©
with
Davina Stephens
& Anna Kwiecinska
30 JUNE - 10 JULY 2027
Your choice of Accommodation with own room is included
Day 1 - Day 4: SANUR
Arrival day - program starts 6 pm (30th June)
Day 5-11: CANDI DASA (4 -10 July)
departure day - no program
AIRPORT : Denpasar Bali
LOVE PAINTING, BUT LOOKING FOR MORE POSSIBILITIES?
The Vessel: A Journey Through Print, Paint & Materials
This is the perfect mid-winter getaway to design and paint ceramics and plan and paint a large works on canvas and paper.
Discovering Stories Through Objects, Materials and Mark Making
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If this approach appeals to you, then you'll have all that you need to create several ceramic pieces using both carving and painting techniques over 3 full days in a professional ceramics studio with Alessia, our instructor trained at St. Martin's School of Art, London; Then a day in the studio of artist Davina Stephens, followed by 5 days of art-making with Davina by the sea in Candi Dasa.
At the end of your retreat, you'll take home a large work on paper, a large painting on canvas, at least 3 glazed ceramic objects, including a large bowl, and many works on paper with which you can continue your practice at home.
You can come to this retreat with experience or as a newcomer in both or either fields of ceramics or painting ... we've got you!
See you there!
When we enter a new environment, a new culture, or a new landscape, we have the opportunity to open our eyes differently. We begin to notice the small objects, textures, colours, and offerings that surround us in everyday life.
This retreat invites you to slow down, observe, and discover how ordinary materials can become extraordinary sources of inspiration.
The theme of the Vessel is a doorway into storytelling. A vessel can hold memories, journeys, dreams, and personal narratives. Through print, paint, collage, and mark-making, we will explore how materials can guide us towards creating artwork that grows organically from experience. Rather than beginning with a fixed image in mind, we will allow the artwork to reveal itself through layers, textures, and discoveries.
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This really special 9-day/8-night retreat offers you the opportunity to gift yourself a richly envisaged art experience inspired by the tribal designs which exist throughout the Indonesian islands.
We'll begin not too far from the DENPASAR airport, with 3 nights here, to experience 2 full days at a professional ceramics studio, with Christine sharing her techniques for you to design and decorate three pieces of tableware.
(more available if you wish).
On Day 4 we set out on our private bus through the beautiful hinterland between Ubud and the south coast, famed for its majestic rice filed views, visiting several art-related venues and artisans along the way.
You'll reach Candi Dasa this evening, where you have your chosen hotel by the sea for the next 5 nights.
For the next four gentle days by the sea, focus on expanding your painting skills and knowledge of materials - for those that attended in 2025, Christne will introduce new grounds and effects specifically suited to creating the tribal-inspired, large work on canvas which is the focus of your painting - and then voila!, you'll receive your painted, glazed and fired ceramics to take home, along with works on paper and a large painting on canvas (rolls provided to take home)
How does this retreat unfold?
You'll begin with a busy couple of days dedicated to ceramics in lively Sanur, with all its seaside bars, shopping and dining possibilities, followed by a travel day to the retreat hub of Villa Nilaya - near to Candi Dasa in the South coast of Bali - then a luxurious 5 nights where all you need do is turn up each day at 9 am, after breakfast (and perhaps an early-morning dip?
- the beach here is white sand, the water is gentle and warm. Then take a short walk to the villa for Art and lunch - and more art (or take a taxi if you don't wish to walk).
Lets' begin our day with some calm and focusing breathwork and a gentle introduction to gathering together each morning.
This is led by Anna, who has been introducing participants over the last 3 years of retreats to the A.W.E. technique of 'microdosing mindfulness' ... it's fully integrated into the week, and is not connected with any belief system.
Your painting studio is an airy sea-facing space beneath the soaring grass roof of Villa Nilaya.
Most materials are provided, and you will be provided with a small list when you enrol.
Our program includes a night out in Candi Dasa for some fine dining and cocktails, and on the three peaceful evenings when there is no after-painting program, you can discover the seaside dining venues in our village of Mendira near Candi Dasa
You can choose where you stay from one of three accommodations - from cute Balinese bungalows (AMARTA ) to luxe-plus resort suites at the Candi Beach Hotel, Both venues have dining facilities if you fancy a night at home.
