meet the artists.
Recognised for her work with iconic brands such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, Glamour, and Marie Claire, Lara has made a significant mark in the world of art and creativity.
Since 2018, Lara has participated in the National Radio program "Entre dos luces," and she has collaborated with prestigious publishers such as Anagrama and Seix Barral. Her work has also been recognized by brands like H&M, Shiseido, Bombay Sapphire, and Loewe. In 2021, she had the honor of designing the Pride posters for the Ministry of Equality and the Summer in the Villa in Madrid.
Lara has exhibited her work in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Vigo, Santiago, Seville, Chicago, Hong Kong, and Zurich, and in 2021 she was included in Forbes' list of the most relevant artists of the year. Additionally, the Cervantes Institute selected her as a leading illustrator to exhibit in several of its centers worldwide.
About the Workshop:
During the Creative Awakening, Lara will teach us how to break and reinterpret our materials and collected photographs to give life to new stories and perspectives. Her innovative approach promises to inspire all participants to see art from a transformative angle.
Rene was born in Madrid in 1980 and he says that pretty much since he was able to, he has been drawing on everything within reach — “something that, by the way, got me into trouble more than once: with my mom for drawing on my hands, with my teachers for drawing on school desks, and with my former boss for drawing on him (well, about him, I mean). Much to my mom’s relief—and mine—I’ve been making a living as an illustrator for several years now.”
In 2013, he started creating comic strips and cartoons on a variety of topics in a project called Está mal, pero se puede empeorar (“It’s Bad, But It Could Be Worse”), which he is still working on today. The project has led to the publication of four books with Lunwerg (Grupo Planeta): Está mal, pero se puede empeorar, Un día ocurrió. Microcuentos, Todo saldrá bien, a veces, and No se admiten devoluciones. So far, three of these four titles have also been published in China and Taiwan.
About the Workshop:
This workshop is for anyone interested in developing their creativity in a fun and engaging way. While no prior drawing experience is required, having some background in drawing can definitely be helpful.
We’ll do a series of exercises aimed at sparking imagination, enhancing expressive skills to communicate through images, and exploring humour and the ability to convey emotion.
María Elena Mexía
Born in Madrid, María Elena Mexía completed her education with the International Baccalaureate at the Munich International School, and later specialized in set design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Milan (NABA). She went on to earn a Master’s degree in the Philosophy of Performance at the Carlos III University of Madrid.
María Elena Mexía is a multidisciplinary professional with over three decades of international experience in the performing arts, education, and therapeutic fields. Her work spans set design, stage direction, operatic singing, playwriting, energy therapy, and guiding others through creative and personal transformation processes. Throughout her career, she has defined herself as a “Theater Artisan,” blending stage creation with the art of spiritual healing.
Her artistic and theatrical training is deeply intertwined with a wide-ranging exploration of energy healing practices, allowing her to develop a unique approach that integrates creativity and consciousness. Her operatic career includes collaborations as a set and costume designer, and stage director in major theaters across Italy, Spain, Belgium, Japan, Bulgaria, Greece, Ecuador, and the Netherlands, with an extensive repertoire of operas, contemporary productions, and interdisciplinary performances.
Alongside her artistic path, she has trained as a Reiki Master (Usui, Karuna, Gendai, and Komyo), Akashic Records therapist, ThetaHealing® facilitator, shamanic energy medicine practitioner, and introspective hypnosis guide. This integration of art and healing led her to create two original methodologies: Cre@ctivando®, focused on unlocking genuine creative expression, and Procesos Evolutivos®, which supports soul development and reconnection with one’s original life purpose.
Since 2015, she has been offering Cre@ctivando® workshops at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito for voice and music students from Berklee College of Music. She has also led trainings in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Quito, Panama, and other cities, accompanying artists, therapists, and spiritual seekers in reconnecting with their authenticity, purpose, and unique creative voice.
About the Workshop:
In this workshop, Maria Elena will share practical tools to open the inner creative space, connect with your original essence, and activate authentic expression. Her approach combines stage dynamics, meditation, and release techniques developed over years of experience as a director and holistic therapist.
Since my parents started taking me to the mountains when I was just one year old, nature has become an essential part of my life.
I am fortunate to live in Asturias, a paradise that allows me to enjoy it whenever I want and I am aware that this is one of the greatest privileges I can have.
People normally say that they go to nature to disconnect but for me it is the opposite, I go there to connect with it and with myself.
About our time together at the retreat:
During our walks we will leave our phones behind to focus on observing, feeling appreciating and connecting with the moment and people that we have around.