alchemical theme of ‘Blackening’. Our art materials; bone, gall, charcoal and rich peaty earth, will also be our teachers. Through working with materials embedded in seasonal cycles, we will encounter power of alchemy and consider how we too are part of this ongoing process of transformation.
This is ideal for people who love the natural world and want to be creatively inspired by this rugged elemental landscape.
Natural Arts; hands on paint and paper making with Oak, Bone, Nettle and Earth.
Eco-Therapeutic Activities: guided solo time in easily accessible nature
Sharing & Discussion – time for optional sharing and group reflection
A ‘Winter Book’: create your own unique artist’s book with personal field notes and expressive images.
Nature Immersion; Optional star gazing, night walk, dawn walk, swim & sauna in Eryri National Park
Delicious, Nourishing Food Enjoy biodynamic, seasonal produce grown onsite and lovingly prepared by our chefs.
What to Expect:
Natural Expression – experiment with earthy art materials.
Creative Depth– space to get into your creative flow.
Companionship – relax with like-minded people
Stillness – restorative time in a wild landscape
Connectedness – feel rooted in nature
A Wintery Threshold – surrender to the darkness and compost your year
This Retreat will Help You:
Rewild Your Creativity – express yourself freely
Return to the land – rediscover a sense of belonging
Find your tribe – be with creative people
Pause – space to be contemplate and reflect
Play – experiment with and experience the beauty and intelligence of natural materials
Who is this Retreat For?
Alchemical Arts is suitable for people with any level of artistic experience. It is for people who are inspired by nature and want to combine eco-therapy with deep creative exploration in a wild and beautiful place. If you want a high-quality creative experience and value being in a small friendly group with gentle, professional teaching then this is for you!
About the Facilitator
Caroline Schofield
Caroline Schofield is an artist who works exclusively with natural pigments. She runs creative eco-therapeutic workshops across North Wales for organisations including North Wales wildlife trust and Conwy Mind. She has qualified as an Eco Psychology, Ecotherapy and Eco-Depth Practitioner over three years of accredited learning.
Safiya Elgindy
Safiya Elgindy will be joining us as a guest facilitator, she brings poetry and creative writing to eco-therapy as way to explore our belonging in the natural world. Safiya is also equally qualified as an Eco Psychological Practitioner. Safiya works as a mental health practitioner with young people in Manchester.
Rates
Residential Rates
Rates are per person, per retreat. Include accommodation and all-inclusive catering.
Room, Private Occupancy
Double Ensuite: £517.00
Single Ensuite: £497.00
Room, Shared Occupancy (with a partner or friend also booked on the retreat)
Double Ensuite: £417.00
Twin Ensuite: £407.00