Your retreat cost INCLUDES accommodation with breakfast in the retreat price. for both SANUR and CANDI DASA (8 nights).
There is nothing else to pay, except for dinners on the 'free nights' (4 dinners are included).
WE RECOMMEND AMARTA BUNGALOWS as they provide a helpful evironment, 8 minutes' walk from the villa and are right on a white sandy beach that is perfect for safe swimming. They're situated close to several good local restaurants (warungs), and have a good sea-side restaurant of their own. As value for money goes, this is a great choice, but if you're after something more luxurious, please consider CANDI BEACH RESORT HOTEl.
Christine and I warmly invite you to join our group in 2026 for this exceptional art experience By the Sea in beautiful East Bali.
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A desire to be present in my own mind, my own space and my own dreams allows my hand to interpret.
I look and I look again at shapes, patterns and colours. I look at shadows and light and dark in nature. For me this ability to see what is around me is the greatest gift I can draw on for inspiration in my abstract and representational work.
A lifetime of dreaming has led me to a daily practice of creating. Always pushing boundaries and experimenting with new techniques and materials.
Not everything works but that is the process of making art, always moving forward and challenging myself.
I work in oil on canvas, acrylic and watercolour on paper, and my passion - ceramics.
Christine Hingston
MEET DAVINA STEPHENS
"My work always begins with an experience and an image that starts a narrative.
My paintings and collage works draw attention to small, overlooked moments and details from my journeys and surroundings. Through a contemplative process, I print onto paper and weave these printed images into visual tapestries of paint, texture, and memory.
I am fascinated by how materials can guide the creative process. The printed textures become a landscape around me as I work, allowing new layers and narratives to emerge.
For over 15 years, I have worked with carved wooden blocks, Batik Tcap tools, Ijuk fibres, and rice paper. The physical process of pressing, printing, and layering materials creates a handmade quality that remains central to my practice.
Images of ancient fishing boats, maps, animals, flora, and landscapes appear throughout my work, creating a quiet atmosphere where stories unfold slowly through layers of texture and discovery.
I use many techniques and materials in my paintings including
Creative Living Retreats by Anna Kwiecinska
With a background as an art historian and art gallery owner, my collaboration with artists continues to be a fascinating career which evolved into specialist art retreats designed to combine seriously good art tuition with authentic cultural experiences.
The practice of meditation has under-pinned Creative Living Retreats, as a source of focus for creative inspiration.
In 202o Anna was part of a pilot study group led by two reseachers in the bay Area of San Francisco, into the practice of 'microdosing mindfulness' .Dr David Amster a pain management specialist and Jake Eagle, life coach and counsellor, - both meditators - have since published their findings as "The Power of A.W.E', and it is this wisdom that we draw on in recent retreats.
I began this retreat program in 2011 and other than during the pandemic, retreats have happened every year. Over a decade, many retreatants have returned for our thoughtfully curated weeks of supported creativity, and I genuinely look forward to welcoming you to experience the depth of wellbeing that Creative Living Retreats have become known for, More info
What You'll Do
On this retreat you will create and execute your own designs to decorate 3 pieces of tableware. (more is available to decorate at a small cost), and you will be designing and completing a large canvas.
The theme 'Hunter Gatherers' is inspired by the tribal designs that abound throughout the Indonesian archipelago, some of which we will see on our travelling day - hunting for inspiration, and gathering the techniques and know-how to make a stunning collection of objects and artworks to take home.
Youi will be working on large sheets of quality paper and canvas - the same kind and quality that Christine uses in her professional work. You can roll your artworks and they'll be ready to frame at home.
Your STUDIO TIME consists of:
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4 x 3-hr sessions at the ceramics studio - a total of 12 hours
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7 x 3-hr sessions at Villa Nilaya for painting - a total of 21 hours
MASTERCLASS and DEMONSTRATIONS
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You will have guided tour around the ceramics production studio as a prelude to the studio time - it's an astounding operation,!
