About HAGG[US]

Project Overview:

We live in a state of constant activity, doing, acquiring, accomplishing, attaining: seeming to stay always engaged, attending much at once, lives filled to the brim and overflowing with incessant information coming in from every direction, things that must be done, all at break-neck speed and often with great pressure and drama.  On the other hand, if we look into the natural world we observe that cycles are the way of life.  We are seeking the balance found in those cycles.  We know the activity, the striving for that which is impeccable and virtuous in the training of professional artists. We want a chance to know the “other”, to be granted the ways and means to set aside a time to re-establish the cycle of work and rest, activity and reflection, and renew ourselves so that we may return to our work and our lives made new as vibrant, enlivened, creative, productive, and BALANCED individuals, able to inspire and set examples, having set aside time specifically to let down, breathe consciously and deeply, and listen intently within. This is an act of self-care and holds the potential for deepened realizations and transformation, surely a worthy investment.

Historically there are places where the separation between the physical and the spiritual has always seemed thinner and more transparent, where human beings could go to create, to breathe, to reflect, and to nourish their souls.  One of these areas is the island of Iona, off the coast of Scotland, long a site of spiritual pilgrimage. Originally a pagan stronghold, it was later converted to Christianity, but still retains echoes of its past. There is an ancient prophecy regarding the island that “seven years before the Day of Judgment, the ocean will sweep over both Ireland and Islay, yet the Isle of Iona will swim above the waves.”

Seeking space and time to “swim above the waves” is our project goal:

• This project provides participants the opportunity to connect with the ancient rhythms of the hills, valleys, stones, and paths of the Hebrides, to seek within the landscape and history the opportunity to reconnect with our inner creativity.

• The project will allow members of the group time to reflect and breathe, to nourish those places within that become depleted in the “busyness” of everyday, professional lives.  The hope is that this experience would fill us to the point where we can continue the process of reflection and creation.

• The project will culminate with 2-3 days at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. The creative energy of the festival, and its variety of performances, would allow participants to connect with individual areas of artistic interest and to share these areas with each other.