14 – 24  July, 2012

An Interdisciplinary Program for Students and Educators

Travel to Fiji with Dr Richard Murphy, marine biologist with Jean Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society, and Jill Caporale, professor of biology at Northern Virginia Community College, to explore Marine and Terrestrial Ecology, Environmental Science, Cultural Values and Sustainable Living across the Curriculum.

Our focus is on how nature works, how people interact with it and what lessons it offers to humans for sustainable living. It is a natural history program that explores the diverse ecosystems and culture of Fiji as a lens through which we can take a fresh look at our own communities and address the question of what we should do differently to create a more sustainable future. This is far broader than just marine biology by design.

This course is geared for individuals of all disciples and designed to increase your understanding of basic ecological concepts and relationships between humanity and nature, with a focus on how our society can create more sustainable communities. We encourage students and educators to join us for this unique experience, exploring Fiji’s marine and terrestrial ecology, learning about ecological principles that affect all natural systems, and investigating connections – between cultures, between people and the environment and between academic disciplines.

This program is designed to have relevance to all majors and address the greatest challenge our species has ever faced – sustainable living.

Activities include:

• Snorkel excursions on coral reefs
• A night snorkel
• Kayak exploration of mangroves
• Intertidal exploration
• Rainforest exploration
• Village visit with traditional feast and dancing/music
• Investigation of green development with a visit to the Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort
• Daily lectures, AV presentations, discussions

Credits:
The course content outline will be available under Ocean Futures Society and may enable the student to get credit from his/her own institution. Credit would come from Dr. Murphy and Ocean Futures Society.

Location:
The course takes place here at Daku Resort.

Cost:
The cost of the course  is AUS$2800 twin share: this includes accommodation, all meals, course fees and expeditions as listed, and the return domestic flight from Nadi International Airport to Savusavu.

Bookings:
You’ll find a booking form at: www.paradisecourses.com
Or feel free to telephone: (02) 8094-1613
or email: susan@paradisecourses.com

Travel:
Please arrive in Nadi on July 13 so that we can get you onto the flight to Savusavu on July 14. We will arrange for you to spend the night in Nadi (included in cost). You will leave on Tuesday July 24 arriving in Nadi by 1.30pm. This gives you plenty to time to make the connection with the Virgin Pacific Blue or JetStar flights if you are returning to Australia; if you are travelling on Air Pacific you will need to spend the night in Nadi (not included in cost). If you are connecting with the Air Pacific flight to LAX you will have the day free in Nadi before you make the connection in the late evening (2230).

Lecturers:

Richard C. Murphy received a Ph.D. in Marine Ecology from the University of Southern California. He began working with Jean-Michel Cousteau and his father, Jacques Cousteau, in 1968. Since that time he has been involved in a wide variety of projects and expeditions in many remote areas around the globe. Dr. Murphy’s role in these expeditions has included serving as chief scientist, photographer, writer, educator, or project director. He has participated in Cousteau expeditions conducted in such places as Papua New Guinea, Fiji Islands, the Caribbean, Indonesia, the Mekong River in SE Asia, the Amazon, Sea of Cortez, Australia and New Zealand.

Since 1973 Dr. Murphy has been involved with Jean-Michel Cousteau in the creation and implementation of field study programs for students of all ages. The objective of these programs has been to share the wonder and importance of the ocean realm with the public. Drawing on over 30 years of exploring and studying a wide variety of ecosystems and cultures, Dr. Murphy states, “I believe a better understanding of how nature works can not only promote an appreciation for the value of our natural heritage but also help guide the next generation in living more sustainably on the planet.”

As an educator, Richard Murphy is dedicated to sharing the wonders and value of nature with students and the public. His goal is helping people better understand how nature works, with a focus on ecological processes that are fundamental to all systems – marine, terrestrial and human. With this understanding, students and audiences explore how we can live more sustainably and gently on the planet.

This interdisciplinary and holistic approach is infused into all of the programs Richard creates. Because coral reefs are threatened and possess many parallels to human communities, Dr. Murphy has created a number of products and program that focus on reefs.
www.rcmurph.net

Jill Caporale
Assistant Professor of Biology and Natural Sciences
Jill Caporale is an Associate Professor of Biology and Natural Science at Northern Virginia Community College in the United States. She holds two Masters Degrees, one in Molecular/Cellular Biology and one in Communication, both from American University. Professor Caporale is active in the promotion of integrating environmental science into other disciplines and will be discussing this concept as well as health implications of anthropogenic environmental changes.
sites.google.com/site/jillcaporale
www.nvcc.edu/home/jcaporale

Ocean Futures Society
Our mission is to explore our global ocean, inspiring and educating people throughout the world to act responsibly for its protection, documenting the critical connection between humanity and nature, and celebrating the ocean’s vital importance to the survival of all life on our planet.
www.oceanfutures.org

With Leonie Norton

June 15 – 22

2 courses for the price of 1

Leonie’s course offers a chance to do both Botanical Art with its rigorous attention to detail, and Holiday Sketching where the student can relax and capture the landscape in a more impressionistic style. The mornings are dedicated to Botanical Art, whilst afternoons are the time for sketching, when Leonie will take you off around the island to capture the landscapes and details of your holiday.

