Driving 8 hours north

A creative retreat I didn't know I needed

Oct 29, 2023

To my friend,

In September, I drove 8 hours north to Cape Cod to spend a weekend with a group of women who all practice art. I’d been to the Cape around the same time last year—and anxiously anticipated an opportunity to return.

There is something really quaint about New England beaches. Here in the mid-Atlantic, so many of our beaches are heavy tourist destinations. They have high rises, condominiums, and (a lot of) entertainment. There are smaller, more private areas, but the Cape feels different. There are small, one-road, towns that boast local shops, like coffee and pottery.

Planning to return, eight others (minus one who couldn't make the international flight but is always in our hearts), and I found a beautiful Airbnb, booked flights, and talked about meals. I have had the privilege of being in a community with this group for three years, but we had yet to meet in real life. We initially crossed paths after participating in the same online course and later applied to be a part of a mini-mastermind that followed. The mini-mastermind was set to last 45 days in the fall of 2020, but we all held a strong bond that we have stayed in conversation ever since.

Meeting in real life was an experience almost unmatched. We immediately embraced each other as if the realms of our digital life held no boundaries. During our stay, we talked, made art, exchanged art, ate, held each other, guided each other, took photos, walked the beach, toured pottery studios, laughed, visited lighthouses, and lived in each other’s muse.

It all felt so natural. So real. And was one of the first moments post-undergrad that I’ve been immersed in a creative community in real life. An experience I didn’t know I needed, but I hope to have again and again.

Since returning home, I've spent time processing the experience and I am still struggling to find the right words to describe to you how profound this group is—and the impact they have had on my life and creative practice. We all hail from different parts of the world, all work in different mediums, and each is on their own creative path. Yet, we can so easily confide in each other. Offer unmatched guidance and support. And find mentorship within.

If I’ve learned anything from being in a community with these women, it is that it can be extremely unproductive to process creative information alone and reach the most honest and best way forward. My ideas aren’t meant to be in solitude. It takes support and guidance to bring things to fruition and to take the trusting step to move from where I am to where I want to go. I am incredibly grateful for this experience—and for each artist in the group.

I have a couple of rolls of film getting developed from this trip. In the meantime, here’s my digital roll of photos for you to enjoy.

Warmly,

Lauren