Madeline Island School of Arts, Lake Superior, WI
Assignment/Response Workshop
with Douglas Beasley
August 2 – August 7, 2015
Held on beautiful Madeline Island, on Lake Superior, WI. This is not about making ‘pretty’ pictures or ‘postcard’ like records of one’s travels. It is about making a deeper, more authentic connection to the land, sky and water, then learning to express that connection in our photography. We will be using the island, the sky and water as well as ourselves to convey an emotional experience into a visual one. This workshop will be about making, not taking, photographs by nourishing a deepening connection to one’s heart/soul/self and then bringing that awareness into our photo making process. We will work on giving our photos more layers of meaning to make stronger, more powerful images.
This year we will also be visiting, by boat, the fantastic sea caves of the Apostle Islands. This will be a great photographic opportunity for creating unique images from a dramatic perspective.
Inspiration will be sparked by a balance of conversation, readings, poetry, photographic exercises, photo examples, portfolio reviews, and instructor presentations and by fellow participants. Daily photographic assignments and exercises will be a big part of this experience, with individual attention given. Fun, laughter and introspection are to be expected. The majority of our days will be spent outside making photographs and evenings spent in camaraderie, slide show presentations, photo discussions or just relaxing and hanging out enjoying the evening sky.
Also included will be a sunset boat cruise to photograph the dramatic sea caves of the Apostle Islands. Then join Doug at the Bell Street Gallery for an opening of his solo show there on Thursday night.
Madeline Island School of the Arts (MISA) is located on a uniquely restored Wisconsin dairy farm on a Lake Superior Island that is unrivaled with its breathtaking views of sea caves, beaches, and clear blue waters with bright skies. It is a location that provides tranquility to awaken the creative spirit. The beauty of this natural environment, with its quaint, village atmosphere provides perfect settings for photographers and other creative enthusiasts. Complementing this setting are spacious studios with an abundance of natural light, comfortable lodging and delicious meals.
This workshop is sure to be a transformational experience that leads you to making more powerful and emotionally impactful photographs.
Testimonials About This Workshop:
“While away from all distractions, I felt my strongest connection with nature ever. I sensed the scale of the universe, especially on those clear nights when the Milky Way was just beyond arm’s reach. This is the place to step back in time and find one’s center through simple living, community meals, and cooperative care of the earth. There is a constant, but not nagging, reminder of our human impact on our planet, whose curvature is remarkably visible on the horizon, and the images we crafted hopefully showed our compassion for her.”
– Margaret Grosspietsch, Minneapolis, MN
“I want to say a hearty thank you for all you brought to my photographic perspectives this past week. Suffice it to say I am bringing a new eye and way of seeing to my work as an artist and have actively begun thinking about how to turn my work toward more art and less of whatever may be keeping me from it! It was, for me, a life-bending experience at the very least.”
– Ann Marie Waterhouse, Sun Prairie, WI
“As a mother of two, running a business, this Creed gave me permission to make time for my own art and so discover a world full of more fun and joy than I could have imagined.
Thank you to all of you for making a South African living in North Carolina so welcome in Minnesota. Mallard Island was an amazing experience and taught me so much. I am grateful to you all. The week was magical. Thank you for creating a safe and grounded container for the self-discoveries and for the canoe ride to honor the rocks.”
– Catherine Anderson, Charlotte, NC
“Thanks for being a great teacher. I may totally take this back when I get my film developed, but I feel like I have gained a lot of confidence as a photographer. And I am hooked on your workshops. I hope I can do more in the future.”
– Jennifer Starbright, Minneapolis, MN
“Thank you for a beautiful week of learning and growing.”
– Anne Field, Mendota Heights, MN
Who should attend:
Open to all levels but students should have a good working knowledge of their camera and want to take their image making to a more meaningful and personal level. Digital and film, in all formats, are welcome.
See some student photography from this and other Vision Quest workshops.
Dates: August 2 to August 7
Arrive on Madeline Island Sunday afternoon August 2 after 3 PM
Welcome reception Sunday August 2 at 7 PM
Workshop runs until Friday August 7 mid-afternoon.
Cost: $695 class tuition, also includes sunset boat cruise to sea caves
Meals and lodging available separately or through MISA
Register: Madeline Island School of the Arts (MISA)
Class limit: 15
