From my still life series, Presence
"A Pepsi and Beets" 2009
Finding a Path of Artistry All Your Own
Where and when my education in the arts actually began is some what a mystery. Knowing my mother, she probably began teaching me about art history and literature as soon as I arrived. Photography did not grab my attention until I began working (as office staff) with a non-profit photographic center. The Palm Beach Photographic Center, currently located in West Palm Beach, Florida, is where I found my passion for photography. I spent some time with the PBPC working, volunteering, and participating in workshops. My passion with photography did not quiet; the more I learned, the more I needed to know. For a brief interlude, I entered the political realm of Florida politics only to find myself unsatisfied and depressed. Photography was there like a friend.
I moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico attending the College of Santa Fe's photographic arts program. I learned the ins and outs of the wet darkroom; worked in the gallery matting and framing; and spent hours in the photographic library where Beaumont Newhall's private collection is housed. My teachers, all working photographers, were enlightening. I made bad art, not so great art, and just made it through the agonizing hours of process. When I graduated, I still had unresolved feelings of what to do and where to go with my photography. I thought about more school, online school, and even more advanced workshops. I tried a few of the lower costs options looking into ones within driving distance, in places I was dying to visit, and specifically at certain teachers. I flew to upstate New York for a long weekend one September to meet George DeWolfe and attend his Contemplative Photography workshop through the Adirondak Photography Institute. I was interested in both the Contemplative aspect and George himself. I was considering asking for a mentorship.
I found our outlooks and ideas similar and felt a connection with George that he had knowledge to share about photography and mastering photography. Almost three years later, I am a better photographer, printer. For me and my path in photography, my mentorship with George continued my education both in life and photography. My goal of mastery has an underlying premise that incorporates the spiritual aspects of Contemplative Photography. This was what I was searching for both in my life and my work. Because I have been and continue to be driven by my love and passion for the art of photography, the work was not work-just part of balance of learning and understanding. I do work for committed blocks of time, which takes discipline and effort. The technical was imperative to the overall creation; just as significant is the creation and workflow for the final print.
I have found that there are many, many ways to find your photographic education. There is not one path for all to take, but one path for each of us to take. Just as any great love, the relationship needs time, maturity, and attention. The commitment is evident in final product, and like a mirror, part of the artist's history, interests, wisdom, and spirit are all present. Magically, creation happens. Through my mentorship, I found that authentic magic to feed my insatiable hunger for photography. Beyond the art history and contemporary post modernism, when only the artist remains, I find I am most at peace and satisfied; I can hear my inside consciousness brainstorming and analyzing the infinite possibilities of creating. As all other parts of my life silence, I find a place to meet myself. In this stillness, I clearly see the photographer.
Some ideas for Your Photographic Education:
- Try a workshop at an art center, musuem, etc
- Use a vacation for a travel photography trip
- Try a non-credit course through a local college or community college
- Attend some lectures: listen, contemplate, inquire
- Find a group that you gel with and get out there
- Research other professionals and how they work
- Try all kinds of photography to see which one resonates
- Many photo fests are all over the country: try the local ones, then invest in the prestigious ones
- Attend a Conf. like Photo Plus in NYC or Review LA
- Students take advantage of student competitions, discounted memberships, and networking.
- Shoot, shoot, and shoot. Practice and experimentation take time. So, take the time.
Online stuff:
- Check out some of the variety of photography associations
- Check out some of the major online photography stores like Hunt's, Adorama, B&H
- Some have actual lectures that you can watch.
- You can look at equipment at local shops-some shops associated with the schools with have % discounts in the shop if you take a class.
- Many professional associations offer discounts and/or special rates for software, photo equipment, framing, security, and, my personal favorite, free shipping.
- PhotoEye- the best photography book store; great newsletter; and ohhhhh the books
- So many blogs, social networks, newswires, and magazines, etc So little time....