You are welcome to bring along non-painting partners or friends, who will find plenty to do and are welcomed on all the group outings.

Botanical Art
Leonie has been leading painting and sketching tours to Fiji since 2007.  She delights in the rich variety of flora which offer her students a marvellous choice of subjects – multicoured ginger, delicate orchids, vibrant heliconia, sturdy coconuts and other exotic plants. These specimens can be gathered from the gardens of Daku Resort where we are staying, and also sourced from the surrounding countryside. Leonie combines individual tuition with group demonstrations, focusing on each participant’s particular abilities and style within the context of the demands of botanical art. Explore various techniques in both drawing and painting and learn to mix and match any botanical colour. All skill levels are welcome.

Holiday Sketching
In the afternoons, following a demonstration of colour and techniques, there will be expeditions to local locations to sketch. Holiday sketching is quick and spontaneous, and captures the impression of people and place. Learn to create a visual souvenir of your holiday in Fiji. Diarise your experiences and enhance them with colourful sketches. Explore and experiment with various materials and techniques using coloured pencils, waterproof pens and watercolour. There are daily demonstrations, individual tuition on location and daily reviews of completed sketches. No previous experience is necessary.

You will receive a list of materials for both courses.

Leonie Norton is a versatile artist who has made her name in Botanical Art, and also runs workshops on Holiday Sketching as well as taking holiday sketching tours to various destinations. She is an international tutor of Botanical Art and Sydney’s most prominent botanical art educator. She is highly qualified, holding a BA(VisArt), B.Fine Arts (Hons) Plant & Wildlife Illustration and a Grad Dip VET (Adult Ed). Her paintings can be found in private and public collections in Australia and overseas. She also illustrates for magazines, has many articles about her work published in art magazines, undertakes commission paintings, and has published a fascinating study of botanical artists ‘Women of Flowers’.

Leonie holds regular courses in community colleges and art centres and conducts specialised workshops throughout Australia and New Zealand. She instructs at Summer Schools in the UK, Canada, NZ and regional NSW, in addition to conducting an External Botanical Art Course where she educates students globally. She welcomes all levels of skills. She is past President of the Botanical Art Society of Australia. As one of Australia’s better-known botanical artists, she successfully exhibits annually with the Botanical Art Society of Australia and the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens.

Programme

The programme may change depending on the weather and the interests of the group.

Saturday 15 June
Fly to Nadi; overnight in Nadi.

Sunday 16 June
Fly to Savusavu.

Welcome ceremony.
12.00pm: Poolside lunch
2.00pm: Botanical Art Workshop
7.00pm: Dinner

Monday 17 June

9.00am: Botanical Art Workshop
12.00pm: Lunch
1.00am: Holiday Sketching Demonstration.
Afternoon: Visit to Savusavu, visiting the geothermal hot springs, the local market and the shops. Sketching in town.
7.00pm: Dinner

Tuesday 18 June

9.00am: Botanical Art Workshop
12.00pm: Lunch
1.00pm: Visit local beach for snorkeling, diving, swimming, relaxing and sketching

4.30 pm Tapa making demonstration (traditional decorated bark cloth)
7.00pm: Dinner

Wednesday 19 June
9.00am: Botanical Art Workshop
12.00pm: Lunch
1.00pm: Holiday Sketching Demonstration
Free Time
3.30 – 5.30pm: Boat/beach outing with sketching
7.00pm: Dinner

Thursday 20 June
9.00am: Botanical Art Workshop
12.00pm: Lunch
Afternoon: Relaxing. Optional outings to beach or locations along the coast with sketching
7.00pm: Dinner

Friday 21 June
9.00am: Botanical Art Workshop
12.00pm: Lunch
1.00pm: Holiday Sketching
4.00 – 6.00pm: Village visit
6.30pm: Final dinner

Saturday 22 June
Return to Nadi and on home.

Costs

$2180 twin share : includes course fees, all meals, excursions as listed and domestic flight from Nadi to  . International flight to Nadi is not included, but we are happy to make the booking if requested.

$350 single room supplement

Non-painting partners: $1050 (international flight not included)

With Rachel Hore

May 11 – 19 2013

Rachel’s week of Singing in Paradise in Fiji is a regular part of the calendar for many of her followers. It is a joyous week in a beautiful location: a feast of workshops wrapped up in a holiday in Fiji. In the mornings, everyone comes together to learn and practice songs in 3 and 4 part harmony, singing from Rachel’s collection of contemporary Australian, gospel and world music songs. In the afternoons, the choir spends time learning Fijian songs and singing with a Fijian village choir. It’s a time when people form wonderful friendships both within the group and with the Fijians, and revel in the blissful release that singing brings. And as well as singing, there’s also time to snorkel on the coral reef, swim in the pool – or just relax and read a book.

