RETREAT EXPERIENCE

Solitude isn’t just about being alone—it’s about how we shape our inner and outer worlds in its presence. The Art of Solitude retreat explores the ways Georgia O’Keeffe and Agnes Martin embraced solitude as both a necessity and a creative force, using it to sharpen perception, deepen focus, and create with clarity.

This retreat is for those drawn to quiet intensity, expansive landscapes, and the rhythms of solitude. Through time in nature, guided reflection, and creative exploration, we’ll consider how solitude influences perspective, process, and artistic devotion.

Rather than isolating, solitude—when approached with intention—becomes a container for creative renewal, presence, and deep listening. We’ll spend time with the landscapes that shaped O’Keeffe and Martin, reflect on their artistic practices, and explore our own relationship to solitude—whether through structured space or unstructured wandering.

This is an intimate, reflective retreat. Days will be spacious but intentional, balancing group dialogue, independent exploration, and quiet immersion in the landscape. We’ll close with a conversation on how to carry the lessons of solitude forward, integrating them into our daily lives.

PROGRAM ITINERARY

Thursday, October 9th
Arrivals & Opening

Travel to Taos (fly into SAF or ABQ, carpools can be arranged).
Settling in, opening dinner, and venue history.
Readings from O’Keeffe & Martin on solitude.
Evening reflection: What do I hope to find in solitude?

Friday, October 10th
O’Keeffe & the Solitude of Place

Private walking tour of Ghost Ranch.
Time for quiet exploration—drawing, photographing, meditating.
Picnic lunch, rest, and decompression.
Dinner & group discussion: How does place shape creativity?

Saturday, October 11th
Solitude as Creative Ritual

Tour of O’Keeffe’s Abiquiú Home & Studio.
Observing how she designed space for clarity and solitude.
Afternoon: Open time—creative prompts, hiking, or visiting Taos Pueblo.
Dinner & informal reflections.

Sunday, October 12th
Agnes Martin: Deep Silence & Devotion

Guest talk on Agnes Martin’s life, work, and spiritual discipline (TBD).
Lunch & slow-paced creative practice—meditative mark-making.
Reflection: What does creative solitude mean to me now?
Farewell dinner—closing meal of gratitude.

Monday, October 13th

Light breakfast & closing circle: How will I bring solitude into my daily life?
Departures (optional post-retreat visits: Mabel Dodge Luhan House, Ojo Caliente).

THEMATIC EXPLORATION

Solitude & Space
What does it mean to be truly alone with yourself? How does solitude shift when given time to settle in? O’Keeffe and Martin each carved out space—physically and mentally—to cultivate a deep, intentional relationship with solitude. This retreat explores how space influences creative thought and self-awareness.

The Architecture of Aloneness
How does solitude change depending on how we shape it? O’Keeffe built a life of structured solitude, designing her surroundings with clarity and purpose. Martin’s devotion to simplicity was a radical act of focus. What do we keep, what do we remove, and how do these choices shape our creative and inner lives?

Stillness as a Source
Solitude isn’t empty—it’s charged. How do we attune ourselves to the subtle energies of quiet, to the creative potential within stillness? Whether through meditative repetition, walking, or simply observing, this retreat asks us to listen deeply to what emerges in the absence of noise.

Carrying Solitude Forward
What does solitude give us, and how do we bring it back into our daily lives? O’Keeffe and Martin’s work wasn’t just about solitude—it was shaped by it. As the retreat closes, we’ll reflect on how to integrate these practices, allowing solitude to remain a wellspring rather than a fleeting escape.

THIS RETREAT IS FOR YOU IF...

You crave space—physically, mentally, creatively.
If the idea of wide-open landscapes, uninterrupted time, and the clarity that comes from solitude excites you, this is your kind of retrea

You find inspiration in the quiet.
O’Keeffe and Martin built their lives around solitude—not as isolation, but as a way to see, feel, and create more clearly. If you’ve ever dreamed of a life designed around creative focus, you’ll feel at home here.

You love a good art history deep dive.
If you get excited about the way artists structure their lives, how place shapes creative work, or what makes Agnes Martin’s grids so powerful—you’re in the right place.

You’re open to seeing what solitude stirs in you.
This retreat isn’t about forced silence or rigid structure—it’s about stepping away from the noise and tuning into yourself, your thoughts, and what emerges in the space between.

You like your conversations deep and your solitude deeper.
Small talk? Fine, but you’d rather explore big ideas. This retreat offers space for both introspection and meaningful dialogue.

THIS RETREAT IS NOT FOR YOU IF...

You deeply dread intimate group time
If the idea of connecting with a small, intentional community makes you cringe, this might not be the right space for you.

You are allergic to quiet and boredom
Stillness and quiet reflection are part of the journey here.

You can’t fully break from your 9–5
This retreat invites you to unplug and be present. Make that PTO official.

You crave a robe and room service
This isn’t a luxury spa vacation—it’s meaningful, creative exploration with a touch of adventure.

