Storytelling

In Creating, Inspiration, Photography Workshops, Uncategorized
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As they say, every picture tells a story, but sometimes it takes more than one image to tell the complete story. Which is why I signed up for a workshop at Maine Media College, “Bookmaking for Visual Artists”, taught by Cig Harvey. A wonderful opportunity to combine my two loves, photography and books. I begin my travel up the Maine coast this coming Sunday.

I have so many images and projects sitting on my laptop (ashamedly, I’ve printed very few because I was never sure what to do with them all). I’m hoping this class will help me put them to use in a beautiful way.

Just preparing for this workshop has been a learning process in itself. The culling, the printing, the gathering of materials. Since these will be handmade books, I decided to completely make them my own by printing my photos myself, which may or may not have been a good idea given that I don’t own a top of the line printer. But I do love having complete control and ownership of my work.

For the past year or so, I’ve been building a library of photo books from some of my favorite photographers – Clarice Barbato Dunn, Heather Evans Smith, Kate Miller Wilson and of course, Cig Harvey, to name just a few. They are all an inspiration to me. I find there’s something intimate about viewing photos in book form. You can sit and hold it in your hands and take all the time you want with each page.

I’ll admit, there have been moments leading up to this workshop when I’ve wondered if maybe I’m getting in over my head. There are some amazing photographers in this group. But I’ve since managed to rid myself of some of that self-doubt (flashback to my preschool teaching days when I constantly had to remind parents that it is ALL ABOUT THE PROCESS).

I now look forward to a fantastic opportunity to spend a week with 7 talented women, learning, creating, making and sharing with one of the best teachers I could ever imagine. And I hope to be able to share some highlights with you in a future post.

*note- As I write this post, the state of the world is rapidly changing (damn virus!). As far as I know, this workshop is still a go, however, I know this could change at any moment. If it’s postponed, I will be prepared and ready for the next scheduled date.

10 Comments

  1. What a fantastic workshop that’s going to be…whenever it will be (such an odd time right now). You’ll make beautiful books, I just know it!

  2. The workshop sounds terrific Susan and I can’t wait to see how your book making unfolds.

    • Sadly, I’ll have to wait and show you next year.

  3. I am always touched when people reveal their vulnerability. I can relate to feeling as though you might be in over your head, and yet you worked through your feelings to return to the heart of the matter. I love your work – and those images are going to a book that will forever change you. Enjoy every moment of the process!

    • Donna, your words always lift me up and keep me going. I look forward to enjoying the process next year. May have to return to your comment here again to psych me up 🙂

  4. Thanks for your words of encouragement, ladies. Unfortunately, the class has been cancelled but will apply my tuition towards this same workshop next year sometime. Now the problem is – where to store all these boxes of bookmaking supplies!

  5. Thanks Michelle. Looks like I’ll have to wait until next year 🙁

    • Thanks, Kirsten. Honestly, it’s the least of my worries right now. These days can’t be easy for you, your work is so very important..hope you’re surviving ok. Best to you and your family. xo

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