With the hustle and bustle of city life, we know it can be hard for artists to find uninterrupted time to create. That’s why we created our Artist Fellowship Program, to give creatives a space in nature to work on their projects. We love seeing what our artists come up with and we’re excited to share some of our recent fellows.
Julia Kuo has been sketching since college, and you can find her with a travel sketchbook wherever she goes. She often finds inspiration in the day-to-day, by seeing something beautiful – in nature, people, occasionally buildings, and wanting to capture it herself.
Julia headed to Getaway Beaver Creek with her boyfriend, two friends, and two dogs. They ventured out to Beaver Creek State Park, hiked the Vondergreen Trail, and settled into their cabin to roast veggies over the fire and listen to the frogs croaking into the evening.
That change of pace is exactly what Julia would want for a dream creative project. “My dream is to follow a team of researchers to McMurdo Station in Antarctica and record everything they do in drawings,” she explains.
Katie Commodore knew she’d be an artist from a young age. When she was in elementary school, she recalls imagining she’d be an astronaut, testing low gravity paints by being the first to paint the Martian landscape.
She currently resides in Rhode Island, where she works across a variety of subject matters – from our embroidered landscapes to tackling subjects like identity and sexuality.
As for her dream project: “I love designing wallpaper and patterns. I’d love to create an immersive environment where the patterns are all-encompassing, but at the same time allow for a moment of calm for the viewer. There is a bit of peace that seems to happen when you’re surrounded by chaos and color, where, as your eyes wander and try and absorb everything your brain has a moment to only focus on what you can take in and the constant worries of the day don’t have space to run around your thoughts.”
“When you have a solid studio practice, you wind up always working towards the next show/the next commission/the next project, and you never have time to do something really different than what you normally do. I do use embroidery in my studio practice, but I haven’t done a landscape in probably 15 years.” Of her Getaway, she notes, “It was a wonderful reminder that not everything I create has to be for something or have a further purpose. I can just create little moments and have them just be that.”
Looking for a creative break? Book your escape to nature here.
One of our favorite ways to relax and connect with others here at Getaway is by sharing a meal or a favorite recipe. We reached out to Danielle of @therealveganmayo for some of her favorite recipes that she cooked on her Getaway. Here’s the recipe for her delicious Vegan Mango Habanero Glazed Skewers.
Vegan Mango Habanero Glaze
Makes enough glaze for roughly 5-6 skewers.
Ingredients:
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup unrefined coconut sugar
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mango
1/2 habanero pepper finely chopped (include some seeds if you like a little heat)
1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp liquid smoke
2 tbsp apple juice
1/2 tbsp olive oil (adjust as needed)
Instructions:
On medium high heat add oil to pan and let warm. Once warm, add minced garlic cloves, habanero pepper and liquid smoke to pan and heat for 2 minutes and 30 seconds until fragrant and slightly browned.
Add the rest of your ingredients except your coconut sugar and heat on medium for 3 minutes, mixing frequently.
Once that is completed, add your coconut sugar and mix well to incorporate all ingredients. Let simmer for 4:30-5 minutes on medium heat, lower heat to low and let stand for 2 minutes. Once glaze thickens a bit, brush onto your skewers and add them to your grill, cook and then enjoy!
Options for skewers: vegan beef and chicken chunks (available on plantsleadourway.com—you can use code “MAYO” to save you $10 on your order, or check your local grocery store for available options near you. We also used mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, and green bell pepper. We paired it with some fresh guacamole, quinoa, mango salsa, and a lime wedge.
Located just one hour outside of Indianapolis in Columbus, IN, Postcard Cabins Brown County is nestled in a bustling town with plenty of spots to explore. Here are a few of the spots we’d recommend you check out while you’re on your escape.
Walks in the Woods
Shawnee and Lenape Loop Distance: 1.9 miles Difficulty: easy Dogs allowed This hike is perfect for bird-watching, trail-running, or simply a morning walk. This trail takes about forty minutes to complete, and it’s beautiful year-round.
