Esalen

THE PROJECT

Illustrating a Legacy: Six Decades of Esalen’s Visionaries

As the solo illustrator for this year-long Esalen project, I had the privilege of visually chronicling the evolution of a truly iconic institution. Released every other month throughout 2025, the series spans Esalen’s journey from its groundbreaking beginnings in the 1960s to the present day. My role was to bring to life the thinkers, visionaries, teachers, and cultural innovators who shaped each decade, capturing their energy, influence, and the spirit of transformation that defines Esalen. Through detailed illustration, I aimed to honor the people, the land, and the legacy that continue to make Esalen a beacon for human potential.

View on Esalen’s website

Established in 1962, Esalen is a holistic retreat and non-profit education institute in Big Sur, CA and is considered to be the epicenter of the human potential movement.

Esalen All Decades

(inspired by Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club)

Esalen Find Your Potential, all decades, illustrated by Julia Gomelsky
 

All Decades Esalen Newsletter/Instagram

Esalen Find Your Potential add decades, newsletter, illustrated by Juli Gomelsky
Esalen Find Your Potential, all decades, illustrated by Julia Gomelsky

Esalen 2000s

Esalen Find Your Potential decades series, the 2000s by Julia Gomelsky
 

2000s Esalen Newsletter/Instagram

Julia Gomelsky illustrations the Find Your Potential series for the 2000s, Esalen, newsletter
Esalen Find Your Potential decades series, the 2000s by Julia Gomelsky

Esalen 1990s

Esalen Find Your Potential decades illustrative series by Julia Gomelsky
 

1990s Esalen Newsletter/Instagram

Esalen Find Your Potential decades illustrative series 1990s by Julia Gomelsky
Esalen Find Your Potential decades illustrative series 1990s by Julia Gomelsky

Esalen 1980s

Esalen Find Your Potential decades series, 1990s by Julia Gomelsky
 

1980s Esalen Newsletter/Instagram

Esalen Find Your Potential decades series illustrations by Julia Gomelsky
Esalen Find Your Potential decades series illustrations by Julia Gomelsky

Esalen 1970s

1970s Esalen illustration by Julia Gomelsky
 

1970s Esalen Newsletter/Instagram

Esalen 1970s illustration by Julia Gomelsky, newsletter
1970s Esalen illustration for instagram by Julia Gomelsky

Esalen 1960s

Esalen illustrative map, 1960s
 

1960s Esalen Newsletter/Instagram

Esalen 1960s illustration by Julia Gomelsky
 
View the entire series Esalen.org

Campus Map

Illustrated landmarks, buildings, nature and animals.

Check out on Esalen