Rachel Hore is an exceptional teacher who brings a fantastic energy and warmth to her work. She can mould a group of relative strangers into a beautiful choir in an astonishingly short time, and she makes each and every singer believe in the glory of their own contribution. She has a relaxed, fun style of teaching and it suits beginners right through to experienced singers.

Perhaps her most impressive strength is her unique ability to arrange music in a way that is not difficult to learn, even for a beginner, and those arrangements resonate deeply with the singers – call it bliss, call it ecstasy, but it raises the hair on the back of your neck, and is never forgotten.

Rachel has been performing and teaching throughout Australia and internationally for the past 20 years. A graduate of the NSW Conservatorium of Music, she began her singing career with the highly acclaimed Australian vocal quartet ‘Arramaieda’, who became an important influence on the now flourishing choral scene in Australia. Rachel has conducted large choral events for over 400 voices including the Melbourne Millennium Chorus and the Woodford Folk Festival Fire Choir. She teaches at the annual choral retreat Wintersong, and overseas choral workshops Singing in Tuscany and Singing in Siena. She welcomes both experienced and novice singers.

Travel note:

Because this week attracts so many people it is very helpful to us if some people can arrive early OR leave late. If you have that flexibility please let us know; we will give you free accommodation for the extra night.

COST:
$2180 twin share : includes course fees, all meals, excursions as listed and domestic flight from Nadi to  . International flight to Nadi is not included, but we are happy to make the booking if requested.

$300 single room supplement

Non-singing partners welcome: $1050 (excludes international flight)

Program Includes

Return international flights ex Sydney / Brisbane

Return domestic flight from Nadi to Savusavu.

Return airport transfers from Savusavu to Daku Resort.

8 nights accommodation at Daku Resort

Breakfasts, lunches and dinners

Course fees.

Excursions as listed.
Program Excludes

Comprehensive Travel Insurance.

Optional activities not listed on the program

Costs of a personal nature eg laundry, massages, private trips

Meals taken in transit at the airport

The course runs for 7 days, and includes workshops, local excursions and free time.
Prices quoted are per person twin share with private facilities.

Programme

Sat May 11                   Leave Australia.  Fly straight on to Savusavu.

Sun May 12       9.3 0 – 12.30     Workshop.

1.00                   Lunch

4.30 – 6.30        Beach outing

7.00                  Dinner and informal singing.

Mon May 13      9.3 0 – 12.30 Workshop

1.0                          Lunch

Afternoon:        visit to Vivili village with church choir

7.00                  Dinner

Tue May 14       9.3 0 – 12.30 Workshop :

1.00                  Lunch.

Afternoon         Optional visit to town

7.00                  Dinner

Wed May 15      9.3 0 – 12.30 Workshop :

1.00                  Lunch.

3.00                  Visit to Vivili village with church choir.

7.00                  Dinner and informal singing.

Thu May 16       9.3 0 – 12.30 Workshop

1.00                  Lunch

Afternoon free

6.00                  Dinner in town

Fri May 17         9.3 0 – 12.30 Workshop

1.00                  Lunch

Afternoon         Free time. Options for private tours, relaxing.

4.00 – 5.30        Singing with Vivili. Traditional Fijian meke (dance)

7.00                  Dinner

Sat May 18       10.00 – 11.30    Final session

Free day.

Concert and party

Sun May 19       Return to Nadi and on to Australia.

Each student will receive a kit containing:

1-1/4 yards background fabric to create a 36″ square
Contrasting threads 6
6 Fat quarter fabrics for fused elements
3 yards of fusible material
White chalk pencil and/or marker
Scotch tape = free
Mechanical pencil with good eraser
Each student should bring:
2 pieces of template plastic – size 12″x18″ Rotary cutter
Pair of 4″ needlecraft scissors for fine cutting
24″ ruler
Extra bobbins
Your choice of quilting thread, i.e., plain, metallic, etc.
10-20 sheets plain white copy paper
Border fabric = purchase 1 yard – color of your choice
Backing fabric of your choice- large enough for a 54″ square
Batting – size same as backing fabric

We will have the following items available at Daku Resort:

Iron and Ironing board.
At least 2 sewing machines for zigzag stitching with foot to use with machine appliqué
Cutting boards

The week’s schedule: Morning workshops followed by a mixture of afternoon excursions and free time to enjoy a massage, snorkel on the reef, or laze by the pool with a book.

Patti Hempen

Patti Hempen is a National as well as an International quilting instructor now residing at Canyon Lake, Texas. Quilting adventures all began after seeing a beautiful “Trip Around the World” quilt her sister-in-law, Michelle, made and it has been Patti’s passion ever since 1998, having created 100+ quilts. Colours, the brighter the better are her love and you will see this in her favourite quilt pattern, the kaleidoscope. Over the last 6 years, she has won 22 ribbons and awards, also has had her quilts juried into multiple shows including the American Quilter’s Society Expo at Nashville, the American Quilter’s Society’s first show in Lancaster, PA, the AQS show in Paducah, Kentucky, the Mancuso Denver National, and the Mancuso’s Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza XVII.

