On October 30th 2022, master surrealist Marynn Letemplier taught us to draw the depth of rocks at our second workshop. We learnt how a circular art practice - connecting material, subject and context - can bring us closer to a natural space.

Marynn guided us through this practice at the cliffs of Erretegia, a beautifully moody favourite place of hers. Together we walked along the beach to a special space combining man-made ruins with jagged natural cliffs.

The workshop begun with a poetry reading from Marynn, quoting an excerpt from French author and philosopher Roger Caillois’ writing on rocks. A brief geology lesson of the area followed, learning the history of change starting 50 million years ago when the Iberian and European tectonic plates collided and gave birth to the Pyrenees and Bay of Biscay. Sitting on the sand in a circle, we then learnt how to make paints from the cliffs surrounding us, and charcoal from local trees.

Now it was time to individually explore which textures, shapes and moods inspired us. Sitting on the sand or atop a rock to draw them using our new tools. Marynn spent time with each individual, providing techniques and meditations to capture the awe and nuances of our muse.

As the tide begun to rise we packed up and clambered to higher ground. Together we sat back down with a natural wine from Retour Le Futur, local cheese and bread to share our artwork and reflect as a group.

Each person went home with their own artwork, pigment from cliffs to paint with, charcoal made on the beach nights before, an original artwork by Marynn, and Caillois’ love letter to rocks.

About the artist

Marynn Letemplier plays with symbolism, imagining stories articulated with femininity and poetry. Sometimes with her hyperrealist style in graphite or oil painting, sometimes with tattooing and typography.

Lately her work plays with the nuances of monochrome, as well as exploring the ways in which the elements of Earth that can integrated into her materials.

These new explorations informed her Climax Community workshop.