Last Chance to Join us for the Circular Journey 2023
Sacred geometry in stone & glass Jul 8 - 16, 2023
Are you craving an opportunity to travel, explore and get re-connected to your creativity? Leave behind the stress of modern life during this immersive arts retreat in Spain. Take time for self discovery and exploration.
Join us on personalized excursions as we step back in time to explore the inspired designs along the Camino de Santiago. This full immersion retreat will allow you to walk through centuries of historic architectural beauty and artisan designs to include:
- • One of the most important archaeological sites in the Spanish Roman world, The stunning Roman mosaics of La Olmeda from the 4th century.
- • Experience the ethereal monastery of San Miguel de Escalada built in the Visigothic style during the 7th – 10th century .
- • Marvel at the immensely breathtaking Gothic cathedral of León, famous for its exquisite 13th century stained glass.
During your stay at Flores Del Camino you can expect ample time for grounding daily rituals and practical sessions in expert hands.
Together we will:
- • Savor the local flavors of the Spanish countryside as we gather in our beautiful private courtyard under the grapevines.
- • Learn to create sacred geometry and stained glass.
- • Touch the earth of these sacred lands as you work with pigment made from local earth and stone.
- • Build new friendships and community through shared contemplative and creative practice.
- • Be inspired by themes of pilgrimage, journey & place.
Our journey together will be held in three parts.
Part One: study and explore with ruler and compass the sacred geometry designs in preparation for the visits.
Part Two: experience the architectural treasures first hand with on-site sessions (the best classrooms!).
Part Three: create three pieces inspired by these experiences.
• Design a small stained glass piece based on León windows.
• Dive deep into the starcut diagram from La Olmeda, and paint it using natural pigments.
• Create a personal “mandala rose” inspired by the geometric and biomorphic designs encountered in all three places, and express your personal impressions.
Ticket Sales end March 15th!
Sample Itinerary
Saturday 8th. Arrival, Welcome & Gathering
Check-in at Flores del Camino between 4 & 5pm
Bringing the group together – Welcome dinner 7pm
Day 1 ~ Sunday 9th.
Morning session : introductions to symbols of pilgrimage & sacred geometry
Afternoon session: sacred geometry with ruler and compass
Day 2 ~ Monday 10th.
Morning session: sacred geometry – preparations for our visits
Afternoon session: sacred geometry continued
Day 3 ~ Tuesday 11th.
Visits : 4th century Roman mosaics of La Olmeda, 7th – 10th century Visigothic & Mozarabic monastery of San Miguel de Escalada and the 13th century Gothic cathedral of León
Day 4 ~ Wednesday 12th.
Morning session: collecting and preparing natural pigments, painting the starcut diagram and other designs from La Olmeda
Afternoon session: painting continued,
Day 5 ~ Thursday 13th.
Morning session: stained glass
Afternoon session: stained glass
Day 6 ~ Friday 14th.
Morning session: stained glass
Afternoon session: stained glass
Day 7 ~ Saturday 15th.
Morning session: mandala rose marrying the journey
Afternoon session: mandala rose
Evening sharing by the fire to close.
Day 8 ~ Sunday 16th.
Departure after Breakfast
The schedule is representative of the actual retreat but maybe subject to changes, for example due to the weather or other circumstances.
Ticket Sales end March 15th!
About your tutors
Bertrand Gamrowski (PhD) is co-founder of Flores del Camino Retreat Centre. He has a background in mathematics. He specializes in the use of geometry in Christian art & architecture & has made a large body of research relating to the art of the Camino de Santiago. He finds joy & fulfillment in teaching & sharing what is not just an intellectual exercise but a “practical philosophy” hands on practice.
Basia Goodwin (MA) is co-founder of Flores del Camino. She is an alumni of the Princes School of Traditional Arts, specializing 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.
John Hornsby has spent the bulk of his 25-year career in experiential design work. He is an artist & designer, creative connector, & problem solver who loves fusing symbolism & strategy to design. As an avid supporter of the creative sector, John works at the intersection of community, story, & design. He enjoys sketching & journaling of his travels along with teaching & facilitating meaningful conversations.
Ticket Sales end March 15th!
What’s included
Accommodation
All accommodation consists of ensuite bedrooms.
Food
Nourishing and healthy meals prepared onsite and served with love in either the dining area or in the courtyard under the pergola. Wine is offered at dinner.
Dietary requirements
We cater for the following dietary requirements: vegetarian, gluten-free, carb-free, dairy-free.
Workshops
All equipment & material provided.
Outings
Site entries & transport fares for cultural activities.
Private transport between Madrid & the retreat centre
If you prefer to arrive independently to the retreat centre, see how to get here.
What's not included
Flights
Insurances (travel, health, etc.) – Travel Insurance is highly recommended!
One or two meals taken in restaurants during our visits (budget 15~20€ per meal)
To book please note that a new window will open in your browser as you are redirected to our booking platform WETRAVEL
Ticket Sales end March 15th!