She has owned “End of The Rainbow Quilts” in Texas since 1998 and began teaching

professionally at that time.  Since then, she has become a designer and a quilt show judge as well as an author of a new quilting book.  She continues to do lecturing, trunk shows, teaches piecing, hand and machine applique and fabric selection as well as her wonderful new design techniques.

Patti continues in her quest to share her knowledge and expertise to create art, teach and share with others to be the best they can be and has expanded her horizons while teaching on cruise vacations and abroad.  Having tried to grasp every aspect of the quilting world she possibly can, she is truly delighted and pleasantly overwhelmed with the creativity this art brings to all of us.

INSTRUCTOR EXPERIENCE:  World-wide instruction, cruise ships, quilt guilds, fabric shops, and private groups.

Cost: US$1870:  includes course fees, special quilting kit from Patti, 7 nights’ twin share accommodation, all meals. Single room supplement: $350. Partners welcome.

Travel not included.

Additional materials list will be supplied – most of this you will probably have a lot of this at home.

Daily programme

Day 1: Friday 26 July

Meet and greet – introductions.

Show samples.

Give handouts and explain the process.

Pass out kits.

Short question and answer period.

Set up table spaces.

Make background ready.

Afternoon: visit to Savusavu town.

7.30 Dinner

Day 2: Saturday 27 July

Begin design process of 40 x 40 ” wall piece.

Assist students in paper motif design methods to create a pleasing visual.

Transfer chosen motifs to re-usable plastic templates.

Afternoon: beach trip.

7.30 Dinner

Day 3: Sunday 28 July

Students will choose provided fat quarter fabric to be used for repeated motif layout.

Transfer designs from plastic templates to fusible material.

Cut out identical units and work on correct placement on background to give best visual.

Adhere pieces to background.

4.30 Tapa making demonstration.

7.30 Dinner

Day 4: Monday 29 July

Instruction in use of stabilizer and outline blanket stitch for finishing.

Fun sew day.

Afternoon: free – have a massage, visit the local black peral farm, relax

7.30 Dinner

Day 5: Tuesday 30 July

Fun sew day.

Afternoon: village visit – see  a local Fijian village and watch a traditional meke (dance)

7.30 Dinner

Day 6:  Wednesday 31 July

Finish any sewing, Show and Tell and it’s a wrap!

Afternoon: free

7.30 Final Dinner

Travel summary

Travel to Savusavu Thursday 25 July

Course runs Friday 26 July – Wednesday 31 July (6 days)

Depart Savusavu and Fiji: Thursday 1 August 2013

You should arrive in Fiji (Nadi airport) in time to take a flight to Savusavu on July 25.  Students arriving from LA will depart LA on Tuesday July 23 and cross the International Date Line, thus losing a day, and arrive on Thursday July 25 at 0515 (actual flight time: 10hrs and 40 mins). They will then be able to take a flight to Savusavu later in the morning. At this stage the exact schedule is not confirmed as airlines do not confirm over 11 months in advance. Students arriving from Australia/New Zealand should arrive on July 25 and be ready to catch a flight the next day.

On the return, you will leave Savusavu on August 1 and catch return flights later that same day.

Please let us know if you need help with planning your itinerary.

p

Chris Timmins

One of my favourite photos from past retreats is of Chris in the swimming pool with glass of wine, giving instructions to a student who is bending over their quilt beside the pool (it’s shown below). Not that you should get the impression that she doesn’t take her teaching seriously – she is an exceptionally dedicated tutor – but she also believes that a retreat of this sort should be enjoyed to its utmost. So come and jump in with her, and enjoy her enthusiastic embrace of every aspect of the week. This will be the third time Chris has taught workshops in Fiji, and it’s a great workshop for all levels.

The Course

Patchwork and quilting have always been her passion and she is well known for her vibrant bargello designs. The design Twisted Bargello was the start of her journey to designing, tutoring and selling patterns. The pattern for Twisted Bargello is one of Chris’s most popular patterns, selling especially well in the USA and Canada.

Chris uses a variety of rulers and has developed quick easy methods to create exciting designs for many quilts. As an ex teacher she is well trained in teaching a number of students several different projects and so she is capable and happy to teach a variety of quilts in her workshops.

Hunters Star

During the week in Fiji, you can create one of the many designs that she has developed using a variety of rulers. Moroccan Tile and Water Wheel are made using the Jewel Gem ruler. The Civil War Stars uses the Rapid Hunter Star ruler. The X Block ruler can be used to design many different exciting quilts.

You may also like to create one of the exciting Bargello quilts or her Take 6 design. The choice of quilt you can make is endless.

To view the many designs you can select to make go to Chris’s website www.christimmins.com – and have a look at her brief descriptions of each one below.

