Artist Testimonials 2023
Instagram: @Sachaqacentrodearte
‘My experience at Sachaqa was very profound and insightful. I was supposed to stay two weeks or one month but I ended up staying two months. I went to Sachaqa with the intention to give myself full space to explore my creativity and continue with a journey that I started while working with master plants, and Sachaqa allowed me to immerse completely in my creative process while living in the beautiful and quiet town of San Roque de Cumbaza. Living surrounded by nature in the peruvian Amazon was key to fully understand and develop my art. With the beauty and consciousness of the plants of the Amazon I connected with a deeper part of myself that allowed me to express all of my vissions, feelings and experiences in the form of watercolor paintings. During this time I was very introspective but still made many friends in the town and the residency, it was lovely to meet and spend time together with other artists and talk about our art and projects. I was also happy to share my work through holistic therapies, cacao ceremonies, and artist talks. I am very grateful for this experience that definitely helped me to develop and ground my artistic identity.’
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‘During my residency at Sachaqa, things are flowing in a mysterious way. When I was in Otavalo, Ecuador, I went to a waterfall where the Comunidad de Peguche believes it’s a place where the forest and bird contemplate; the cumbaza here in San Roque manifests this energy. The river that I go swimming everyday is hugged by a jungle where seems to hold a portal to another dimension; every time I look at that spot I feel a sense of awe as i am looking into the eyes of a divine creature. Here I’m able to unlearn and relearn how to breathe; sitting on the stone in the middle of the river, the water tickles my feet like a feather, I ride upon the wind, feel the rhythm of my breath aligns with the trajectory of a bird. The myths about mermaid and UFO around the area, the wisdoms and teachings of the master plants, the ícaro/shaman chantings with a vibration that touches my soul, the feather-like whistling that glides me through the stages of life…everything seems like a lucid dream. It was also mind blowing to learn ceramics with the kechua-lamista artists. It was beautiful to just be there to witness them making the pieces. It was one of the most enchanting rituals.’
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‘I arrived in Sachaqa at a moment in my life when I was studying classical art - observational drawing and painting. In Sachaqa I found myself in a space where the walls were the trees, the lights were the fireflies and stars, and the ground was full of both leaves and ants. The sounds from sunset to the sunrise was the song of the cicada insect. The general ambient of the little nest Trina build up by the hands of local people, has a uniqueness which makes this art residency a must for any artist that needs a great and refreshing time out of any structural habits — a moment in a life, not just the artistic one, to zone out and to embrace nature as it shows up (from the most beautiful sides to the most intense ones!)
I was able to find new ways of working especially being so surrounded by a raw way of making art. The results are still influencing my work in the best way — and even more than I could imagine!
The beautiful proximity we had to between 2 to 4 artists living at the center was also beautiful to get deeper in our exchanges. I will forever remember the long, funny and sensitive conversations we had in the kitchen with Cloé, Fiona, Aysen, and I, while cooking fresh food from local ingredients we purchased in the village. I still think today how this kitchen had a kind of magic, and it’s probably because of all the great conversations and exchanges, pass under this roof… and by the good food cooked there!
At the end of my stay, perfectly landing on the night of the new moon. Trina organized a wonderful event at the center inviting the friends of the artistic community living around San Roque/Tarapoto, everyone participated, playing music, we drank cacao, danced around the fire. The simplicity of this energy, a night which will stay forever in my heart and in my purest memories of this time passed in Sachaqa. ‘
The first two photos were taken during an exhibition in Tarapoto city where Julie was a life drawing model @clandestino.cocinaind and the next three were part of a group exhibition in the home of artist @ale_wendorff
Thank you 🙏
@nollet_fiona - September 2023.
‘My start in Sachaqa was unplanned and happened by chance during my South America journey. Fortunately, there was a spot available, allowing my adventure to commence. It was an extraordinary experience, especially after studying at the art academy in Belgium for four years, where continuous pressure and competition were prevalent. In Sachaqa, I could look at my work in a completely different environment. The tranquility there almost compelled me to focus entirely on my own work.
