Introducing Your
Retreat Hosts
Meet your retreat hosts,
Emily and Tanya
who share a deep love for nature and creativity. Despite living in different states, Emily in South Carolina and Tanya in Alaska, their kinship and passion for the natural world brought them together. They are honored to share their expertise in creativity, beauty, and natural art practices with others at the Creating With Nature Retreats.
Every single detail of their retreats is thoughtfully designed to provide a transformative experience, allowing participants to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and be immersed in the beauty of nature. The retreats focus on nourishing the soul and providing lasting inspiration that goes beyond the duration of the retreats. Emily and Tanya believe that everyone, regardless of their artistic background, can benefit from connecting deeper with the natural world and its magic. Participants do not need to be experienced artists, but rather, anyone who is eager to learn, explore, and connect with nature in a meaningful way.
At the Creating With Nature Retreats, participants can look forward to a wide range of enriching activities that blend creativity with nature. From natural dyeing using plant materials and creating ink from plants, to guided photography adventures and painting lessons inspired by the surrounding landscapes, there is something for everyone to explore and enjoy. These thoughtfully curated workshops are designed to ignite participants' creativity and encourage self-expression in harmony with nature. Whether it's foraging for natural materials, embarking on guided adventures to discover the beauty of the wilderness, or learning painting techniques that capture the essence of the landscape, every activity is aimed at inspiring and nourishing the artistic soul. It's a unique opportunity to connect with nature, unleash creativity, and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and inspiration.
Being immersed in nature, engaging in creative activities, and fostering a sense of community and friendship during the retreats create a truly awe-inspiring experience. Emily and Tanya's retreats are not just about creating art, but also about fostering personal growth, self-discovery, and a deeper connection with nature. Participants are encouraged to tap into their own unique creative voice, and the retreats aim to leave a lasting impact on their creative practices, their hearts, and their lives. It's a journey of self-expression, inspiration, and cherished memories that will linger long after the retreats have ended.
Emily Jeffords
Natural Oil Painter, Educator, Traveler, Creative Retreat Leader, & Writer
Emily lives and works in the south, surrounded by lush foliage and old ways of doing things. The landscape is rich with pigment and inspiration which often finds its way into her creative process. As an educator, Emily gets to nurture the creative community through courses and memberships, empowering others to expand their studio practices and businesses. While pregnant, Emily became aware of the many toxic elements found in most art studios which lead to a fully re-imagined creative practice, rooted in natural elements, handmade products, and non-toxic methods.
Tanya Val
Abstract Painter, Forager, Natural Ink Maker, Creative Retreat Leader, Photographer, and Florist
Tanya Val, an abstract painter from Alaska, draws inspiration from nature's beauty. Her vibrant work reflects the adventurous spirit, freedom, individuality, and sustainability that define her unique style. Painting outdoors allows her to deeply connect with her surroundings and showcase the magnificence of natural resources while highlighting the impact of climate change. Tanya exclusively uses eco-friendly and foraged materials in her artwork, such as natural pigments, soil, plants, and berries. She advocates for sustainable art practices and shares her passion through creative retreats, workshops, tutorials, and advice on mindfulness in outdoor settings, spreading joy, inspiration, and positivity to fellow nature-loving artists.