Take Six

Chris Timmins

Chris started off her quilting as a teacher of textiles to High School students, and has influenced many quilt makers. Since retiring from school teaching, Chris’ life has taken a new direction and she now travels around Australia teaching the rich array of designs she has developed. Her greatest pleasure is that she has introduced so many people, especially teenagers, to the art of quilt making.

Chris is also involved in the Misty Mountain Getaway held in Dorrigo each year in September. “I have taught students aged from 10 years old to 85 and I realise that, no matter how old you are, being creative and producing a finished quilt is an achievement. The excitement of my students’ faces brings me a lot of pride in their achievements.”

Some of the quilts

Bargello

Bargello: Bargello is a simple strip piecing patchwork technique that can be used to create exciting, spectacular designs from a range of colours or shades to produce a gradual colour value change of exciting patterns. Students will learn to design their own Bargello quilt or can complete the design featured. Some preparation is required prior to the workshop.

Rapid Hunter Star: This quilt s made using Deb Tuckers Rapid Hunters Star Ruler system. It is great way of using up scraps or special feature fabrics.
Each block consists of two triangles, two trapezoids and four star points.

Jewel Gem : A new workshop using rulers designed by Cheryl Phillips from USA that Chris has been given permission to teach. Using pentagons and decagon create a centre circle (115cm), which can be used to make a larger quilt. Many designs available. All participants will need to purchase the rulers.
A fun exciting quilt.

X Block: The X-block tool can be used to make dynamic quilt designs. The designs start with nine blocks or strips of fabric and can produce a variety of different designs.

Take 6: Create a strip quilt using just 6 fabrics. Many great designs can be created from

Take 6

sewing the strips into sets, and then by cutting triangles, squares or 60-degree sections. Quick fast quilt top, which could be finished in a day. Some preparation is required prior to the workshop.

Programme

The programme is structured around morning workshops with afternoon excursions or free time to relax, swim have a spa massage or simply continue quilting. We may alter the programme in response to the weather or the interest of the group.
Sat Jun 9
Arrive Fiji.
Overnight in Nadi.

Sun Jun 10
Fly to Savusavu.You will be greeted with a traditional Fijian welcoming ceremony.
Morning / early afternoon workshop: an introduction to the week.
Late afternoon: free to relax.
7.30 Dinner

Mon Jun 11
Morning workshop.
12.30 Lunch
After lunch you will have some free time for snorkelling, swimming and relaxing. Or there’s an optional visit to town, visiting the geothermal hot springs, local market and shops.
7.30 Dinner

Tue Jun 12
Morning workshop.
12.30 Lunch
2.00 Tapa (decorate bark cloth) making demonstration.
7.30 Dinner

Wed Jun 13
Morning workshop.
12.30 Lunch
In the afternoon we will have a boat or beach outing.

Chris giving instruction to Jenny from the pool

7.30 Dinner

Thu Jun 14
Morning workshop.
12.30 Lunch
Afternoon free
7.30 Dinner

Fri Jun 15
Morning workshop.
12.30 Lunch
7.30 Dinner
Finish individual projects; end with show and tell. Afternoon visit to Vivili village for traditional meke (dance)
Final lovo dinner.

Sat Jun 16 Leave Savusavu and on to international flights.

Costs:

AUD $2,180.00 twin share
Single supplement: $350
Non-painting partners: $1200

Program Includes
Return domestic flight from Nadi to Savusavu.
Return airport transfers from Savusavu to Daku Resort.
7 nights accommodation at Daku Resort in traditional bures with private facilities.
Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are provided.
Course fees.
Lectures and excursions as indicated.

Program Excludes
International flights to Fiji.  We are happy to quote on these and book them for you if requested. Flight prices fluctuate according to demand.  Comprehensive Travel Insurance.
Optional activities not listed on the program.
Costs of a personal nature such as laundry, massages, private trips.
Meals taken in transit at the airport.

21 – 28 April, 2012

9 – 16 June, 2012

22 – 29 September, 2012

(if these dates don’t suit you, please contact us; we are often able to arrange small groups at other times)

A fantastic week of snorkelling, learning and exploring in Fiji

8 Days / 7 Nights

The reefs around Vanua Levu provide some of the most rewarding snorkelling in the world. If you don’t want to dive the reefs, this week will give you the chance to see sharks, rays, turtles and many species of reef fish and corals.

In the evenings, an experienced marine biologist will give talks on the marine environment and brief you on the next day’s snorkel. He will come with you to guide the snorkel and point out some of the wonders of the ocean on an all-day field trip.

Below the water is definitely the centre of the week, but we’ll also show you a lot of Fiji above the water. Visits to schools, farms and villages are included.

Marine Biologist Johnny Singh studied at the University of the South Pacific in Suva. He has worked in Savusavu for the past 6 years and knows the reefs and marine life of the area intimately. He is a keen underwater photographer and illustrates his talks with his own wonderful photos and videos. He is a passionate conservatioist, and his enthusiasm for ocean life is contagious.

