Desert Artists
A walking and art pilgrimage along the LARAPINTA TRAIL in Central Australia.
9 Day / 8 Night Desert Artists
Total Cost $2,850
All prices in Australian Dollars. GST included.
A non-refundable deposit of $500 will secure your place with final payment due 30 days prior to trip departure. Click on Bookings to make a reservation.
2008 Departure Date
11th to 19th July 2008
DESERT ARTISTS will inspire both beginning and professional artists by combining the two spiritual traditions of contemplation and pilgrimage into a unique art making experience. The beautiful Larapinta Trail in the West MacDonnell Ranges near Alice Springs is the site for these daily walks. Walking journeys can allow you to enter meditative states that are conducive to creative activity and the experience of these magnificent landscapes will become the inspiration and material for your artworks. Immersion in the desert environment extends your understanding of this challenging landscape, and of yourself.
Through participation in daily workshops lead by Liz Ashburn, your senses will be sharpened and your creative practice extended. On the trail you will experience stunning landscapes and opportunities for photographing and then sketching in respond to these. Work time in camp allows for the consolidation of these interpretations. These camps are located in an historic homestead and on the land of the Arrente people. Our interaction with the Arrente women, elders and artists offers a unique view of their relationship to the land and to their art practice.
Desert Artists is being facilitated by Professor Liz Ashburn through the University of Newcastle. First vacancies will be offered to the university's Faculty of Fine Arts. Please contact Into the Blue if you are interested in joining the program and are outside the University.
LIZ ASHBURN is a highly regarded teacher and artist who has forty years experience teaching workshops to artists. She has taught in the areas of drawing, sculpture, painting and photography to both beginning and mature artists. Her workshops combine traditional teaching techniques with alternative and stimulating approaches to art practice. These offer unique ways to experience vision, extend memory and develop each person's creative capacity.
DAVID JUNGALA KRISS will be facilitating the Aboriginal art component in conjunction with Liz's program. Jungala accompanies most of our Larapinta Walks and hosts a range of indigenous cultural experiences on Arrente Country. A well travelled artist and musician, Jungala has exhibited his art worldwide as well as having worked in indigenous tourism and education for most of his adult life. We will be guests on Jungala's family's land at Angkerle Arrenge. Jungala has just added another extraordinary achievement to his resume by playing didgereedoo on stage at the Sydney Opera House. I doubt it would have sounded better than when he plays around the campfire in the desert.
A visit to an art supply shop in Alice Springs will be arranged for the purchase of art materials such as fixative spray which cannot be transported by plane.
Fitness and Training: The walking component of the Desert Artists is a vital ingredient in feeling the landscape around you. On walks we shall take sketch pads and literally draw inspiration from the country around us. Be aware that the MacDonnell Ranges terrain is uneven with frequent ascents. Each day on the track involves between 3-6 hours walking. The adventure is graded easy to moderate, requiring a good level of aerobic fitness. Please contact Wayoutback Desert Safaris to discuss any fitness issues. You will carry a simple day pack that includes water, jacket, lunch, camera, etc.
Camp Life: Our nights at the Hamilton Downs Homestead will be comfortable with bunk style accommodation. Our nights under the stars will be a highlight of the trip. Whilst the facilities are basic there will be a pit toilet and washing facilities. Sleeping will be in comfortable swags with mosquito-proof tents. All camping gear is supplied. You will be expected to share some tasks around the camp such as rolling your sleeping bag, etc.
Climate: Expect cool nights and warm, clear days. This is generally a magnificent time of the year in the Australian desert with everything that crawls soundly asleep and no or few flies.
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