Art & Culture Retreat in the heart of Northwestern Spain along the Camino de Santiago
Experience geometry as a universal language and a meditative and contemplative practice. Throughout the week you will explore geometry in sacred art, mandalas and biomorphic designs from along the Camino and relate it to other traditions from Eastern Asia. Practical art classes will be complemented with visits to local architectural treasures, such as 5,000 year old petroglyphs at sunrise, Roman mosaics, a 10th c. pre-Romanesque monastery and the 13th c. Gothic Cathedral of León. You will collect gorgeous Camino earths, learn how to prepare and paint your mandalas with natural pigments.
This will also be your opportunity to spend some quiet time in nature on the Camino de Santiago. Go for walks. Enjoy home - cooked healthy meals under the pergola. Share with others and enjoy the quiet of the starlit Milky Way.
A collaboration between Stephanie Ellis & Flores del Camino (Bertrand Gamrowski, Basia Goodwin)
Bertrand Gamrowski (Phd) is co founder of Flores del Camino. His background is in economics & mathematics. He specialises in the use of geometry in Christian art & architecture & has made a large body of research relating to the use of geometry in art of the Camino de Santiago. He finds joy & fulfilment in teaching & sharing what is not just an intellectual exercise but a “practical philosophy” hands on & embodied practise.
Basia Goodwin (MA) studied at the Princes School of traditional Arts, specialising in the use of geometry in traditional arts, craft & philosophy. In her creative practice she works with a variety of mediums, ceramics, glass, makes & paints with natural pigments, using local Camino ocher earths.
Stephanie June Ellis is is a professional artist, qualified Colour Therapist specialising in sacred geometry and biomorphic art which span culturally worldwide throughout traditional crafts and architecture. She passionately engages with local and global communities offering wellbeing through the creative process with a focus on geometry.
Saturday 23rd. Welcome
15h-19h Check-in
19h30
Induction tour & Welcome dinner
Bringing the group together
Day 1 ~ Sunday 24th. Unity
Introductions:
The circle and the Journey of the Soul (pilgrimage)
One and Six: the Flower of Life (geometry)
Introduction to Mandalas
+ Fiesta de la Magdalena (traditional village procession and dances)
Evening Intention fire (intention for the week)
Day 2 ~ Monday 25th. Duality
Morning: Dual patterns
Visigothic vs Bali Designs
Afternoon: Colour: Introduction to pigments & colour therapy
Day 3 ~ Tuesday 26th. Trinity
A full day exploring the perfect number .
Trinity symbolism in world religious traditions.
Theory + practical
Day 4 ~ Wednesday 27th. Day Out * Culture visit
Visit of León Cathedral, the Mozarabic church of San Miguel de Escalada,
and Roman mosaics of La Olmeda.
Day 5 ~ Thursday 28th. The Circle & the Square
Explore quatrefoils through the Lotus flower, Persian shamsa and Pamplona Cloister arched windows.
Day 6 ~ Friday 29th. Spirals
Early morning visit of Peñafadiel petroglyphs
Exploring Labyrinths. Building a labyrinth
Afternoon Workshop ~ using spirals for Biomorphic designs
Evening Intention fire (letting go)
The last supper.
Saturday 30th.
Departure after breakfast and before noon