6 women from Bangkok head off in two cars to the province of Rayong, approximately 220 kilometres southeast of Bangkok to participate in a 2-nighter, 2-day Art Retreat at a gorgeous hideout; Elsie Evan’s Art Retreat, somewhere well beyond that which an urbanite from a big city, wishes to escape. It was beautifully concealed, because even Google Maps gave up on us. On arrival we questioned Scottish Elsie why there was so sign- she chirped, in her inimitable accent, “Coz I don’t want anyone to simply drop by, I knew you’d get here eventually!” We all chuckled along, grasping what she meant, despite the delayed arrival.

That set the tone for two days of undiluted pleasure, and bonhomie, shared unreservedly among us, and our generous-spirited host Elsie Evans.

Her ‘resort’ is a five-bedroom place, which is nestled on all sides by verdant fields, and a vision of lush green hills. It is nurtured by birdcalls, and people lessness, and a serenity that is only broken by the sound of rain, or winds, that is healing, a balm to the tired urban dweller, or a person seeking peace offered by the countryside alone. Elsie so designed this dwelling, as to allow for fresh air to roam and permeate every crevice and area at all times, as well as for guests to laze, and simply flow along. We did flow.

Surroundings

We, both painters and non-painters, descended into the Atelier, after a sumptuous Thai lunch, which we partook in the open dining area by the pool. All agog with admiration at the sprinkling of artifacts that adorns the resort, we chattered on, even as we ate heartily.

Melinda, in-house photographer and Bollywood dancer, couldn’t stop gushing over all that met her eye. She was clearly taken.

I love antiques myself, and my private verandah had an old sewing machine, with a piece of driftwood doubling up as a table top in my verandah.

a resolute companion in my verandah

The group : Sue, our facilitator- a being endowed with a cheery quietude, and wisdom; Maxine, the do-gooder, with a flair for spontaneous loving and generosity of spirit, fell in love with one of the dogs-Floyd, terribly keen to take him back to her home, Mary, our in-house Cordon Bleu chef, and Agnes, the dentist and artist par excellence plus, a Yoga teacher, no less.  All of them- eyes peeled on each and every piece of wood, or metal, or the carpet, that met our collective vision, gushed along. I was the French teacher and writer rolled into one, flowing along and imbibing as I listened and observed, and spoke.

Smiles in our eyes, we quickly acknowledged the fact that this trip was going to be one joyous ride.

The Art Class

Elsie is no ordinary art teacher, and doesn’t believe in doling out conventional knowledge of how to sketch, or paint, or draw. She used ink, pastels, crayons, and water and showed us how it was possible to bring our inner vision on to paper, with a stroke here and one there. It was sheer magic to watch her go at the canvas. She demonstrated, by her absent-presence, to coin a term, that we were artists in our own right, and could own our individual voices.

The next three hours we spent spilling whatever was inside us- and recreating a vision for ourselves. By the end of it, we were spent, and pleased. It had been revelatory to me particularly, that I did have a sense of colour and shape in me. I was short of delirious.

We emerged for dinner, the lot of us, and visited a French restaurant, owned by a Frenchman, who’s been a resident of Rayong for no less than 23 years! Since I speak French, we had a merry conversation. The food was great- and so were the drinks

Day 2

The following day, three of us decided to explore the markets of Baan Phee (a part of the province of Rayong, as well as the port for ferries to arrive at Koh Samet, a popular holiday destination by the sea).

We raided a ceramic warehouse; a limitless expanse of china, homeware, cookware and well, you name it.  Later we visited a large open market, which was like a fair of dried fish, hordes of Thai foods, and some clothes. It was muggy, yet there was no dampening our excitement. Women!

Boat on land

The other half of our group headed to the waterfront in order to photograph boats etc. There was a plethora of sights that tugged at the heartstrings, we were told. Photos were shared later.

The afternoon found us all back in our saddles at the atelier, catering to our artistic side. Another session was spent dabbling in paint, and other media, on canvas, and watching the artist in us, breathing life onto paper. Life was good.

Elsie gently guided us all, having understood individual flairs and levels. Her subtle ways and an ostensibly casual stance in her guidance, allows the student to find his way. One never felt better or worse than another, or even undermined. I know I am no artist per se, but the inner contentment that pervaded me, during the time spent with my friends and Elsie at the Atelier, was proof that time can stand still, even as we move along.

My work on the final evening- colours & Sanskrit letters

I had chosen to cook for our host and my friends for dinner, so we all rolled up our sleeves and got down to the task of raiding the pantry and cooking up a storm. I have to admit, I’ve never had so much fun cooking for my friends, with music and wine accompanying us. The heat of the stove, and the warmth of friendship – a combination that never fails.

Mary, our friendly chef, brought together a beautiful and exotic carrot salad, and a guacamole, which disappeared in a trice. Her culinary talents were undeniable. We were a happy bunch.

By the end of the evening we were full in so many more ways than with just Indian fare.

The inviting swimming pool had us all jumping into its waters later, and laughing till our sides ached.

The dip was followed by conversations- sitting by the bar, all of us, dripping off on towels, we chatted about our lives and shared experiences that have impacted us. It was both exhilarating and overwhelming!

When we left the resort, we made ourselves a promise to return. This experience may not repeat in an identical manner, as it shouldn’t, but surely, we can recreate a different magic on a subsequent trip to Elsie Evans Art Retreat, can we not!

©kamalininatesanAug2020

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  Girls at work

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  Artifact

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  Chit-chat

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  Working with Elsie

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  Results

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  Surroundings

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  Elsie

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  Comfy

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  Green decor

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  Garden Seating

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  Boat on land

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  Indian meal

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  Yoginis

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  Crystals

sitting pretty