This trip took place in July of 2022— it was a dream come true.
Our anthology is coming out later this year!
Rome
Montecatini Terme, Tuscany
Florence
“It really is hard to put into words, both Rachel and Laura did such an amazing job of taking care of each and every person always making time to talk, answer questions, or just listen. Truly an amazing experience in every way.”
Jason Strauss
“We weren’t expecting to meet our people, and yet Rachel brought us all together. And now we get to expand our community to various parts of the world, cherishing each other forever. Does it get more poetic than that? :)”
Cas
“This trip changed my life.”
Mel
“To be in a space with other artists in a new place is an experience unlike any other. I felt heard, seen, and encouraged. I can’t wait to carry the stories for a lifetime.”
Catherine R. Pitts
“Rachel and Laura were very thorough, and made everyone feel included. There was no separation from “influencer” to “guest traveler”. We were all artists creating together. Everyone I met seemed very down to earth and am thankful we connected on the level we did.”
Denae Terese
“Traveling with Rachel and Laura was a magical experience! I loved every second of this trip—even bus rides offered opportunities to grow and learn from my fellow travelers. I learned so much in the workshops and I’m extremely happy with the experience!”
Emma Conlon
Dear Traveler,
It seems almost impossible to find the words to describe one of the most spectacular experiences of my life.
I hosted a poet & artist’s retreat here in Italy for the very first time— eleven beautiful people flew in from all over the world to explore, learn, and create with me.
I never truly understood the meaning of ‘kindred spirit’ until we were all in the same room. We were all so different, yet so so similar. They felt it too— and I’m not sure if any of us ever found the words to describe it.
I hoped for the best for this trip, for months prior— but I could’ve never predicted meeting so many members of my soul family in one week. It was absolute magic. Synchronicities everywhere. Three of them got matching tattoos in my handwriting! In just a few hours we were all so connected— I’ve never felt anything like it.
They were kind, gentle, and a bit wild in the best way. I learned from each and every one of them, and I can only hope maybe they took something of value away from my teachings.
It was an absolute honor to watch them all open up and bloom and soak in inspiration. Some of them even read their poetry aloud for the first time! A few of them had never even said “I am a poet” and believed it before. To give them the space to do this — I’ll never be more grateful. They are incredible poets, each and every one of them {whether they quite believe it yet or not}
One of the best parts? We wrote a book together. It’s called “The Art & Poetry of Travelers: Vol. I”. It’s coming out soon so you’ll be able to read their poetry, see their art, and experience the magic firsthand from their rich and vivid points of view.
I keep thinking maybe it was a dream, but then I see photos, or one of them reaches out with a smile or a photo. Then I remember — this is only the beginning.
Thank you for being my Renaissance x
Yours,
Rachel Clift - July 18th, 2022
the art & poetry of travelers: Vol. I.
I hosted art & poetry workshops throughout the trip where I taught everything I know about writing, creating art, living life as a poet, & finding inspiration. We are currently in the process of compiling an anthology out of the art we created together in Italy, check back soon for more details!
Coming Spring 2023 — this anthology will be available for purchase. :)
Thank you for being my renaissance.