Itinerary at a Glance

The course runs for 7 days; the last day is a travel day.

You should book your flights to arrive in Savusavu on the first flight from Nadi at 7.00am on Saturday – and you are welcome to arrive earlier in the week or stay on later – we’ll just charge you at regular room rates less 15% if you’re on the course.

Saturday
Introductory lecture and field trip with Johnnie Singh.

Sunday
Field trip day with Johnnie Singh.

Monday
Morning: Field trip.
Afternoon: Town Visit.
Evening: Lecture on Conceptual Coral Reefs

Tuesday
Morning: Filed trip.
Afternoon:Pearl farm visit.
Tapa demonstration.

Wednesday
Morning: Field trip.
Picnic lunch and boat / beach trip.
Evening : Lecture on ‘Cities under the sea’

Thursday
Morning: Field trip.
Afternoon: Excursion tolocal village.
Evening dinner in town.

Friday
Morning: Field trip.
Afternoon: Free
Evening: Lecture on Coral Critters

Saturday
Leaving Ceremony and departure to Nadi.

Cost: F$1665 twin share. F$1615 is approx AUD$1050 / US$850 – we take payment in Fiji dollars and your bank will advise you the rates they charge. Single supplement F$400.

Includes accommodation, all meals, excursions, equipment. Does not include travel – but we are happy to advise.

» » Make a booking

Paradise Courses offer exciting week-long holiday retreats focussed on a number of subjects. Our teachers are well-established in their fields; they’ll inspire you afresh in the course you choose, show you new ways to look at old techniques or teach you things you never knew in the first place.

Every morning starts with breakfast beside the pool before a daily morning workshops. The workshops fit the pace of each teacher’s programme – it might be a three hour writing session around a table near the pool, morning’s singing in the big bure, an intensive tutorial bent over your drawing pad, or perhaps a dawn start to catch the early morning bird chorus for the birdwatchers. Have a look at each course – and my thanks to all past course participants who have sent me their photos, particularly Julie Rickwood (all sorts of lovely images) and Jenny Carmichael (who has excelled in the quilting photos).

The afternoons are free for you to relax by the pool, have a massage, snorkel on the reef or wander into Savusavu. Or maybe you just want to keep going with your writing or painting or quilting, enjoying the tranquillity of the place and the companionship of the other people with you. And then in the evenings we gather together for a buffet dinner, and there’s time to exchange stories, listen to some Fijian singing and drink a bowl of kava.

During the week we organise a couple of local excursions so you see some Fijian life – we visit a village and watch a meke (dance), spend an afternoon on a beach and have a drink at the Savusavu Yacht Club. And of course you’re free to take your own expeditions as well – a walk through town to buy a souvenir, a boat across the bay to Mutuku Beach, a visit to the J.Hunter Pearls farm where they harvest magnificent black pearls, a steep walk through the bush to a lovely waterfall where you can jump into the deep water pools if you’re brave enough, or lounge in the shallow pools if you’re not.

Our accommodation is at Daku Resort in a range of single and double bures, cottages and villas. It’s a comfortable mid-range resort set in lovely tropical gardens, with a staff who will welcome you like family. Have a look at www.dakuresort.com

End of summer special $1500 ($2400 with flight from Sydney / Brisbane)

Breakthrough writing is a week’s creative writing retreat during which Jan does what she’s so good at: focussing on what’s swirling around in your mind, accessing it and getting it down on paper in your own voice. As any writer knows, none of this is easy – and all of it is essential.

Jan is coming back to Daku Resort for the third time: this is what Chris Richards had to say about the 2011 workshop he attended:

Every now and again in this world of spin, hype, over promise and under deliver, we get a surprise. Our expectations are exceeded. My experience of Jan Cornall’s Writers Workshop at Daku Resort, Fiji was just one of those rare times.

Here I was sixty thousand words into a novel and totally stalled. I am an experienced writer, I know all the gimmicks but still “the very urgent but not important subsumed the very important but not urgent,” in my life. The casualty was my demon, my novel. What I needed was some isolation, immersion and the company of like minded writers to resurrect my demon. Daku Resort (a jewel) and Jan Cornall provided just that.

Jan is a more than a competent facilitator and an excellent writer. She is non invasive but nevertheless resolute on our purpose for being there. She coaches and pushes… just enough. Her workshop was one of the best things I have done in the past twenty years.

Workshops take place every morning and participants are expected to use some of their time in the afternoon to complete specific writing goals. During the workshops, we’ll revise the essential elements of the writer’s craft, and you’ll have a chance to read, critique and receive feedback on any aspect of your writing or writing process. Begin a new work, refresh a tired old draft or come as you are. Jan uses the principles of the course to work with all genres including scripts, poetry and non-fiction with the emphasis on breaking new ground in your chosen writing form.

It takes place in March, which is the end of summer in Fiji and can still be hot and humid – but this end of summer price is a real low-season bargain which should really take the heat out of your purse.

