Renewing your Creative Spirit
A Very Personal Photo Workshop in Granstburg Wisconsin, with Douglas Beasley, October 21 – 23, 2011
This highly personalized workshop is custom designed by Doug, in response to each of those chosen for this very small group. It is a unique opportunity to look closely at your own creative process, develop ways to deepen your vision and find new paths for creative growth. Helping each other to unlock creative sabotage will be encouraged. We will explore the notion of what it means to be lost or stuck and how this fertile ground can be used to explore who you are as an artist, what your artwork is about and how you can use this new information to move your career or artistic direction forward in a more direct or intentional way.
Inspiration will be sparked by a balance of conversation, photography, writing exercises, demos, shared readings, poetry and personal reflection. Numerous photographic exercises and assignments, designed in response to our pre-workshop meeting, will be custom planned to unlock creativity, with much individual attention given. There will also be time to enjoy the river, take a wood fired sauna, relax in the hammock or walk in the woods as downtime may also be necessary to recharge. One-on-one and small group pairings will create a progressive and dynamic environment. Fun, laughter, good food and camaraderie are to be expected.
See some student photography from this workshop.
Student testimonials from this workshop:
“Just wanted to thank you for your insight, inspiration and instruction! I love the way you put so much of your soul into your work and your teaching methods! Thanks so much!” — Mary Hendricks, Mora, MN
[more]
“Just wanted to thank you for your insight, inspiration and instruction! I love the way you put so much of your soul into your work and your teaching methods! Thanks so much!” — Mary Hendricks, Mora, MN
“This highly personalized workshop allowed me time and space to rediscover my artistic compass. I will be forever grateful for the acceptance and insights I gained.” — Margaret Grosspietsch
“I am always impressed with how you are able to bring out the creativity in people and help photographers move to the next level with themselves and their work. While you teach, you are so completely yourself — hard working, focused, creative as well as silly, relaxed and intuitive. You are so good at going with the flow, giving complete attention to each person when their turn comes up.” — Rebecca Pavlenko
“My thanks to all who attended, each of us had things to contribute and things to learn. I feel my vision has grown because of this experience. I am more confident of my ability, and can see new possibilities of where to go with this Art form. Special thanks to Doug Beasley. A kinder, gentler instructor/guide could not be imagined. Doug’s Zen like philosophy and lifestyle is an inspiration.” — Jef Murphy, Portland, OR
“I am hanging on to the new skills and way of thinking that you have instilled in us. Some of it I think will stay with me forever.” — David Pitzer, Portland, OR
“I feel like my work has really catapulted to a new level, and my energy and creative flow are so much smoother.” — Annie Frantzeskos, Eugene, OR
[less]
Location:
Vision Quest's Trade River Retreat Center, near Grantsburg, WI (1.5 hour drive from Twin Cities, car pooling encouraged)
Dates:
Friday October 21, 12 PM to Sunday October 23, 4 PM.
Pre-workshop get together:
Thursday October 21st at Doug's home/office in Saint Paul, MN 7:00-9:00 PM. Bring 12-20 images in a print portfolio or digital files to share. Bring ideas on where you are headed, what you are experiencing difficulty with and where you are feeling stuck. If you are coming from out of town or out of state you do not have to attend this session.
Post-workshop get together:
Thursday November 22nd at Doug's home/office in Saint Paul, MN 7:00-9:00 PM. Bring photos from the workshop to share, with reflections on what you've learned and where you'd like to take your vision or photography to next. If you are coming from out of town or out of state you do not have to attend this session.
Workshop Fee:
$650.00 also includes pre and post workshop get-togethers, lodging at the Trade River Retreat Center and delicious home-cooked meals prepared mindfully and with love by Rebecca Pavlenko, photographer, teacher, Zen student and incredible chef. All food will be organic and/or locally sourced and healthy. Vegetarian options available.
Requirements:
Open to all levels of experience with a good working knowledge of camera operation but selection will be based on those looking to expand their creativity and vision, rather than to increase their technical abilities. Must play well with others.
Submissions Due:
Wednesday September 28th, 5 PM. Send 10-12 images, via CD or e-mail (.jpg file, 72 dpi, approx. 8" longest edge), a short artist statement and a paragraph stating why you would like to be, or need to be, involved in this workshop and what you hope to get out of it. Also enclose a $200 deposit via check or credit card (will not be cashed/debited unless you are chosen). Submissions accepted via e-mail or postal delivery or drop off. Selected participants will be notified by Friday September 30th. Early submissions and acceptance encouraged.
Class limit: 4
The 4 participants will be chosen by Douglas Beasley to foster a fluid and dynamic group for this workshop, rather than the 4 'best' portfolios. By submitting work you agree to pay the balance of tuition fee by October 7th, unless other arrangements have been made, if you are chosen.
For more information:
Please contact Doug at doug@douglasbeasley.com