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Christine will demonstrate throughout the retreat and you'll see her work evolve side-by-side with your own
Techniques You Will Learn
Throughout the retreat, you will explore:
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Printing with unusual and found objects
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Traditional Batik Cap printing techniques
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Hand press printing
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Woodblock printing
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Creating tone-on-tone effects using white pigments
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Rice paper collage techniques
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Photocopy transfer printing with oil-based inks
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Rubbing techniques using pastel and oil pastel
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Charcoal drawing and mark-making
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Building layered compositions
You will also have the opportunity to create a large woodblock print approximately 150 x 70 cm.
During this immersive art experience, you will be introduced to unique Balinese-inspired printmaking techniques and materials that will expand your creative practice.
You will explore:
Batik Cap Printing on Rice Paper
Working with traditional Batik Tcap tools, normally used for stamping wax patterns onto textiles, we will reconsider these objects as fine art printing tools.
You will learn how to create subtle printed layers on rice paper, building textures and patterns that can become the foundation for collage, painting, or standalone works.
We will experiment with acrylic paints, watercolours, inks, and other pigments to create washes and atmospheric surfaces.
The printed rice paper can then be incorporated into your canvas, applied to handmade paper, or transformed into independent artworks.
Who Will This Retreat Suit?
If you love design, appreciate cultural diversity, are curious about new techniques and materials, then whether you are a ceramicist or painter already , or not, Christine's teaching will inspire you to approach these projects with confidence.
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Loved the whole thing. Food was amazing and plenty of variety. Staff amazing ... I just thought you did the retreat so well. I felt totally satisfied with the way you made it all happen and made us all feel very special. You really were the glue. Very professional.
The exhibition was just so beautifully put together.
Lyn Mowday, Busselton, Australia, Bali Art Retreat 2019
What does your Retreat include? Practically everything except your airfare !
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Tutoring with Christine Hingston - 33 hours over 7 days in two parts - 2 x 6 hrs ceramics (12hrs), 21 hrs painting
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art materials
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airport collection
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3 nights accommodation in Sanur - with breakfast all days
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1 welcome dinner in Sanur
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2 lunches whilst at the ceramics studio
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1 lunch on the travel day from Sanur to Candi Dasa
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5 nights at your choice of accommodation in Candi Dasa - with breakfast included
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4 gourmet Balinese lunches prepared at Villa Nilaya
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A stylish night out on the town in Candi Dasa with fine dining
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Exhibition night with Balinese megibung feast and entertainment
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MEALS TOTAL: 8 breakfasts; 7 lunches; 3 dinners
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Short morning practice with breathwork and meditation with Anna
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A 60-minute deliciously restorative Balinese massage or reflexology treat with our expert masseuses using Sensatia's pure sweet almond oil infused with restorative Balinese essential oils
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Balinese Full Moon ceremony - we'll prepare and participate in this auspicious event
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Both locations offer you a wide variety of good restaurants within easy distance of your hotel for meals & coffee
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retreat bag with arty gifts
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organised and curated, hosted and fully supported by Anna with newsletters to get your creativity flowing pre-retreat
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What's not included?
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flights
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taxi transfer from retreat
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all personal expenses incurred at hotel (laundry etc)
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4 dinners
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any trips, tours or transports not included in the description of 'inclusions'
ACCOMMODATION and COST
All 10 nights of your retreat accommodation is included in the published retreat cost.
In SANUR (4 nights) everyone has a SUITE ROOM at the beautiful 5-star SAGARA VILLAS and SUITES RESORT, with breakfast. A massage is included in your reservation there. Find our more on this page.
IN CANDI DASA (6 nights) we offer you two hotels to choose from - both with beachfront locations and both about 8-10 minutes' walk from the retreat venue of Villa Nilaya, a spacious, fully-staffed private villa with large swimming pool, beachfront swimming access, painting studio, and lovely gardens. We are located in the quiet village of Mendira.
The accommodation iis shown here OR click on the images below to go to the hotel websites:
CANDI BEACH HOTEL and AMARTA BEACH COTTAGES
The retreat prices include SINGLE OCCUPANCY in ALL ACCOMMODATIONS and all of the items listed in 'Inclusions'.
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In SANUR: Sagara Villas and Suites
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