Pauline Crump Nature Preserve Distance: 1.4 miles Difficulty: easy Dogs allowed For a slow morning stroll, head to Pauline Crump Nature Preserve and try the walking trail. You’ll likely get the whole place to yourself. You can even bring your fishing poles to relax beside the creek.
Tangeman Woods Loop Distance: 1.0 mile Difficulty: easy Dogs allowed Tangeman Woods Loop is the perfect trail to explore the area’s forest, and it’s likely you’ll come across a turtle or two crossing your path.
Sustenance and Snacks
Meyer Grocery ~ 12 minutes away Make a pitstop at Meyer Grocery before getting to the cabins to pick up all of the ingredients for your favorite campfire recipes.
Zaharakos ~ 26 minutes away Head to Zaharakos after a campfire dinner or a long hike for the sweetest ice cream treats in town.
Lucabe Coffee Co ~ 26 minutes away Head to Lucabe Coffee Co for the best cup of joe in town.
Things to Do Around the Cabins
Columbus Bowling Center ~ 30 minutes away When was the last time you went to a bowling alley? Head to Columbus Bowling Center on your next getaway to bring back some memories and make some new ones.
Putt-Putt Fun Center ~ 30 minutes away Head to Putt-Putt Fun Center for an afternoon of mini golf with those who matter most.
Hard Truth Tours & Tasting Center ~ 20 minutes away Just twenty minutes from the cabins you can find the largest destination craft distillery. The distillery has a full-service restaurant, and offers tours of the distillery and even guided ATV tours of the 325 wooded acres of their property to teach you about the history of distilling.
Copperhead Creek Gem Mine ~ 20 minutes away If you’re looking for a unique experience for your family, head to Copperhead Creek Gem Mine to mine for fossils and gems.
Located just 50 minutes outside of Greenville, SC, in Seneca, SC, Postcard Cabins Lake Hartwell is nestled in a bustling town with plenty of spots to explore. Here are a few of the spots we’d recommend you check out while you’re on your escape.
Walks in the Woods
Seneca Adventure Trail Distance: 2.3 miles Difficulty: easy Dogs are not allowed This loop trail will take just about an hour to complete, and is intertwined with a disc golf course. The trailhead is located at the Shaver Recreation parking lot.
Yellow Branch Falls Trail Distance: 3.6 miles Difficulty: moderate Dogs allowed This trail is a local favorite, taking you across streams, through beautiful groves of hardwood trees, and all the way to Yellow Branch Falls, an enchanting 50-foot waterfall. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear.
Blue Hole Falls Distance: 1.0 mile Difficulty: easy Dogs allowed This trail may be short, but it’s not one you want to miss while visiting the area. This is the perfect hike leading to a swimming area for a warm summer day. The directions will take you to a fork in the road, so be sure to turn left and drive down the gravel road, and the trail will be on the right.
Sustenance and Snacks
Ingles Market ~ 12 minutes away Make a pitstop at Ingles Market before getting to the Outpost to pick up all of the ingredients for your favorite campfire recipes.
Walnut Street Bakery ~ 10 minutes away For the most delicious coffee and pastries in town, head to Walnut Street Bakery to start your day off on a sweet foot.
Copper River Grill ~ 13 minutes away Head to Copper River Grill for the best steaks and seafood in the area.
Things to Do Around the Outpost
Keowee Brewing Company ~ 10 minutes away Try some local craft brews and enjoy delicious dishes with ingredients sourced from local farmers.
South Carolina Botanical Garden ~ 17 minutes away The South Carolina Botanical Garden has a 70-acre arboretum with miles of trails and streams, a butterfly garden, wildflower meadow and more.
Stumphouse Tunnel ~ 31 minutes away While you’re in the area, you can’t miss the Stumphouse Tunnel, an unfinished mountain tunnel from the 1850s. The tunnel is about a quarter of a mile long. Just a short drive away you can stop at Issaqueena Falls Waterfall too.
Getaway was literally started by my dad. He didn’t found the company. He didn’t bankroll us. He actually started the company — as a builder, he pounded the first nail into what became our first tiny house in Boston.
He doesn’t get much recognition in our press or from our investors. He doesn’t even have a cabin named after him (maybe one day). But I’ll never forget that he volunteered his actual blood, sweat, and tears for me and my dream.
