Join us for the Circular Journey 2022
Are you are craving an opportunity to travel, explore and get re-connected to your creativity? How does escaping the hustle and bustle of modern life in a historic Spanish town while exploring architectural beauty and culture sound? How about building community through creative practices inspired by themes of pilgrimage, journey & place? If this sounds like you then…
Join WNC creatives Gabe Swinney and John Hornsby as we’ve teamed up with the proprietors of Flores Del Camino along the Camino de Santiago in Castrillo De Los Polvazares in Spain to provide this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Preliminary timetable
Sunday July 3rd. Welcome
15h-19h Check-in
19h30
Induction tour & Welcome dinner
Bringing the group together
Day 1 ~ Monday July 4th.
Morning workshop (3h): Introductions to pilgrimage & geometry
Afternoon workshop (1h30): Preparing tea-stained paper
Resting time
Evening Intention fire (intention for the week)
Day 2 ~ Tuesday July 5th.
Morning: Visit to León Cathedral
Afternoon workshops (2 x 1h30): Dividing the circle ~ The petroglyphs of Galicia
Day 3 ~ Wednesday July 6th.
Tour of the Mountains of León
Peñafadiel petroglyphs, Cruz de Ferro, Forge of Compludo, Peñalba de Santiago, Valley of Silence, Bierzo wine tasting
Day 4 ~ Thursday July 7th.
Morning workshop (3h): Pointed stars & the creation of harmonious ratios. Drawing our first rose.
Afternoon visit: Astorga: Roman museum, Gaudí Palace, chocolate museum
Day 5 ~ Friday July 8th.
Morning team activity: real size drawing of León rose window on the ground. How the medieval masons would have brought their drawings to life.
Afternoon workshops (2 x 1h30): Kissing circles ~ putting the journal together
Day 6 ~ Saturday July 9th.
Morning workshop (1h30): the twelve roses of León
Late morning & afternoon: return to León
Cathedral (has our gaze been changed by this week?), restaurant, San Isidoro, & if possible San Pedro de Escalada.
Sunday July 10th.
Wrap up
Final touches to the journal
Departure after breakfast and before noon
The schedule is representative of the actual retreat but maybe subject to changes, for example due to the weather or other circumstances.
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.
Gabriel Swinney is the founder & managing principal of Swinney Creative, located in Asheville, North Carolina. He specializes in commercial, architectural, & interior photography; & loves integrating edge technology like drones, 3D imaging, VR/AR into his projects. The fuel for his creativity is a sense of adventure & wonder. His favourite pastime is exploring ancient pilgrimage routes in faraway destinations.
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.
Flights, Insurance, Airport Transfers are not included. See how to get here
Book this Retreat
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