Short-Form Poetry with Sandra
Develop a mindful poetry practice in Lille, an artistic hub at the crossroads of Paris, London, and Brussels renowned for its rich literary tradition. A poetry scholar, Sandra will guide you through writing sessions outdoors, exploring techniques like haiku and senryu–combining poems with images and artworks to curate a poetry collection.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $1640
- Additional guest(s) (max 4)
- USD $1260
Meet the Artist
Sandra is a poetry scholar and professor who seamlessly intertwines short-form poetry with photography and collage. She holds a PhD in French Contemporary Poetry and has significantly influenced the field through publications, conference presentations, and university-level French literature courses.
Her poetic focus centers on short forms like haiku and senryu, which, while simple, offer infinite variations and provoke profound connections to the world. Sandra views every moment, whether in hidden trails or city centers, as a potential haiku waiting to be unearthed. She uses spatial boundaries as metaphors, weaving together history, nature, and culture to reveal the subtle interplay between seemingly disparate elements, urging contemplation of life's quiet nuances.
Sandra's holistic poetry approach encourages a slower pace, urging readers to relish the present and uncover beauty in everyday moments. Her love for teaching stems from the belief that more people would write poetry if they only knew how, especially if they could see its positive impact on life.
Her poetic focus centers on short forms like haiku and senryu, which, while simple, offer infinite variations and provoke profound connections to the world. Sandra views every moment, whether in hidden trails or city centers, as a potential haiku waiting to be unearthed. She uses spatial boundaries as metaphors, weaving together history, nature, and culture to reveal the subtle interplay between seemingly disparate elements, urging contemplation of life's quiet nuances.
Sandra's holistic poetry approach encourages a slower pace, urging readers to relish the present and uncover beauty in everyday moments. Her love for teaching stems from the belief that more people would write poetry if they only knew how, especially if they could see its positive impact on life.
VAWAA Includes:
- Develop a short-form poetry collection, such as haiku and senryu.
- To generate ideas, take walks in the nearby Japanese garden, Parc de la Citadelle, and surrounding forest.
- Enjoy writing sessions at Lille’s modern art museum in Villeneuve d’Ascq, and an excursion to Malo-les-Bains on the Opal Coast.
- Experiment with angles of perception to identify haiku moments.
- Capture haiku moments (“ku”) through photos, incorporating them and other artworks into poems.
- Enrich your poems through extensive feedback, editing tips, and ideas.
- Make a small handmade book of your curated poetry collection.
- Enjoy a meditation class and stroll through the charming Vieux Lille neighborhood if time permits.
Explore Lille
Lille, a city in northern France, is a unique blend of cultures, proudly sitting at the crossroads of Paris, London, and Brussels. This exceptional location is a melting pot of French and Flemish influences in architecture, bustling squares, a thriving arts scene, bike culture, and a rich cuisine emphasizing locally sourced ingredients. This area of Flanders, once a center for poetry in the Middle Ages, continues to be a hub of artistic expression in the 21st century. Lille's annual flea market, Braderie de Lille, is the largest and most colorful in Europe, and the local fine arts museum boasts the second-largest collection of art in the country. From the stunning Grand Place to the modern masterpieces at Lille Métropole Museum of Modern, Contemporary, and Outsider Art, this captivating city is a treasure trove for cultural enthusiasts.
Additional Details
Lille is a lovely city to visit year-round, with mild (though occasionally rainy) weather in spring, summer, and fall. During winter, the city is known for its Christmas market and sparkling lights in the town center. While summer (July-August) is the best time to swim in the nearby sea, it can also be quiet, with many local businesses closed for the summer holidays.
This session can be extended for up to 20 days. Please add a note in your booking request.
Children 14 years and up accompanied by a guardian are welcome to participate, provided they are truly interested in writing. The studio, located on the fourth floor, lacks an elevator, making it challenging for wheelchair users or those with reduced mobility.
Sandra speaks English, French, conversational Spanish, and some Italian.
This session can be extended for up to 20 days. Please add a note in your booking request.
Children 14 years and up accompanied by a guardian are welcome to participate, provided they are truly interested in writing. The studio, located on the fourth floor, lacks an elevator, making it challenging for wheelchair users or those with reduced mobility.
Sandra speaks English, French, conversational Spanish, and some Italian.
Guest Reviews
Sasja S., Netherlands
A truly genuine and inspiring encounter. Sandra’s, thoughtful presence and creative sparks helped me bring more shape to my art project, while allowing my different creative forms to meet without losing their individuality. There was also a valuable balance between head and hands, between reflection and making, between creative focus and recharging. Lille became a true crossroads of ideas, and I l Read more
Antara S., India
I had a wonderful experience with Sandra. This was a two week workshop on learning Haiku poetry but the workshop with Sandra was more than that. She helped me find my writing voice which I had shelved for many years while working a corporate job. We had conversations everyday and through these conversations, she was able to help me realise which memories were important to me and therefore should f Read more
