The onion in the woods: a summer getaway for artists

A summer retreat invites artists to rest, reconnect and reimagine their artistic universe. This is the aim of Lia Haraki’s The Onion in the Woods retreat will do while spending a week in Zoopigi village focusing on creative methods.

The retreat, running from July 3 to 10 at the Cyprus Retreat Centre, is open to artists of all kinds and will blend free time for each artist to work on their material independently but will also include workshop sessions from The Onion – unlayering the artistic practice coaching lab guided by Lia.

In the coaching group sessions, participants will be given a different perspective on the creative process as a process of undoing rather than doing, so that the outcome can be revealed rather than developed.

By using the onion peeling both as a metaphor and as a practice, the participants are guided to ‘peel off ‘unnecessary layers that keep the artwork hidden and locked. The workshop specifically deals with eight issues that influence and determine the creative process. These are explored through practical exercises as well as writing, sketching, mapping, listing, thinking and discussing, which work towards the reflection, articulation and clarification of the elements that make up one’s artistic universe.

“If you are a creator/artist who wants to isolate for a week in nature and reflect on your work and its potential,” say the organisers, “then this gift/frame is for you. The Onion in the woods is an artists’ coaching week in the mountains of Cyprus, offering the space to artists from Cyprus and abroad, to take time off from the distractions of everyday life and zoom into the anatomy of their artistic universe.

“A change in environment,” they add, “together with a change of altitude will offer different perspectives to arise in relation to their work. At the same time, the artists will have the chance to be a part of a community of creators and connect through common concerns, interests and passions, which will encourage and support their own process.”

The week-long retreat will focus on three elements. Reimagining the potential of the artist’s work in the future as well as articulating its anatomy so far through indoor and outdoor workshops. Reconnecting to oneself and the community of artists is another which will function as a frame of support through shared meals, forest walks and performance rituals. Finally, rest is the third pillar of the retreat to give time to the mind and body to slow down and relax. Meditation, sauna, jacuzzi and massages aim to make this possible.

The Onion in the Woods

Artists’ coaching week and summer retreat. July 3-10. Retreat Centre Cyprus, Zoopigi village. €550 including accommodation, meals and workshops. Registration deadline: May 9. Info: www.liaharaki.com. Contact: [email protected]