Today we’re introducing our last artist joining us this summer – travel writer, foodie, cook-book author and just a cool girl Igne from Lithuania.

“Art is a universal language. It’s a great way to spread ideas, to educate, inspire and uplift people. I think it can be used for many good and positive things, even if that means shocking people with something they don’t really want to know or see”, – Igne

What’s your story, Igne?

I am a freelance translator and writer born and raised in Lithuania. Currently living in Klaipeda – a seaside town I fell in love with more than 10 years ago and finally get to call home. I’m a passionate reader, traveler and a self-proclaimed foodie (I actually run a food blog in Lithuanian).

What do you focus on in your writing, what are your passions?

My writing reflects my passions and interests – I love writing about food, culture & travels. I believe that written word is very powerful, so I try to use it consciously. Personally, I like when texts are both slightly ironic and heartfelt (but not in the sappy way!) and I strive to incorporate that into my writing. I love it when people tell me they’ve discovered something new through me and my writing.

What’s your superpower?

My intuition. I’ve predicted several events. Sadly, not the happy ones.

What are your proudest achievements so far?

Last year I published a recipe book in Lithuanian about East Asian cuisine – I guess I could call it the highlight of my professional life so far. I also rode one of the world’s tallest and fastest roller coasters and lived to tell the tale (let it be known that I am terrified of heights).

What inspires you to create and in general?

People. We are wonderful and terrifying creatures all at the same time and it fascinates and inspires me very much. The beauty of the world is another thing that brings me great inspiration, especially if I get to spend time by the sea.

How does art help to make the world a better place?

Art is a universal language. It’s a great way to spread ideas, to educate, inspire and uplift people. I think it can be used for many good and positive things, even if that means shocking people with something they don’t really want to know or see.

What are your nearest goals?

I want to establish myself as a travel writer and finally finish that novel I started last summer! Recently, my parents decided to renovate my old room and I found dozens of unfinished novels, story ideas, poems and even one play! The sheer quantity blew me away – I’d had completely forgotten how prolific I used to be in high school and university! So now I’m feeling super motivated to do more.

Where can we find you online?

I’m semi-active on Instagram. I actually have two profiles there – one for myself (@igne_ale) and one for food (@ignes_puodas). The first one should come with a warning, though, – I love posting pictures of my dog Boogie Woogie.

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This summer we’re having 3 amazing artists doing their residencies at our retreat center. We love how art and conversation can elevate our spirits, wellbeing and change perspective on life.

Meet our first artist – writer Jade McSorley from London. Her passions are traveling, yoga, fashion and environmental issues of todays world and that just rings so many bells here!

“Art is something which creates a conversation and I think, now more than ever, people need to communicate with one another to make the world a better place. And art can be created in such a number of ways it is good for the soul – to find that cathartic release, something that is a true, beautiful expression of you”, – Jade.

What’s your story, Jade?

I live in London but originally from the North of England (with a strong accent to prove it!) I have been a model for 10 years which has allowed me to travel to many places all over the world and meet the most interesting of people. It means I have been in a fortunate position to explore and write alongside work – I currently write for the Twenty6 Magazine as the Travel Editor and I qualified as a Yoga Teacher in India last year. My friends, I guess, would describe me as half organised, with one foot on the ground, and half scatty, with my head sometimes in the clouds! My family and friends are my world – they are all a bit bonkers in the nicest of ways so they keep me entertained.

What do you focus on in your writing what are your passions?

My passions certainly focus around the environment and sustainable issues, particularly within Fashion and Travel. When you travel you get to see the most jaw-dropping, beautiful landscapes given to us by our Mother Nature and it’s impossible not to want to protect and preserve.  Interviewing inspirational people from all the over the world has allowed me to gain knowledge on the efforts and, unfortunately, lack of effort from industries affecting our little planet. Fashion, for instance, is a prominent factor which takes from nature and needs to give more back. I hope, through my writing, I can explore more ways of living sustainably, learn from pioneering advocates, and send a message about our environmental imprint through the choices we make.

What’s your superpower? 

I hope that my superpower is to bring out the best in people and make them feel comfortable! My other superpowers are that I can fly and shoot lasers from my eyes, but that’s a secret.

What are your proudest achievements so far?

I guess my proudest achievement is making the move to London and having the guts to start modelling. I am not the most confident but I have learnt to be confident enough to go for my goals, which I feel all started from the move to London – to go for things even if there is a possibility to fail.

How about your nearest future goals? 

I am currently applying for my Masters in Fashion Futures (all about sustainability in the fashion industry) at Central Saint Martins. I am working on the application, which is pretty difficult having not studied in so long, so this would be a massive achievement if I were to be accepted.

What inspires you to create and in general?

Nature inspires more – not only the nature of the world but the nature of people. I think everyone has their quirks and individualities and I love seeing that. It makes the world colourful.

You can find more about Jade here:

@jademcsorley and you can read some of her work at www.twenty6magazine.com

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