Renewing your Creative Spirit
A Personal Workshop near Granstburg, Wisconsin, with Douglas Beasley, October 12-14, 2012
This highly personalized workshop is custom designed by Doug, in response to each of those in 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. The focus of the weekend is on creative renewal and expanded vision and sense of photographic purpose. Helping each other to unlock blockages and avoid creative sabotage will be encouraged. We will also 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.
Our inspiration will be sparked by a balance of conversation, photography, writing exercises, photo demos, shared readings, poetry and personal reflection. Numerous photographic exercises and assignments, chosen for our specific group, 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 enviornment. Fun, laughter, serendipity, good food and camaraderie are to be expected.
This workshop is held at Doug's cabin: The Trade River Retreat Center in NW Wisconsin 20 miles North of St Croix Falls and 7 miles South of Grantsburg. It is a beautiful hour and half drive to this very private North woods setting on the Trade River. The cabin has modern amenities such as hot and cold running water, heat and a modern kitchen but the grounds are very natural with Japanese Garden touches and many photo opportunities. The shallow river has a nice sand bottom and is also a great place for creating photographs. Everything there is designed to enhance creativity.
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
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“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
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Location:
Vision Quest's Trade River Retreat Center, near Grantsburg, WI
Dates:
Friday October 12, Noon to Sunday October 14, 4 PM.
Workshop Fee:
$595.00 Includes lodging at the Trade River Retreat Center and delicious home-cooked meals prepared mindfully 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.
Who should attend:
Open to all levels of experience with a good working knowledge of camera operation but best for those looking to expand their creativity and vision, rather than to increase their technical abilities. Must play well with others.
Class limit: 4
For more information:
Please contact Doug at doug@douglasbeasley.com