Over the past eight years, I've worked hard at perfecting the art of retreat planning along with developing my own creative practice as an artist.
I've been fortunate to build highly successful retreat programs for artists at two destinations in the Midwest (one on Madeline Island, the other in beautiful, Bayfield, WI) where internationally recognized instructors lead retreats. Not only have I helped thousands of students experience the chance to "dig in" and develop their creative vision with a retreat or workshop, now I have the honor of sharing how travel with OPEN AIR PLACES can nourish the creative spirit.
Read on for my list of the top 10 reasons why I think retreats are something all artists should consider doing to enrich their creativity.
MY TOP 10 REASONS WHY I THINK PHOTO RETREATS ENRICH
MY LIFE & MAKE ME A BETTER ARTIST
INSPIRATION retreats allow me to open myself up to new experiences and ways of seeing with spontaneous excursions and experiences
LUXURY OF TIME unlimited and uninterrupted time to focus on creating without distractions of daily emails, and to-do lists at home & work
VISIT BEAUTIFUL PLACES all around the world where I’ve never been, or that sweet feeling of “coming home” when I return to places that have inspired me the most
MEET LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE in my group who are seeking similar things that I am
EXPERT ADVICE from an experienced instructor who has a wealth of knowledge to share + quality time to look at and discuss my work with me
DEVELOP YOUR CREATIVE VISION I focus on creating a container of space around my work during retreats, so I can go home with a strong series, or a strong start to one
EXPLORE NEW TECHNIQUES to expand my creative repertoire and to play with techniques I’ve been wanting to try
STAY IN UNIQUE PLACES I love staying in places that put intention behind furnishings and ambiance - these places undeniably nurture my creativity, and reinforce self-care
NOURISH BODY, SOUL & MIND with healthy meals, excursions and creative conversation with other artists
MAKE LOTS OF WORK and study all of my images, even the imperfect ones because sometimes there is a seed there which will grow if I let it
HERE IS A LOVELY SERIES OF WORK I MADE DURING A PHOTO RETREAT IN GUATEMALA WITH DOUGLAS BEASLEY…
My Pietá | found in the courtyard of an antique store | Antigua, Guatemala | October 2014
Mend Me As Only You Can Do | nature's sutures at the Monastery Ruins | Antigua, Guatemala | October 2014
Seven Sisters and Nail | dye kitchen at the weaving co-op | Santo Domingo Xenacoj, Guatemala | October 2014
Soul Mate Thread | found near the bell | graveyard at San Antonio Aguas Caliente, Guatemala | November 2014
Rose of Mary | heart medicine at Hotel San Pedro | Antigua, Guatemala | October 2014
Pairing You and Me | weaving co-op courtyard | Santo Domingo Xenacoj, Guatemala | October 2014
Marigolds and Pine as Roots and Miracles | weaving co-op | Santo Domingo Xenacoj, Guatemala | October 2014
Shopping List and Light | house of the saint | Santo Domingo Xenacoj, Guatemala | October 2014
Blessed Salt Mirror | rainwater reflection in Santo Domingo Xenacoj, Guatemala | October 2014
I Will Carry You like Icarus | Hotel San Pedro | Antigua, Guatemala | November 2014
Rims of Print and Palm | two steps past the footprint | Monastery Ruins | Antigua, Guatemala | October 2014
Miracle Room | dream reenactment | Monastery Ruins | Antigua, Guatemala | October 2014
I am producing a 10 Day Photo Retreat in Guatemala with Douglas in September 2019! We will be staying at the fabulous Meson Panza Verde Hotel, and their Sister Property, Palo Santo Hotel in ANTIGUA, along with several days at the luxurious Villas' B’Alam Ya on Lake Atitlan. This will be an incredible experience for making images with meaning, and I hope you can join us!
I am running a drawing to gift 5 guests with a $100 discount on this retreat. Entrants must sign up for my OPEN AIR PLACES newsletter. I will be selecting the winners on March 31, 2019.
If you have any questions, please send me an email.
HELLO FRIEND! I’m JENNA ERICKSON
Founder & Lead Travel Ambassador for OPEN AIR PLACES.
I enjoy sharing Unique Places to Stay where artists can regenerate and be inspired, along with doing what I can to nurture the creative process in myself and others.
Want to get social? Follow along with me on Instagram at @openairplaces.
I CAN’T WAIT TO SHARE MORE WITH YOU SOON!
xoxo
JENNA