THE WAYWARD LIFE
The Wayward Retreat is a space for artists who are curious about their own work, themselves, and their place in creative, natural, and social ecosystems.
Living between an old growth forest and a pristine lake, with no internet access, our pop-up community of gender-marginalized creators spend their retreat days with intense and indulgent creative focus, collaborating to build a supportive experience on beautiful Quadra Island.
Time and space to work.
The location of our retreat provides space for solitude and focus, both in nature and in our very comfortable house.
A beautiful setting.
Our home on Quadra Island is secluded in a lush forest on the edge of a lake, and the nearby beaches are covered with fresh oysters.
Creative collaboration.
We curate space and design opportunities to collaborate with your fellow retreaters and hosts in magical and unexpected ways.
Great food.
Seriously, we do it right.
Refocus your creative path on beautiful Quadra Island.
FROM PAST RETREATERS
"I don't think I could ever describe the transformative and magical experience of Wayward to someone who hasn't experienced it for themselves. This was an artist retreat that reminded me what art, and life, is for—joy, connection, community, silliness, and more. I left Wayward fuller than I could have imagined. There's nothing like taking a writing break by jumping into the lake, or living your best forest life eating salmonberries off the trees. The retreat is thoughtfully curated from beginning to end, which really makes entering and leaving feel like stepping into and out of a portal."
–Manahil Bandukwala, poet + artist
“This retreat was such a unique and powerful experience for me. Never before in my creative life have I ever been so completely isolated and at the same time so fully surrounded and supported by fellow artists. This was such an open and welcoming environment – so filled with creativity and joy – that coming back home and readjusting to my ‘normal’ life was almost a hardship. I’m counting down the weeks until the next retreat, where I’m sure the magic will be rekindled in a new and exciting way, and where isolation and companionship and creativity somehow come hand in hand.”
— Katy DiSavino, television writer + playwright
“It turns out that having a space to make stuff that you can just enjoy (instead of worrying how it integrates with your personal brand or what the price point will be) is incredibly critical. Honestly, making things simply for the joy of it is something that can get lost in your (highly rewarding and personally satisfying) art career. The retreat ended up being an amazing time, an incredibly nurturing physical and emotional space.”
— Eva Funderburgh, sculptor + ceramicist
“The Quadra Island retreat was galvanizing and therapeutic in equal measures, with pacing that rewarded both solo creativity and socializing. During the day, I could strike out on my own into the lush woods, pull the rowboat out on the lake for a contemplative float, or strip down and take a refreshing swim without fear or worry. I had personal space and time to write, think, chill with music, or interact with nature on my own terms. In the evenings, being surrounded by other creatives–many in different fields than mine–allowed me to hear how others tackled their own challenges, or thought of their own practice. Months later, I still find myself considering how the other participants would tackle an obstacle currently in my way.”
— Sarra Scherb, narrative designer + Writer
Join us!
