Call me theatrical, but when I think about the Quarantine Events team, I often think about charismatic plate spinners. Not your standard talent-show performers, though – think a sprinkling of Cirque du Soleil; enigmatic, outside-the-box visionaries bringing you something that you didn’t even know you needed. Wrap this image up in your mind and tie it with a bow of artistic intent. If you’re still with me at this point, congratulations – at least someone is! – let us see what other plates are still spinning at Quarantine Events…
Applications are now closed for Quarantine Events’ final 2024 programme on Lazaretto Island in Menorca, and while they prepare for the incredible October 2024 INTERZONE, Carles Gomila and the team are already finalizing details for their first 2025 adventure. Their week-long workshop in 2025 promises to be both unique and exhilarating, heavily inspired from the timeless wisdom of “The Art Spirit” by Robert Henri. Delving into multiple explorations of the core principles and philosophies encapsulated within this influential book, The Art Spirit event will unveil a transformative one-week experience that blends artistic technique with profound personal insight.
Schools and workshops all focus on “HOW to make art?”. They teach you techniques to make you great. Cool. No complaints here -they’re not the villains.
But no-one asks the big question: “WHY do you make art?”
Robert Henri tackles this in “The Art Spirit,” and so do we. It’s the tough question everyone dodges, but it’s key to being a real, free artist.
Carles Gomila, Artist & Quarantine Events Director
“The Art Spirit,” first published in 1923, is more than just a guide on painting; it is a passionate manifesto on the nature of creativity, art, and the artist’s place in the world. This holistic book has become a bible to many creatives over the decades, including Issue 033 cover artist Jeremy Mann – so much so, that he has agreed to return as a mentor at Quarantine Events to share his own lived-in practices of Robert Henri’s significant teachings.
A great panacea to the troubles which plague mankind
“This book helps put our doubts and wonders, the feelings all artists have across many mediums, into words – and spits it back at you with a smack to the senses. It wakes you up… and could be read daily like the vespers of religions,” muses Jeremy. “While I draw my mentalities from many such great books, and there are many other inspiring books akin to this one, Henri’s vision captured in his writings and other’s notes on his teachings make complete sense to me.”
In-line with Quarantine Events’ ethos of breaking down limitations instigated by the traditional Teacher-Student relationship, mentors for this event won’t be teaching the “right way” to be an artist. For Quarantine Events, there is no such thing.
Their week-long programmes celebrate individual creativity, as such working in perfect harmony with “The Art Spirit” publication. Jeremy agrees: “Luckily, we’re not some sort of prophets preaching this one man’s words, rather it’s an affinity for the philosophy as is interpreted through each of our own completely different experiences. Guidance comes best from those who know their subject and are willing to be honest about every aspect, so I will draw my confidence from that, and be honest no matter how stupid my doubts tell me I could be. I will be doing my best to light those little fires of the art spirit under the asses of all who attend; a little light to carry onward!”
Left to right: Darren Green, Co-founder; Carles Gomila, Founder & Director; Itziar Lecea, Co-founder; Joan Taltavull, Co-founder.
The Art Spirit is like the field guide to all wandering lost souls. Much underappreciated in my opinion, but good in the sense that it remains cherished by those who actually take the time to read to better themselves.
When I read it for the first time… and I’ve read it many, many, times (and each time is the first time)… I always feel the same: I’ve been lost, and these words open my eyes instantly.
I knew I was misled, misplaced and confused, with a general “can’t put my finger on it – what’s wrong here” state of being in this world I find myself, and the words in this book sound like the soothing comforts of a trusted grandfather, calming my nerves, showing me a truth I was overlooking, and inspiring me to continue the beautiful struggle, and most importantly: to appreciate it.
Jeremy Mann, Mentor at Quarantine Events
The Art Spirit 2025 event
🎨 Robert Henri’s Boot Camp
🗓️ Dates: April 7 – 13, 2025
🌶️ Deadline to apply: December 31, 2024
The Art Spirit Mentors:
Michael Hussar
Jeremy Mann
James McCrae
Nadezda
Sainer
Martin Wittfooth
Each guest mentor on The Art Spirit programme will be overseeing their own boot camp, guiding participants through the book’s philosophy from different perspectives. The approach aims to allow a much deeper expansion of each participant’s mind, allowing every participating artist to come to their own conclusions and access the knowledge and practices shown to them to best support their individual pathways forward. “A multifaceted individual is a golden-handed genius of potential uniqueness.” Says Jeremy Mann. “Usually, you get one teacher who stunts and directs a path. Here, the beauty is that in the end, the attendees will be exposed to multiple viewpoints and in the aftermath, they will digest it how best fits their own life compass.”
Learn more about The Art Spirit 2025 event here
In keeping with the book itself, Jeremy will be focusing on “neither, and both [Henri’s] philosophy and practices, giving neither more importance than the other”. The aim will be to instill the concept of balance in all forms of experience within the formula for ‘successes’. “And of course, I will be sharing in no logical order… just like the book!” he shares with a mischievous grin.
While this may sound a little chaotic – because it is – it’s important to note that chaos isn’t the enemy of progress. Jeremy is confident that his approach will help the attendees best: “Maybe my favourite facet of the book is, as many who’ve recommended it have said, ‘you can open to just about any page, start reading anywhere’.”
Because it’s not about steps to an end. It’s about an open-ended lifestyle, about forming your life into a fully inspiring and creative experience. What results from living this way, is art.
Jeremy Mann, Mentor at Quarantine Events
The evolution of Quarantine Events
The Quarantine Events team are an ever-evolving hub, working with feedback and pushing boundaries to continue their goal in helping artists to truly flourish. As such, The Art Spirit 2025 event will include some new ideas and challenges for the next batch of brave artists signing up to experience Lazaretto Island. Similarly, mentors such as Jeremy Mann and Michael Hussar will continue to bring their own ever-evolving experiences to the table:
“As I grow, so do my teachings and experiences at workshops. Mostly because I learn more about what I could say or do to actually help artists, instead of a clearer idea of what I myself am doing. But the path and pathways, their interconnections, the deeper meaning, the bigger pictures to all I’ve been through as an artist which have guided my own experience of life: I’m learning how to translate into experiences that will help artists guide their own journey into more wondrous directions of their choosing.
“That will be the most important thing I wish to focus on at this edition of Quarantine. Helping the attendees awaken to their potential and giving them enough of a kick in the ass to develop their own confidence to choose their creative life, not let the world of others choose it for them.”
Still unsure?
In-line with past events, Quarantine Events are notoriously secretive, never unveiling the full timetable and keeping what happens on the island, on the island. One thing they can share is that whether you are a seasoned artist or a budding enthusiast, their workshops will provide invaluable insights and inspiration to propel your artistic practice to new heights.
Jumping into the unknown can be daunting, and for those of you who are still unsure, Jeremy has some parting thoughts to consider about what you can expect…
“In some of my dreams, I live in a quarantine world. It’s pure heaven to me there… The site itself is enough to wobble the knees. Creative sproutings from the grounds of a twisted history. No phones, no bullshit, no ego, a mental hospital for the art spirits, a cleansing retreat for world weary souls which can rekindle the fire of life in the hearts of those in need. It can’t solve your problems; it can however present you with the right ones to pursue.”
For more information and to apply to join The Art Spirit 2025 programme, check out Quarantine Events website. Be sure to also sign up to their newsletter to receive further updates!
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