Creative Spark - Art Retreat

The Invitation

Jandamarra Cadd & Jhana Bowen invite you to an unforgettable weekend of unbridled creativity.

Grounded in connection and designed for the fullest expression of your original nature - genius.

There will be ample space to explore and re-member what makes you spark.

With all the creative guidance needed to journey, in sacred space.

Perhaps you will unearth the awe-inspiring treasures that rest in your chest. Perhaps you will birth your creative expression that is unique to you.

Remarkable things await, when we wholeheartedly give ourselves to the process.

Will this Spark My Creativity?

This retreat provides practical, easy to apply creative exercises & tools.

Combined with fun & playful art games, whilst assisting connection in ceremony to your authentic identity.

Renowned professional artist and public speaker Jandamarra & author, illustrator and therapist Jhana will expertly guide you in the process of making art that reflects your unique and timeless nature.

Please note... this is a guide to the processes that may be offered... but not a concrete schedule.

We aim to deliver the retreat to best flow & align with the groups needs. This means we may adapt and change content relevant at the time.

Creative Exercises:

• Artistic guidance on painting a self portrait.

• How to loosen your inner critic's 'hold'.

• Drawing a personal map of identity.

• Foundational exercises to develop your relationship to tone, colour and gesture.

• Perspective & Frequency - how the way we see & feel is the language our artwork & soul speaks.

Connection Ceremony:

• An exploration of Connection to Country through Oka and ceremony.

• Deep listening practice to connect with your true identity and the gifts within.

• Deep listening to the spirit of creativity & what's being called for.

Art Games:

• Musical Paintings (like musical chairs) where, when the music stops the artwork you're working on is passed on when the music stops.

• Blindfolded art making.

• Drawing with the non-dominant hand.

• Drawing with both hands simultaneously.

Your Hosts:

Jandamarra Cadd:

Dr. Jandamarra is a highly acclaimed Aboriginal Australian portrait artist, public speaker, and cultural ambassador of the Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung peoples. Having faced challenging childhood hardships, Jandamarra discovered the power of painting at age 16 as a way to integrate and heal. This ultimate lifeline eventually led him to pursue a Fine Arts degree, working as an art therapist before fully devoting to his calling as a professional artist.

His distinctive artistic style masterfully blends hyperrealism with traditional Indigenous dot-painting, utilising vibrant, emotive color palettes to capture the human spirit. Jandamarra's work has achieved immense national recognition; he has been a finalist in the prestigious Archibald Prize for his portrait of Uncle Archie Roach and made history as the first Aboriginal artist in over a century to receive a portrait commission for Parliament House. In 2018, Central Queensland University awarded him an Honorary Doctorate for his profound contributions to the creative industries and cultural storytelling.

Beyond the canvas, Jandamarra is a powerful and a much sought-after public speaker whose personal story of survival addresses the impact and suffering caused by colonisation and the intergenerational trauma inflicted. Guided by the concept of Kanyini—our universal connectedness to spirituality, land, self, and community—he facilitates workshops and delivers talks focused on empowering First Nations youth and everyone he meets. Ultimately, his advocacy aims to move Australia beyond superficial reconciliation and toward a "United Journey" of true harmonic equality and collective healing.

Jhana Bowen:

Jhana is an inspirational and accomplished visual artist, published author, creator of the 'Superconscious' podcast and a Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy practitioner. Fluidly bridging creative expression with the wisdom of the body.

He is author of the illustrated Rainbow Turtle Golden Dolphin book, poetically articulating in words and imagery how emotional integration is pivotal to environmental, and societal balance.

His artworks have been exhibited in Australia and the United States, celebrating themes of connection and the beauty of the natural world.

Jhana fosters a transformative environment to support integration and embodied creative expression.

Where is the Event? 

Venue:

Art Studio, Chenrezig Institute

33 Johnsons Rd, Eudlo QLD 4554, Australia

Investment:

Early Bird:

$372

Ends: 11:55 pm, 8th Jul, 2026

General Admission:

$433 includes booking fee

Starts 11:55 pm, 8th July, 2026

Please reach out if this unaffordable to you, no-one need miss out due to genuine financial hardship.

Accommodation & Meals:

Accommodation options are available on the property. We highly advise booking ASAP via Chenrezig here. Use this same link to book your meals.

Rooms start at $100 for Saturday night. With an option to stay Friday night as well.

All meals are vegetarian and delicious. Prepared lovingly at Chenrezig.

We suggest booking meals for Saturday August 1st Lunch & Dinner and Sunday August 2nd, Breakfast & Lunch. This will total $64.50

What to Bring:

A list of art materials & what else to bring will be emailed when your booking is received.