Mask making & mask play - Retreat on Lanzarote

"Every mask, whatever its particularity, proclaims its non-belonging to the everyday world" (Mircea Eliade)

Masks are images of our soul.

They have fascinated us humans since time immemorial. At all times, the mask has been a link between nature and the culture we have created. The mask forms a bridge between the inner world and the outer world, giving form and expression to the intangible.

When making masks, the creator goes in search of traces of the hidden traits of his being. Even as the masks are being made, inner images, forms and beings rise up into the imagination. The mask takes shape under our hands. We put it on and lend it our breath and our body - creating a masked being that can breathe and move freely.

The mask play that follows offers space for direct and creative encounters - with ourselves and with each other, with our own life stories and current life issues.

Part 1 - Introduction to mask work
Part 2 - Mask making
Part 3 - Mask being / mask play

The course is offered both in an individual setting and in small groups of up to 6 people and lasts 15 hours.

Many of my clients look for their own accommodation in the local area. This is simply because everyone has different requirements. Some want their own apartment, others perhaps just a simple room. Both are available in the immediate vicinity. I live and work on a finca in La Vegueta, a small Canarian village in the center of the island. Just have a look at Airbnb or Booking. They will show you all the available options for your dates and you can also look at photos. I will also be happy to help you with a few tips.

Or perhaps you would like a complete package for your retreat? There are also accommodation options at my finca. You can either choose your own cottage or share a cottage. Please do not hesitate to contact me.

Meals are not included, as there are also very different needs here. You decide for yourself what is good and right for you. As a rule, you can cater for yourself in your accommodation - either you have your own kitchen or at least cooking facilities. There is a small supermarket in the village where you can buy the essentials, while a larger supermarket is in the next town. On Sundays there is a small farmers' market where local farmers sell their produce. There are also several bars and restaurants in the surrounding area.

The retreat comprises 15 hours, usually spread over five days.

Day 1
Attunement I What do I bring with me?
Introduction to mask work

Day 2
Journey into the unconscious I Which part would like to be lived? I Working with the archetypes
Sketches and preparations for mask making

Day 3
Mask making
Here we can create what we want to live.
We work with clay, papier-mâché and natural materials.

Day 4
Creation of the mask being
The mask gets its face, its character. It is painted and decorated.

Day 5
Mask play
The mask enters the stage. It comes to life, takes on a voice and expression.

When all the masks have presented themselves, we come together for a final reflection.
What are our insights? How can we transfer them into our everyday lives?

We end the retreat with a closing ritual.

An important part of the retreat is also the accompanying documentation of the process. If desired, this can be done in an individual retreat program.

There is also the option of therapeutic support (art therapy I psychotherapy I trauma therapy).

Arrive on your own. If you would like to explore the island or go to the beach outside of the retreat program, we recommend booking a rental car. There are bus connections, but the buses do not run very often and the connection from village to village often involves changing buses. A car gives you more flexibility and you can make much better use of your free time. If you book a car in advance, it will be waiting for you at the airport and you can drive straight to your accommodation.