To me, this will always be a father and son company. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and father figures out there.
Located just one hour outside of Columbus, OH in Nelsonville, OH, Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills is nestled in a bustling town with plenty of spots to explore. Here are a few of the spots we’d recommend you check out while you’re on your escape.
Walks in the Woods
Holler Collar Trail Distance: 3.1 miles Difficulty: easy Dogs allowed This loop trail in the Bailey’s Trail System, takes about an hour to complete, and is shared with mountain bikers.
Lost Marble, Salt Works, Tipple Top & Wild Turkey Loop Distance: 6.0 miles Difficulty: moderate Dogs allowed This loop will take just over two hours to complete, but with scenic views of the surrounding wetlands and hillsides, the workout will be worth it.
Wild Turkey and Hacksaw Loop Distance: 2.3 miles Difficulty: easy Dogs allowed This loop trail will take you deep into the area’s forest, getting you up close and personal with the area’s oak trees.
Sustenance and Snacks
Witten Farm Market ~ 16 minutes away Make a pitstop during peak produce season at this Farm Market to pick up fresh, local ingredients for all of your favorite campfire recipes.
Hocking Hills Diner ~ 13 minutes away For all your favorite classic diner dishes, head to Hocking Hills Diner.
Maya Burrito Co. ~ 15 minutes away Head to Maya’s for the most delicious burritos in town.
Millstone Southern Smoked BBQ ~ 18 minutes away Enjoy this local favorite with mouthwatering barbecue and smoked meats in a casual and fun environment.
Things to Do Around the Cabins
Ash Cave ~ 11 minutes away You can’t miss this natural recess cave with a gorgeous waterfall in Hocking Hills State Park. The trail to the falls is 0.6 miles and is wheelchair accessible.
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway Engine House ~ 13 minutes away Hocking Valley Scenic Railway Engine House offers scenic train rides on old, themed trains through the local area.
Fox’s High Rock Farm ~ 20 minutes away Stop at Fox’s High Rock Farm to meet some goats, pigs, cows, donkeys, and more.
Holistic health consultant and healthy lifestyle designer Paola Atlason doesn’t believe in just taking vacations for balance. She practices self-care every day and incorporates balance into her daily routine. Paola will soon be unplugging and de-stressing in one of our cabins. But in the meantime, Paola is sharing with us her tips for bringing the best parts of Getaway into our daily routines.
Practical and easy self-care tips for staying balanced throughout the day
One of my favorite ways to recalibrate is by being in nature. As a New Yorker for the past 20 years this is not always easy, so I rely on a handful of self-care rituals to keep me grounded throughout the day.
I would first like to demystify what “self-care” means- it simply refers to any practice in which you feel cared for and supported. It doesn’t involve costly products, it doesn’t have to be time consuming, you can do it from the comfort of your home and in your own time. It should be practiced in bite sizes, throughout the day, every day – not saved exclusively for Sundays.
The most important ritual is to begin the day with a focus on yourself. Those few minutes spent in nurturing silence set the tone for the rest of your waking hours. The following is my trusted 3-step morning routine, one that I’ve practiced for years and still brings me joy:
SIMPLY BREATHE
By placing attention on the breath upon awakening, we welcome clean energy into our bodies. Conscious deep breathing oxygenates the blood and ignites internal heat, which is very important during the cold winter months.
The Technique: While laying in bed take a full deep breath in for a count of four, and slowly release for a count of six. Feel free to sigh or open your mouth as you exhale. Repeat for 4 to 6 rounds and as you scan your body, smile, stretch and indulge.
AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
As you open your eyes, in your mind list three things you’re grateful for. This easy yet highly effective practice changes your brain chemistry and shifts the focus onto the positive. Keep it simple to begin with (I’m often grateful for my hands and sunlight). Once you get going, your list will grow.
WAKE UP!
My favorite hands-on ritual is “dry skin brushing”. This practice promotes circulation and detoxification by stimulating the lymphatic system (aka the body’s washing machine). Using a natural bristle brush – before you shower – with firm yet gentle strokes start at the bottom of your feet and brush up the legs, torso and arms, and back down the neck and chest towards the heart.
