Lesley Riley
Cyanotype, Stitch & Story
June 29th - July 6th, 2024
From the bay to mountain landscapes, bogs and heather hills, this enchanted land casts a spell on any artist. Your art and story will be informed and inspired by this experience, memory, place and time, as we explore the visual, historical and welcoming magic of Ireland. Drawing inspiration from the local landscape and vegetation, the cyanotype prints, story and stitching you create can’t help but be infused with the history, charm, atmosphere and spirit of Ireland.
“Meet us in the land of insight, camped under ecstacy’s flag.”
— Rumi
Work in a series or one larger piece.
I’ll share all of my cyanotype knowledge and secrets, my planned serendipity/controlled abandon approach to stitch and artmaking, and everything I know about fabric, color and composition. As for story, we will approach it like a child’s picture book. We will discuss how to distill a story and convey, suggest or tell a tale with simple imagery created by cyanotype, stitch and the textiles, ephemera or mementos you bring.
This Ireland Red Thread Retreat is a “huge wild invitation to extend your imagination… an ancient conversation between the land and sea” says Irish poet, philosopher and theologian, John O’Donohue. Join me in creating this once-in-a-lifetime conversation.
About Lesley
LESLEY RILEY never intended to be a full-time, professional artist. She just followed her passion in the small blocks of time she carved out while raising six children.
Now, as an internationally known instructor and multi-media artist, Lesley works in botanical printing, mixed and digital media, paint and art quilts. In 1999 she turned her initial passion for fabric, photos, color and the written word into a dream occupassion that continues to delight and inspire creatives and art lovers everywhere. A quilter since 1971, Lesley has an extensive background in using color and pattern to create innovative art quilts, fabric collage and modern botanical prints.
Her 10th book will be out in Spring 2023, Photo Memory Quilts: The Ultimate Guide to Contemporary Heirloom Quilts to Showcase Ancestry, History & Treasured Times (C&T). Lesley has also written several magazine articles and has been a guest on several episodes of Quilting Arts TV, profiled in QuiltFolk magazine, on The Quilt Show and is an educator for Golden Artist Colors. In 2008, Lesley developed TAP Transfer Artist Paper for quilters and artists. Her line of botanical inspired fabric, Foliage, is licensed with Northcott Fabrics. As a sought-after workshop instructor, Lesley focuses on motivating, inspiring and empowering her students to take their creative life into their own hands, while encouraging her students to take risks, think outside the box and break rules. Her emphasis is on understanding composition and combining techniques and materials to discover and enhance the maker’s own creativity and unique voice.
Creativity abounds in an empty nest she shares with her high-school sweetheart husband on a mountaintop in Cascade, MD. You’ll find Lesley in her indoor and outdoor studio from sunup to sundown unless, of course, any of her 16 grandchildren come to visit.
See more of Lesley’s work at lesleyriley.com
Reviews
From Our Host Lora
You are warmly invited to stay a while.
We invite you to imagine standing on the panoramic hillside of our studio, taking in the spectacular views of Clew bay and Croagh Patrick (Ireland’s holy mountain).
Open your heart to the profoundly moving drama of constantly shifting Atlantic skies, reflecting an ever changing light show on the bay. The wildness and drama of this spectacular area belie the peace and connection you will feel to Ireland and to this very special place.
Lay on a blanket in the heather and watch the stars emerge on a clear night or walk along the rocky shores, to gather shells, driftwood and memories. Find yourself letting go of the stress of everyday life, feel the mystery and beauty of this land, awakening your senses.
This unspoiled place provide a safe place of inspiration and experimentation to stretch your skills in whatever medium you are working on, in an amazing state of the art studio..
Join us in Mulranny, Ireland.
Dream about the history of past times, evident in every field with old stone walls, every stoic castle and each abandoned cottage.
Local Villages
Meet the local people, warm, friendly and always happy to chat and share a story or a cup of tea. Shop in our local village of Westport and pop into a local pub or two!
Connect with Nature
Finding something to inspire you is not hard with the richness of the various eco systems surrounding Mulranny - from marine to mountain landscapes, with grasslands, bog and heather hills - this enchanted land casts a spell on any artist.
Enriching Excursions
Visit historic sites. Learn about the infamous Irish Pirate Queen and visit one of her many castles. Hear the story of our Stone Age ancestors and experience the myths and magic of Irelands spiritual roots while standing in one of the ancient stone circles. This is indeed a land of legends!
Find Your Inspiration
Bring your camera, your sketchbooks and prepare to lose your heart in it all, your mind full of inspiration.
Your Time with Lesley
Your 8 days will be a beautiful blend of studio time, delightful excursions, cultural experiences and of course, plenty of free time to rest and explore!
You can arrive, unpack your suitcase (and your art supplies) and truly relax, at the gorgeous Essence of Mulranny Retreat center, operated by artist, Lora Murphy.
We will be visiting enchanting villages, strolling along the beautiful coastline, touring ancient castles and ruins, picnicking in the heather fields and creating all along the way! The creative inspiration will be all around you!
Here is a general itinerary for your time in this magical place.
There may be a few changes here and there, depending on weather usually but we will let you know.
Day 1: Arrival
We will collect you all at Westport Train station at 4pm and whisk you away to Mulranny, about 30 mins drive. After a champagne reception, we will gather for dinner and sharing and get you settled in to your rooms at EOM or DeBrun house.
Day 2: Studio!
The MAC studio will be open from 9am to 8pm and is a short walk from the residence areas Class will be from 9:30am to 4pm.
We will serve lunch at 1pm each studio day at the MAC.
Day 3: Day Trip
This day is an all day trip to Achill Island. Lunch will be at a lovely little restaurant (your expense)
Dinner will be served back at EOM.
Day 4: Studio!
Class will be from 9:30am to 4pm.and dinner will be at a lovely little pub in the Village (included)
Day 5: Studio!
We often have a special entertainment on this evening but it depends on availability. We will let you know.
Day 6: 1/2 Studio
1⁄2 Studio day and a trip to local attractions including Westport and the Old Irish Goat center. Dinner will be at the Famous Nevins restaurant (your expense).
Day 7: 1/2 Studio!
1⁄2 Studio day and finishing up work. Delicious dinner with wine and sharing.
Day 8: Departure Day
The bus will take you to Westport train station for a 9:45 departure to Dublin or the Galway bus.
Your home for the week.
This beautiful learning center is complete with well equipped mixed media/encaustic art studio, private bedrooms, a cozy gathering room with fireplace and group kitchen for those midnight snacks!
All meals will be included and prepared by an on-site private chef and will focus on delicious, healthy cuisine. For larger groups we house students in the village, in apartments with spectacular views.
June 29th - July 6th, 2024
Cyanotype, Stitch & Story
US$2995 for a private bedroom/shared bathroom
US$3450 for a private bedroom & bathroom
Included in your retreat:
Workshop instruction
Some supplies (will be specified closer to trip)
7 nights lodging
Transportation from Westport to the Studio (it is recommended to fly into Dublin airport and get a train to Westport where we will meet you to take you to Mulranny).
All meals except - 1 lunches & 1 dinner
All tour & excursion fees
New friends and an art tribe!
Not Included:
Travel costs / Airfare
Passport fees, photos and processing where applicable
Additional nights lodging
Ready to reserve your spot?
A US$500 deposit will secure your place.
It is advisable to have insurance to cover your travel to Ireland and to cover your workshop fees for your possible cancellation in the event of illness. There are no exceptions for this policy. Read the cancellation policy here.
$500.00
Accommodation:
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