Bodywriting® Retreats for Women
Bodywriting® Retreats have served hundreds of women from across the United States. Many whom have participated in Bodywriting do not consider themselves “artists.” They have come to stretch their boundaries, take a risk, explore new possibilities, mark a passage, to be immersed in the necessary chaos of art-making… but in the end they all learn about themselves and their relationship with their bodies.
Approaching body imagery through various modalities allows a clear understanding of one’s relationship to one’s body, both past and present.
Description of Bodywriting™ Retreats for Women
A Pioneering Experience!
Founded in 1994, Bodywriting® Retreats for Women is an exhilarating, unconventional, pioneering experience! During this four day expressive arts retreat each participant soon begins to bond with her sensing body as her first creative partner. Step by step Pamela creates safe space which eventually supports all participants in creating multiple prints of her nude body.
Inquiry as to who has arrived and what the life size image might need next, comes through movement, writing, sound and/or a variety of visual art techniques.
Immersed in creative living for four days in country, exploring journaling, drumming, acrylics Intuitive Collage™, pastels and guided movement meditation, participants thrive in this supportive community of women while gaining a sense of their own deep nature.
During the Bodywriting™ workshop, a carefully designed program is followed that promises to provide a safe environment in which to explore, take risks and feel a renewed sense of possibility in life. This structure allows for one art experience to build upon another throughout the retreat, Eventually a rich thread of authentic imagery is excavated which translates into art making.
Through sharing meals, learning to give safe feedback and witnessing meaningful moments of each other’s experience, we develop a strong relationship as a group.
Connection with the surrounding land and feminine spirit through nature provides a foundation for our work that is primal. Bodywriting™ calls attention to the importance of taking time out of our everyday life to dwell the present.
Bodywriting™ assists us in returning to our lives and relationships grounded in our body and senses. Bodywriting™ gifts us with renewed connection to the wisdom of imagination and play in our daily lives.
Where are the Bodywriting™ Retreats located?
Bodywriting™ Retreats are held in a beautiful country setting whether it is the mountainous Southern California studio near San Diego or the Austin, Texas studio nestled in the artsy hill country. Both settings are breathtaking and tranquil complete with walking trails, pool, studio, sleeping quarters and kitchen. Both studios are less than 35 minutes from the airport.
What can you expect?
Bodywriting™ provides guidance in all of the art making experiences offered. No art background is necessary to have a fulfilling weekend. We begin by joining in a circle to discuss the structure and guidelines for creating a safe container for the weekend. We introduce ourselves and begin to develop relationships with group members. . To maintain a safe atmosphere, the group will learn a form of feedback which offers a helpful way to talk about the art we make. We will reconvene often throughout the weekend in our circle to check in with one another and our process.
The weekend revolves around making prints of our own bodies on canvas and on paper; however, the end product of these two life size works of art will have been supported and informed by a wealth other writing and images harvested throughout the weekend.
Each participant will be given a journal and will be journaling often. There will be a guided processes to assist those not familiar with all of the arts such as “Intuitive Collage” , beginning drumming and movement meditation. We will drum, take a breakfast walk to the yoni rock, learn how to make body print sketches and then create body prints; one with acrylic paint on canvas, the other with ground pastel on large heavy weight paper. You will be introduced to many art materials and techniques, all of which are provided.
Around and between all of our art making, our community will continue to deepen during group meals, quiet time, snacks, swimming and walks.
Come, Feed Your Soul!
Testimonials
“Pamela Underwood’s Bodywriting workshops are [a] portal into a deeper part of ourselves, an opening into that place of light within where we can make sense of our experiences and listen to our body’s wisdom. It is not just another creative experience. It is a journey into wholeness and newness. She is a gifted facilitator who helps you access your own truth and discover your real beauty in a joyful, imaginative and supportive environment. It’s a weekend you will never forget and the art you make will surprise and delight you on every level.” — Jan Phillips, Author, Divining the Body
“My kudos for this workshop is a long list which includes great food, great company, great organization and great ideas for the process. I found everything to be relaxing, stupendously beautiful and thoroughly enjoyable. It is extremely clear that Pamela works very hard to make this the safest, cleanest, most luscious and vivid experience for everyone. I absolutely love the end result that I came away with.” – Amy Wallen
“The experience of slathering paint on my body and imprinting not only gave me a spiritual sense of freeing myself, it was fun. I left the workshop feeling a real connection with the other women. I felt stronger, more sure of myself and more creative. It was definitely an experience I recommend to anyone.” – Debbie Love
“My body print has become a powerful image for me. She is a reminder of my core essence; she is Power, Beauty, Grace, Truth and Freedom from fear.” – Val Cooper