Crazy Art Camp Italy 2023

On a couple of days, we will leave the premises of our retreat, to find inspiration in our marvelous surroundings. And also to find backdrops for photoshoots, for example.

Sometimes this will be through hiking directly from our accommodation. Hikes can be a couple of hours long and might take us to mountain tops, caves, stone arched bridges, cemeteries, semi-abandoned villages, streams and rock formations.

We will also make some day trips by car. This will probably mean that, besides Klaas, one more participant will have to volunteer to drive. Top goal for a day trip is one or more of the abandoned marble quarries high in the mountains. These quarries have their own, very dramatic aesthetics and are unique to this region. They will give a very special boost to our creativity.

Another day trip might bring us to an abandoned church in an open spot in the forest.

Our converted farm actually consists of two buildings. It will depend on our group size if we will use them both. If we use only one, the other one will be empty. Each building has a kitchen, a shower and a toilet. The bedding arrangement is diverse: there are double beds, bunk beds and convertible sofas. Where you will sleep, depends on a lottery (faq). No smoking in the house. In and around the house clothing is optional (faq). The location is awesome, on the hillside with a huge garden with a... swimming pool!

We are in the western part of Tuscany (Italy), north of Lucca. As we are in a very rural place, it's not super easy to reach. You will probably take a high speed train to Pisa* or Florence*, then a regional train to a village north of Lucca, then one or two local buses. Travel time 1,5 hours from Lucca; 2 hours from Pisa. From the nearest bus stop, it's a one hour hike to our paradise.The other option is to offer or join a ride-share, for example through blablacar or with other Crazy Art Camp participants (faq). Your art material can be picked up at Lucca train station, so that you don't have to carry it in more trains and buses.

Italy is a member of the Schengen agreement. If you can travel in any other Schengen country, you can travel in Italy.
* both these cities have an international airport, but flying is not as ecological as train travel.

Creating art can have numerous benefits, regardless of whether you are a professional or an amateur. For many, the act of creating art is a fun and enjoyable activity that provides a sense of relaxation and stress relief. Engaging in art can be an excellent way to unwind and focus on something that brings joy and a sense of accomplishment.

Besides that, the creation of art, and the existence of art, don't need to be justified. And it doesn't even need to be called art :) At the Crazy Art Camp, it's all about how you can benefit from being creative.

For those who are looking for a means of personal expression, creating art can be an excellent outlet. Whether it is through painting, drawing, photography, or any other medium, art provides an opportunity to express oneself in a way that goes beyond our communication in daily life. Art can be a way to express emotions, thoughts, and feelings . It can also be a way to explore one's identity and personal values.

Creating art can be a transformative experience, providing an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Art can help us to connect with our innermost selves and explore our deepest desires and fears. Art can be a powerful tool for healing and self-expression, allowing us to process difficult emotions and gain a greater understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Through the act of creating art, we can gain a deeper appreciation for our own unique perspective and voice. Whether we are writing poetry or prose, creating a dance, doing a photoshoot or making land-art; the act of transforming our thoughts and feelings into art can be incredibly empowering. It can help us to uncover new insights about ourselves and the world, and connect with others who share our experiences and interests.

Ultimately, creating art is a powerful means of personal development that can help us to live more fully and authentically. It can help us to connect with our creativity and intuition, and cultivate a greater sense of purpose and meaning in our lives. Whether we are beginners or experienced artists, there is always something to learn and explore, making the journey of creating art a rich and rewarding one.

Then the Crazy Art Camp is the place for you! You will find lots of inspiration, and it will inspire others to see you at work. Our own corner of paradise, the unique surroundings, the group: everything is there to make that you will feel that it was the right decision to join, and you will cherish the experience.

Then the Crazy Art Camp is the place for you! It's not about the title that you give yourself. It is about the creative process and the benefits that it brings to you. You will find lots of inspiration! Our own corner of paradise, the unique surroundings, the group: everything is there to make that you will feel that it was the right decision to join, and you will cherish the experience.

Then the Crazy Art Camp is the place for you! The others in the group will welcome your presence and will love to co-create with you, be it in photography, drawing, video or others. Or maybe the writer or choreographer in the group will be inspired by the anecdotes from your life that you might share with them. Our own corner of paradise, the unique surroundings, the group: everything is there to make you will feel that it was the right decision to join, and you will cherish the experience.

Then the Crazy Art Camp might still be the place for you! If you come with the intention to do an effort to discover the creativity that is hidden in you, then you will find a lot of inspiration and not a lot of pressure :) Plus, there will be opportunity to co-create, maybe be part of a performance, or pose for drawing or photography, etc. If needed, the organiser or other group members can give you some ideas and guidance.

Our own corner of paradise, the unique surroundings, the group: everything is there to make that you will embody that indeed you have creativity inside of you, and you will cherish the experience.

Please notice that there is no 'leadership team' or 'staff' at the Crazy Art Camp. Klaas (and volunteers, should there be any) will participate in the Crazy Art Camp activities (and in the art creation – if you're curious, check out Klaas' photography portfolio website) just like the other participants. At best they are 'primi inter pares'. We're all in it together :) (faq)

If you are a couple, please understand that in the Crazy Art Camp, you cannot behave like a couple. In general, the beds are allocated through a lottery (faq). And you are expected to participate in all activities and group life as individuals and not as a couple. Yes, you will be hugging – in the numerous group hugs! So be prepared to sit each at opposite sides of the table during dinner, and accept that someone other than yourself might be giving your partner a massage of the sour muscles.

What is included/provided?
+ Accommodation
+ Breakfast
+ Simple lunch (sandwiches, leftovers of yesterday's dinner)
+ Dinner (we will cook together)
+ Coffee, tea, water, juice
+ Some guidance in creative processes
+ Transport of your artist material from/to Lucca train station
+ Fun and meaningful experiences

x Snacks, fruit, energy bars, soft drinks etc.
x Artist materials
x Towels

If you feel that the Crazy Art Camp is really the right experience for you, and you are seriously struggling with the participation fee: please reach out to me. Because I wouldn't want that money issues would stop you from participating. There are, for example, possibilities for volunteering.

The environmental footprint of this Crazy Art Camp is moderate.

• We are in a rural area without touristic infrastructure
• Our accommodation was originally a farm and was not build for tourism
• As we live in community, things like cooking are done more efficiently than when we're at home
• We will be using cars for our excursions
• The provided food is entirely plant based. The livestock industry is one of the biggest contributors to climate change and destruction of nature. By sticking to plant based nutrition, we do our taste buds and our health a favour - and we do Planet Earth as a whole a favour. Check this link for more info.

• The easiest way to reduce the environmental impact of your participation is by choosing your means of transport. Come by train, or join a ride share with other participants or through blablacar or similar web sites or groups. Avoid flying. Avoid driving alone. The network of night trains in Europe is growing and growing, a great way to travel! If you need assistance in finding the best prices, please reach out to me.
• Don't buy new clothes for this Crazy Art Camp. First of all, forget about fashion. At the Crazy Art Camp, no one will judge you for your looks. You will enchant us with your personality. If there is a small hole in your hiking pants, just patch it. If there is a piece of clothing that you really need, find it in a second hand store or at a clothes swap.
• Don't bring synthetical soaps, shampoo with nanoplastics, etc. In general, a piece of vegan Savon de Marseille / Aleppo soap / hard soap or however you call it, will do perfectly for skin, hair and clothes.
• Stick to plant based food, don't bring or consume any diary etc.

It is probably a great idea to compensate the environmental impact of your participation by supporting a reforestation project or so. Please reach out to me if you want suggestions.