Trina played a fantastic role; we could talk for hours about art and various other topics. The balance between feeling at home in the village and having the space to immerse myself in my art was beautiful. Besides the spacious studio, I was also introduced to new art forms and techniques, such as observing the traditional process from clay to pottery. Together with Trina, I collected pigments to create my own paint.
To be honest, the art stores in Tarapoto are limited, but this posed a challenge in my work, leading to new discoveries. In Sachaqa, I experienced a month filled with ups and downs, surrounded by wonderful people and gaining new insights into my work. As the cherry on top, I had the opportunity to hold a small exhibition in a restaurant in Tarapoto, thanks to Trina's efforts and organization. It made me feel highly appreciated and was a special experience. The evening brought people together to draw and share their love for art.
That for me is also what Sachaqa stood for, a retreat where art enthusiasts meet, craving a quiet space to let their creativity flow.’
Gracias 🙏 @clandestino.cocinaind
‘For many years, I had a longing to go to the jungle and lose myself in the deep greenery. My wish came true this February, and I stayed in @sachaqacentrodearte for two and a half weeks. I only wish I could have stayed longer. Trina was not only a wonderful host but also a colleague artist with whom I shared profound conversations about art and life. She made sure that I had all the resources needed for my artistic explorations.
I’ve spent some time with Sara, a fellow artist in residence, hiking and wandering through the villages, taking analogue photos, and talking with the local women who work with textile. I was touched by the warmth of the local people, who embraced me as if I were one of their own. As well, I took the paper workshop at Papel Ecologico in Chazuta, developed the concept for my handmade artist book, and held an artist talk at @ecoaldeasperu with other talented local artists.
As a result of my artist residency in Sachaqa Centro de Arte, in my hometown of Split (Croatia) in July, I had a solo show "In the Deep Greenery in @kinoklubsplit with my analogue photos and poetry about the jungle.
Many thanks to Patrona, the women's textile association in Chunchiwi, women from the Papel Ecologico in Chazuta, @trinity_brahman, @inesamalia and @la.cuadernera, @teriteitara, @sandrogranda, @alma.libre.11, and all the beautiful souls I’ve met during my stay in San Roque de Cumbaza. ‘
Thank you 🙏
‘I knew I was going to Sachaqa art residency to sort things out. I needed new insights into ways of creating my illustrators work. I was also joking about being an amateur biologist and maybe just staring at all the creatures all day long. Be ready to just really sit in one spot and marvel at the things you see and hear.
Right upon the arrival the loud sounds at night made me smile in my bed and helped me fall asleep.
We were 4 people everyday in the studio. The creative energy was surging! In just three weeks I jumped from markers to natural pigments and forgot about the digital creation all together. I dare say I went back to the old ways. It was such a relief.
This was my first time residency. And what a residency it was! Trina introduced us to many different local people: from artisan chocolate makers and potters and farmers. There was fire, dance, talk, fruits, moths, dogs, roosters, waterfalls, rivers and of course, mountains. I made new friends I will never forget.
I can say for sure this has been the trip of my life.’
IG Exhibition @animals_in_dresses
‘About the photos… We were surrounded by the sounds of the jungle, a constant backdrop that suddenly transformed into a conversation. It was like the wildlife had a story to tell, and I was finally listening. This richness of life, it opened up doors in my mind, making me more creative, more alive.
I want to express my deep gratitude for all these encounters. Each of them brings a unique story, reminding me that people always have the power to surprise, bring joy, and give purpose to life.
Being around these folks made me realize that there's something special about the way they connect with everything. It's as if every rustle of leaves has a message, every gust of wind carries a secret. And in that connection, there's this endless stream of creativity, flowing through us, shaping our lives. They had this natural way of being, as if they were in sync with the world around them – nature, and the unseen that has puzzled minds for centuries.