You rather be posting on main
While we won’t take your phone away, this retreat is about dialing down device usage and immersing yourself in the present.

A PLACE STEEPED IN HISTORY & CREATIVITY

For over two centuries, Hacienda del Sol has been a gathering place for artists, writers, and seekers drawn to Taos. Originally built in 1804, its thick adobe walls and shaded courtyards have welcomed legendary figures like Georgia O’Keeffe, Ansel Adams, and D.H. Lawrence. Once the home of Mabel Dodge Luhan and Tony Lujan—who helped establish Taos as an artistic enclave—the Hacienda remains a place of inspiration, reflection, and creative exchange.

Today, this historic boutique inn offers a timeless retreat, nestled just beyond the Taos Pueblo. Its adobe architecture, orchard-lined grounds, and mountain views provide the perfect setting for slowing down and immersing yourself in solitude.

During our retreat, Hacienda del Sol will serve as our home base—a space to rest, reflect, and gather as we explore the theme of creative solitude.

LODGING DETAILS & PACKAGE OPTIONS

This trip is split into two parts: The Lightning Field – We’ll stay in the on-site cabin, fully immersed in the artwork and landscape.
Santa Fe – After our time at The Lightning Field, we’ll head to Santa Fe and stay at El Rey Court. Here, you’ll have accommodation options to choose from, which will be reflected in the package pricing.

Package 1 ꩜ $
twin bed double bed at el rey

Package 2 ꩜ $1

Package 3 ꩜ $

RETREAT APPLICATION

1. COWBOY (Shared: Second Story Room, King Bed, Separate Attached Suite with Two Twin Beds)

1. DOUBLE (SHARED)

PACKAGE PAYMENT:

INCLUDES:

Lodging at Hacienda del Sol
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Meals
Group transportation
Programming

EXCLUDES:

Airfare
Transportation to and from airport (carpooling can be arranged)
Optional activities like museum visits or spa treatments
Trip protection (required). We will host this retreat rain or shine!

MEET YOUR GUIDE

Erica Bech is a lifelong student of art history, creative practice, spiritual inquiry, and the elusive ways inspiration takes shape. As a creative director and facilitator, they design transformative experiences for artists, thinkers, and world-builders seeking space to explore—beyond the grind of productivity-driven culture.

With over a decade of experience leading creative in marketing, Erica has spent their career guiding artists and designers to tell stories for brands. Now, they’re more interested in guiding creatives to explore stories rooted in history—and to tell their own. How does learning and inspiration happen outside traditional structures? They see teaching as a creative practice, not a top-down transfer of knowledge but an open invitation to curiosity, experimentation, and communal discovery.

Their work is shaped by art history, spiritual inquiry, and somatic awareness, along with a deep commitment to making creative renewal accessible. They are an ICF-certified coach and an ever-curious student of facilitation, self-inquiry, and artistic process.

Skypunch is an ongoing experiment—a space to get lost on purpose, to follow questions like threads, and to gather in the quiet where creativity stirs.

FAQ

Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is for creative seekers and curious minds—anyone drawn to deep thinking, expansive landscapes, and a break from the demands of daily life. Through historical storytelling, personal reflection, and time on the land, we’ll explore creativity, connection, and renewal. Think of it as a space to pause, recalibrate, and spark something new

Do I need to be be an artist or have an active practice to attend?
Not at all! While this retreat is inspired by the creative spirit, it’s open to anyone who feels called to step away from the everyday and reconnect with themselves and their surroundings. No artistic background required—just a sense of curiosity.

Where will we stay?
This trip has two legs: The Lightning Field We’ll stay overnight in the on-site cabin, fully immersed in the artwork and landscape. Santa Fe After our time at The Lightning Field, we’ll head to Santa Fe and stay at El Rey Court.

How many people will be attending?
This will be an intimate gathering, limited to five participants plus one facilitator—small enough for meaningful connection, spacious enough for solitude.

Do I need to have an understanding of the relevant art history before the trip?
Nope! We’ll introduce you to the art history and narratives that inspire this retreat. Think of it as a guided journey—you just need to bring your curiosity.

I’m an introvert / but a little shy / excited though / and maybe a little anxious...is this still for me?
Absolutely. Skypunch was designed with you in mind. We’ll create opportunities to connect with fellow participants before the retreat so you can ease into the experience at your own pace. No forced icebreakers, no awkward small talk—just an open, thoughtful space to engage however feels right for you.

What’s included in the retreat cost?
Your retreat fee covers:
Accommodations at The Lightning Field and El Rey Court

All group programming and guided excursions

Most meals (details provided following registration)

Not included: Travel expenses, personal extras, and optional “side quests” like spa visits or museum trips.

I’m worried about the cost. Are there flexible payment options?
We get it—investing in a retreat can feel like a big step. Flexible payment plans are available, and we’re working toward tiered pricing models for future experiences. Reach out if you’d like to discuss payment options.

What about transportation?
You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to our retreat meeting location in Albuquerque. From there, we’ll handle the rest.

This all sounds great! How do I sign up?
You can apply to register here