A writing workshop is a precious opportunity to forget all your daily responsibilities and be greedy with your writing time. No work; no cooking or shopping – just pens, paper, inspirational teaching and a group of others who share the passion.

Then spend the afternoons relaxing or exploring the island – snorkeling the reef, hiking up the mountain, visiting a local village, having a spa massage or reading by the pool.

Throughout this week you have the opportunity to be a serious writer and show yourself and others just what you are capable of. The lab concludes with celebration drinks and readings.

Jan Cornall is a highly experienced teacher, renowned for motivating writers in all genres to set and complete writing goals while instructing them in essential writer’s craft. Participants in past workshops include many who go on to publish. First time author Marguerite Van Geldermalsen, Married to A Bedouin, received invaluable help from Jan’s workshops. Margo Lanagan, award winning fantasy writer wrote her novel, Tender Morsels, with the support of Jan’s Draft Buster workshops, as well as her novella Sea Hearts, the winner of the 2010 World Fantasy Awards.

Others who have benefited include : Margaret Wilcox, Gone (Penguin); Anne Lovell, Connie’s Secret (Allen & Unwin); Catherine Therese, The Weight Of Silence (Hachette Livre); Margaret Stevenson Meere, The Child in The Lotus (Rockpool); Walter Mason, Destination Saigon (Allen & Unwin); Yvonne Louis, Brush with Mondrian (Murdoch); and Mary Delahunty, Public Life, Private Grief (Hardie Grant).

She has also written over 15 produced plays and musicals, a feature film (Talk 1994), a novel (Take me to Paradise, 2006) and three CD’s of songs. Jan’s cabaret musical, Failing In Love Again, (with pianist Elizabeth Drake), was a cult hit of the comedy/cabaret revival in the early 80’s when Jan performed alongside Jeannie Lewis, Margaret Roadknight, Robyn Archer, Wendy Harmer and Gretel Killeen.  www.writersjourney.com.au

Read Jan’s account of the 2011 retreat at Daku Resort »

Program Includes

• Return domestic flight from Nadi to Savusavu.
• Return airport transfers from Savusavu to Daku Resort.
• 7 nights accommodation at Daku Resort in traditional bures with private facilities.
• Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are provided.
• Course fees.
• Lectures, excursions as indicated.

Program Excludes

• Departure taxes applicable to the standard itinerary.
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance.
• Optional activities not listed on the program
• Costs of a personal nature eg laundry, massages, private trips
• Meals taken in transit at the airport

Cost of course
$1500 per person twin share (includes flight from Sydney)
$300 single room supplement
or course plus international flight Sydney-Nadi return: $2400

The course runs for 6 days, and includes workshops, local excursions and free time.
Throughout this week you have the opportunity to be a serious writer and show yourself and others just what you are capable of.

Programme

Day 1:
Arrive : Welcome ceremony and dinner.

Day 2:
10.00am – 1.00pm: Workshop – Breaking Through to the Essence of Your Writing.
Setting goals, mapping the territory, making a plan, hunting and gathering. Dreaming up descriptive detail, creating the atmosphere of your writing.
6.00pm –7.00pm:  Reading and feedback
7.00pm: Dinner

Day 3:
10.00am – 1.00pm: Workshop – Breaking Out of Old Habits.
Dealing with the negative critic, procrastination, avoidance addiction, transforming obstacles into descriptive imagery, character and plot.
Afternoon: Visit to Savusavu town
6.00pm –7.00pm:   Reading and feedback
7.00pm: Dinner

Day 4:
10.00am – 1.00pm: Workshop – Breaking Into Voice.
Rediscovering your writer’s voice, developing its character, tone and rhythm, through the building blocks of sentence, paragraph, scene, chapter, story.
Afternoon: Beach outing
6.00pm –7.00pm:   Reading and feedback
7.00pm: Dinner

Day 5:
10.00am – 1.00pm: Workshop – Breaking It Down.
Effective editing, busting bad writing habits, going for the jugular, ensuring the impact of our writing with pace, style, rhythm, timing.
6.00pm –7.00pm:   Reading and feedback
7.00pm: Dinner

Day 6:
10.00am – 1.00pm: Workshop – Breaking Into a Run
Finding dramatic tension in action, plot, juxtaposition and opposition. Foreshadowing and suspense techniques, character development,  emotional subtext, subplots and storyline.
5.00pm –6.00pm:   Reading and feedback
6.30pm: Drinks and dinner at Savusavu Yacht Club

Day 7:
10.00am – 1.00pm: Workshop -  Breaking Out of The Mould
Enhancing the unique qualities of your writing, finding unity and cohesiveness, experimenting with form. Setting future writing goals, discussing publishing options.
4.30pm – 5.30pm: Village visit and meke (traditional dance)
Final dinner and readings and celebratory drinks

Day 8:
Return home.

