Creativity at sea – a special sailing art project

At the end of May I will be part of a special project: a creative sailing trip on the Belle Amie.

From May 23rd to 25th, the traditional sailing ship will be transformed into a floating studio. Together with two other artists, I will be leading creative workshops that focus not on technique or perfect results, but on perception, intuition, and experimental work.

The Belle Amie at sunset in Denmark. (Photo: Andrea Geipel)

For me, this trip is also a return to a place that has become very dear to my heart. Last year I was already on the Belle Amie several times. First as part of an educational leave course with the Förde VHS on the topic of marine conservation, and later again on a summer trip to Stockholm.

Even on my first trip, I immediately felt at home on the traditional sailing ship. Life at sea follows its own unique rhythm. You adapt to the wind, the waves, and the weather. The days are structured by sailing maneuvers, shared meals, and life on board. At the same time, you meet people you probably wouldn't have otherwise encountered – and quickly grow into a team. You learn to set sails, tack, cook together, or simply watch the sunset together on deck.

Let the colours flow – a creative break on deck. (Photo: Andrea Geipel)

For me, these trips were above all very relaxing. Time on the water creates space to clear my head and focus on what's there: the sea, the light, the movement of the ship. During the voyages, I also did a lot of drawing and painting. Not with much equipment – usually just a small watercolor set, a sketchbook, a few pencils, and a glass of water. With these, I captured scenes on board or simply gave free rein to my impressions and feelings on paper.

That's how Mareike, the owner of Belle Amie, and I got talking. She'd been toying with the idea of combining sailing and creative work for some time – and I was immediately enthusiastic about it. This combination is truly special: the sea brings a natural tranquility that supports creative processes in a very direct way. You're outdoors, moving to the rhythm of the wind and waves, and experiencing your surroundings more intensely.

A painting break at sunrise in the harbour. (Photo: Andrea Geipel)

The aim is not to paint realistic pictures or to learn to draw "correctly." Rather, it's about experimenting with colors, shapes, and materials, capturing impressions, or simply painting what you see and feel—without the expectation of depicting anything exactly. This process often has a meditative quality. The paper becomes a place where thoughts, moods, or observations can become visible.

Even though this sailing trip doesn't explicitly focus on topics like mental health, migraines, or other invisible illnesses, it nevertheless touches on similar issues. Time spent on the water creates space to encounter oneself and nature in a different way.

Watching the paint flow – creative meditation. (Photo: Andrea Geipel)

That, for me, is precisely where the special quality of this project lies.

I am very happy to be part of this pilot project, to provide creative impulses and to exchange ideas with other art and sailing enthusiasts – and of course to combine art and the sea for three days.

You can find more information and the registration form HERE .