So, I'm thankful. Thankful for these people who showed me that life is more than just living – it's about finding meaning, joy, and surprise in every moment. They're like the threads weaving life's tapestry, adding color and texture to our existence.
The backdrop for my piece at the Contemporary Art Museum of Estonia (EKKM) NINNA NANNA is the Peruvian art residency at the Sachaqa Centro de Arte. Many thanks!’
‘In Sachaqa, I experienced various ways to connect with nature while searching for subjects for my artwork, and I had a variety of life-changing experiences through meeting wonderful people.
I made an indigo vat in Japanese traditional way in the jungle using compost of the indigo plant I brought from France.
I went to gather materials such as tree bark etc with local people and created a blue geometric sculpture using the indigo dye during my stay.
It was such a wonderful experience for me.’ 🙏
Jeanne François – Two months ceramic residency, an experience living with Kechwa potters and more…2023
Part One: ‘ Big Bang - I built a series of sculpted ceramic houses, the forms were designed to hold a fire within, functioning in a similar way to a Chimney. What I wanted to do, was to play with the face of the fire. Very different to a controlled kiln setting, which I wanted to escape from. With an open fire, we can see the metamorphosis, as the rage of an open fire is shaped, through-out the work. When my first house was built, Petrona came to make a ‘Shuntu’ fire. She came early morning, and was ready for this grand experiment. She went straight into the studio and carried all my art pieces to the garden, laying them on the grass, to dry in the sun. So she set racks of wood, like a grill, on the ground. On that grill she put the tiniest pieces, and covered them with wood.’
articleswithsachaqa.wordpress.com
‘Being in the Amazon jungle was an incredible opportunity for me to focus on my art. I learned to reconnect with what inspires me to create, which is this spiritual connection to nature. Sachaqa gave me the experience of a lifetime to truly immerse myself within all the sounds, smells, beauty, and raw wildlife that the jungle holds.
When I was painting, I was processing what was going on around me and the new connections I was feeling to the people and nature in this environment. When I wasn’t painting, I was constantly absorbing everything. I feel as if I was gathering endless inspiration for my next chapter of artwork that I want to create.
With no place I had to be or work to do, I was able to slow down my lifestyle completely and learn more about myself and my artistic process. I certainly found a new direction for myself as a person and for my art. I believe the magic of the jungle can heal and inspire anyone who welcomes it.
Music program: Inga Rothammel IG: @ingarothammel - 2023
‘We sometimes forget what music can mean, which role, function it can take and what meaning it has and can have for people.
I was able to experience the magic of music on my journey and residence in the jungle in Peru. Picking the unplayed notes out of the air, experiencing the enchanting magic that allows people to unite, share and also heal.
I got up every morning and often felt like playing the saxophone.
This impulse that I had almost forgotten, often not noticed, not felt before.
Listlessness, fear and excuses had often covered this true and light impulse. What opened this up, how was it freed, how can I take this feeling with me? I've often asked myself this, and I don't think there is a general answer, every moment and day is different.
But in the jungle there were no distractions, no tasks I had to fulfill. Just the pure nature, the chirping of birds, the sounds of buzzing insects, warmth. I often just sat there for hours and listened to the surroundings. One thing I really learned during my residency was to listen, to the sounds around me, to my inner melody!’
Photography Program- Artist Testimonial Italian photographer: @gaiabonanomiph
‘I spent 2 weeks in Sachaqa, looking for a space to re-connect with Nature and with my art.
Sachaqa gave me a very quiet space to reflect and create, a studio sourrended by pure nature, a peaceful space to develop my projects and to take care of my personal research. I’m very grateful for the connection this residence has offered me, to get to know people from San Roque de Cumbaza, who has been very inspiring for my journey.
Thanks to Sachaqa I’ve also connected with photographer Javier Quintana @jqbonicelli_photo who drove me inside the Jungle to explore its habitat, the plants and animals all around.
Trina has been open and kind, helping and advising me for everything I needed.
Thank you Sachaqa, it’s been a great time!’