For detailed step-by-step instructions and brush recommendations please visit my blog.
We know it can be hard to find the space to create art and get inspired, that’s why we created Our Artist Fellowship Program; to provide artists with the time, space, and permission to recharge by creating.
This month we’re featuring three illustrators who made time to Getaway to capture the inspiration that came with some extra time in nature. Here’s what each of them had to say about creativity, their connections to nature, and their Getaways.
Jessica Shepherd
On Creativity
I’m an artist and illustrator based in Hillsboro, Oregon. Creativity has always been an important part of my life, but I fell in love with artistic processes in High School and went on to get my B.A. in Art. I grew up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and have always been inspired by, and felt incredible peace, being in nature. Both of these themes of peace and nature come up frequently in my art as I strive to communicate the essence of a place through detailed pen and ink work.
On Nature
I view both experiences in nature and the creative process as therapeutic in my life. They both provide a chance to step out of our normal responsibilities, take a deep breath, and focus on something beautiful. They are ways to create space in our lives for discovery. Because of this connection I am often inspired to use natural elements and landscapes as subjects for my artwork. I love being able to create something from an experience in nature and communicate the beauty and sense of peace that I get from nature to the people that view my art.
On Escaping
My Getaway was a wonderful reprieve from the business of normal life, especially in light of all that has gone on in our country and world this year. It was a treat to be in a space set out for the purpose of rest and disconnection. I was able to use the time to get away from the distractions of technology. The experience was a reminder to me to look for the simplicity and moments of beauty in my everyday life as well, and I am excited to see where this theme will take me in my next collection of artwork.
You can follow along on Jessica’s journey on her Instagram and website.
Alisha Baker
On Creativity
Growing up in a small, historic town outside of Baltimore, I spent a lot of time outdoors, barefooted and climbing trees. I chose to study illustration in Boston and after years of the busy, city life, I wanted a change of environment and pace. Austin incorporates the best of both worlds, offering a thriving urban lifestyle with the balancing presence of plenty of watering holes and green spaces to rest and reconnect with nature. Whittled Inklings came out of this transition, and this is the name I work under creatively, primarily in relief printmaking and commissioned illustrative and graphic design work.
On Nature
Nature plays a prominent theme in my print work and I draw influence from the outdoors often. Inspiration for a future project can come from taking a walk around the neighborhood, venturing out to a local trail, or on a road trip collecting imagery from point A to point B. Living in Texas, I am finding myself forever enamoured by desert plant life, especially octopus agave and prickly pear cacti in bloom!
On Escaping
My stay at the Houston outpost exceeded all expectations. I can’t remember the last time I was surrounded by absolute darkness and could look up and see all the stars so clearly. It was a humbling reminder to unplug from the screens, disconnect from social media, and take a moment to feel small in comparison to the towering trees and visible galaxy above.
The Getaway Cabin experience is deeply thoughtful in architectural design, curated amenities, and a carefully chosen, safe, and peacefully remote location. It’s a stay I would recommend to family, friends, and creatives looking for a moment of pause.
You can keep up to date with Alisha’s work on her Instagram and website.
Sophia Yeshi
On Creativity
I’m an illustrator and graphic designer from Baltimore, MD living in Brooklyn, NY. I create work that’s bold, colorful, and demands attention featuring Black Women, Women of Color, and the LGBTQ+ community. My goal is to create work that comes from an authentic place and resonates with my community.
On Nature
Being in nature allows me to slow down and escape the hustle and bustle of life in New York City. I have fond memories of going hiking in the woods as a kid and the way I would enjoy conquering the forest, finding waterfalls, feeling disconnected from the world. I’ve gotten away from nature as an adult and being back in it was a reminder of how much a change in environment can do for your mental health.
On Escaping
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Getaway. I especially appreciated being able to be still and reflect, which is what I ultimately chose to illustrate. Being in the cabin, I didn’t even want to pick up my phone or laptop, I wanted to be in the moment and just soak up the time in nature. I was inspired to get away from the city more often to give myself free liberty to create.
You can keep up to date with Sophia’s work on her Instagram and website.