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2 courses for the price of one

Leonie has been leading painting and sketching tours to Fiji since 2007. She delights in the rich variety of flora which offer her students a marvellous choice of subjects – at least 6 varieties of heliconia ranging from tiny, delicate flowers in shades of oranges and reds, soft pinks and lemons, to the larger hanging bright red and yellow species with long glossy leaves; hibiscus; the beautiful orchids, and robust coconuts in all stages of development.

Whilst the mornings are dedicated to Botanical Art, afternoons are the time for sketching, when Leonie will take you off around the island to capture the landscapes and details of your holiday.
You are welcome to bring along non-painting partners or friends, who will find plenty to do and are welcomed on all the group outings.

Botanical Art

Fiji’s rich tropical flora offers sensational subjects for the botanical artist – multicoured ginger, delicate orchids, vibrant heliconia, sturdy coconuts and other exotic plants. These specimens can be gathered from the gardens of Daku Resort where we are staying, and also sourced from the surrounding countryside. Leonie combines individual tuition with group demonstrations, focusing on each participant’s particular abilities and style within the context of the demands of botanical art. Explore various techniques in both drawing and painting and learn to mix and match any botanical colour. All skill levels are welcome.

Holiday Sketching

In the afternoons, following a demonstration of colour and techniques, there will be expeditions to local locations to sketch. Holiday sketching is quick and spontaneous, and captures the impression of people and place. Learn to create a visual souvenir of your holiday in Fiji. Diarise your experiences and enhance them with colourful sketches. Explore and experiment with various materials and techniques using coloured pencils, waterproof pens and watercolour. There are daily demonstrations, individual tuition on location and daily reviews of completed sketches. No previous experience is necessary.

You will receive a list of materials for both courses.

Read an account of Leonie’s August 2010 retreat at the Daku Resort blog.

Leonie Norton is a versatile artist who has made her name in Botanical Art, and also runs workshops on Holiday Sketching as well as taking holiday sketching tours to various destinations. She is an international tutor of Botanical Art and Sydney’s most prominent botanical art educator. She is highly qualified, holding a BA(VisArt), B.Fine Arts (Hons) Plant & Wildlife Illustration and a Grad Dip VET (Adult Ed). Her paintings can be found in private and public collections in Australia and overseas. She also illustrates for magazines, undertakes commission paintings, has a published a fascinating study of botanical artists, Women of Flowers.

Leonie holds regular courses in community colleges and art centres and conducts specialised workshops throughout Australia and New Zealand. She instructs at Summer Schools in the UK, Canada, NZ and regional NSW, in addition to conducting an External Botanical Art Course where she educates students globally. She welcomes all levels of skills. She is past President of the Botanical Art Society of Australia. As one of Australia’s better-known botanical artists, she successfully exhibits annually with the Botanical Art Society of Australia and the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens.

Programme

The programme may change depending on the weather and the interests of the group.

Saturday 17 March
Fly to Nadi: overnight in Nadi.

Sunday 18 March
Fly to Savusavu.
Welcome ceremony.
12.00pm: Poolside lunch
2.00pm: Botanical Art Workshop
7.00pm: Dinner

Monday 19 March
9.00am: Botanical Art Workshop
12.00pm: Lunch
1.00am: Holiday Sketching Demonstration.
Afternoon: Visit to Savusavu, visiting the geothermal hot springs, the local market and the shops. Sketching in town.
7.00pm: Dinner

Tuesday 20 March
9.00am: Botanical Art Workshop
12.00pm: Lunch
1.00pm: Visit local beach for snorkeling, diving, swimming, relaxing and sketching
4.30 pm Tapa making demonstration (traditional decorated bark cloth)
7.00pm: Dinner

Wednesday 21 March
9.00am: Botanical Art Workshop
12.00pm: Lunch
1.00pm: Holiday Sketching Demonstration
Free Time
3.30 – 5.30pm: Boat/beach outing with sketching
7.00pm: Dinner

Thursday 22 March
9.00am: Botanical Art Workshop
12.00pm: Lunch
Afternoon: Relaxing. Optional outings to beach or locations along the coast with sketching
7.00pm: Dinner

Friday 23 March
9.00am: Botanical Art Workshop
12.00pm: Lunch
1.00pm: Holiday Sketching
4.00 – 6.00pm: Village visit
6.30pm: Final dinner

Saturday 24 March
Return to Nadi and on home.

Costs
AUD $2,180.00 twin share
Single supplement: $350
Non-painting partners: $1200

Program Includes
Return domestic flight from Nadi to Savusavu.
Return airport transfers from Savusavu to Daku Resort.
7 nights accommodation at Daku Resort in traditional bures with private facilities.
Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are provided.
Course fees.
Lectures, excursions as indicated.

Program Excludes
International flights to Fiji.  We are happy to quote on these and book them for you if requested. Flight prices fluctuate according to demand.   Comprehensive Travel Insurance.
Optional activities not listed on the program
Costs of a personal nature eg laundry, massages, private trips
Meals taken in transit at the airport

You can see some pictures from last year’s Botanical Art Workshop on our Flickr page.

» » Make a booking