This retreat is at Gayles Retreat Centre in the South Downs National Park overlooking Cuckmere Haven and the Seven Sisters. The secluded property and grounds are nestled in the landscape between Friston Forest and the sea. During the 4 days you will be immersed in this spectacular, expansive landscape, using walking, drawing and writing to travel through it, absorb it, and engage creatively with it. The sense of this place is ever present, perched on the edge between land sea and sky. You will fill a concertina sketchbook using mindful mark making as a way to feel connected to all your senses, not just the visual. You will have another small sketchbook to draw and write in, as well as the opportunity to work larger if you wish. You will be gently guided and supported throughout by Katie. NB. All of your materials, vegetarian food and shared accommodation* are included in the price.

This is an unmissable opportunity to escape, breathe, walk, draw and write freely to see where your thoughts and observations take you. Katie will be offering guided meditation and simple qi gong exercises to lead into each drawing and writing exercise, to help you find your flow. There will plenty of time for you to then follow your own direction and find a quiet place to work, or explore the place.

This is more than a 9 to 5 workshop, the day begins and ends when you want it to, with optional early morning and evening walks, taking advantage of the long summer days and stunning sunsets. How wonderful to be able to stay for 3 nights in this inspirational location, with nothing else to interrupt your creative flow! Whilst we will be sharing meals together, with the option of working into the evening, the house, garden and accommodation are large enough to find a space to retreat by yourself whenever the need arises. There is space to work indoors and outside, depending on the weather, with space to make larger work for those who wish.

Be aware that being physically able enough to walk confidently for a couple of hours each day will be important. Armed with a pocketful of tools and a sketchbook we will set off each day to respond, notice and connect with our surroundings. We will find out as we go, celebrate the beauty, the physicality, the surprises; taking time to rest and reflect along the way.

At the end of this retreat:

• you will come away with a satisfying bundle of research, drawings and writing to potential ly develop or integrate into a bigger project

• you will have new thoughts and processes that will feed your creative practice

• you will feel refreshed by being away, in the landscape with no other commitments to get in the way of the flow of thought

• you will have enjoyed the space and time to recharge, and may have no expectations of outcomes

For further information and photos of Gayles Retreat Centre, and surrounding landscape follow this link. https://www.retreattogayles.co.uk

Cost: £575 (early bird £525 if you book by 31/12/24) *Please note that accommodation is based on sharing, with limited single/twin room availability on a first come first served basis with £100 supplement

Fri 1 Aug arrive 4pm for welcome tea and introductory session before dinner

Mon 4 Aug depart 3pm after a days teaching and final review

Booking: katiesollohub@gmail.com or phone Katie on 07905244623 to discuss