Workshops
Apply Imagination and Expand Your Creative Practice
There are no available registration dates at this time.
This hands-on concept development workshop introduces an innovative method to apply imagination and expand creative practice. Photography is utilized to illustrate foundations inherent within the creative process. Addressed are questions such as: What constitutes an impactful image? What makes a concept compelling? How does one visually translate an abstract concept?
The course is made up of presentation by the instructor, hands-on activities, discussion, photo-making and critique. The group critique identifies and discusses the elements of creative practice in action.
Concept Aware® provides a roadmap of creativity which enhances a photographer’s ability to problem-solve, innovate and analyze their own unique practice. Participants articulate and strengthen their visual voice. The result of an expanded and intentional visual fluency results in more impactful images. An increased awareness of how one sees directly impacts an artists’ ability to contextualize their work and to write and speak of their process with clarity.
The conceptual framework of Concept Aware® is a based on research in the fields of semiotics, education and the humanities. It’s clear structure and practical tools are applicable to the advanced student, emerging or established professional, and academic. Outlined are dynamic layers of choice and decision- making utilized when transforming an abstract idea into a project or body of work for exhibition or publication.
Specific stages within the creative process are isolated, lending an artist the ability to locate, and ground, their process along the continuum of creativity. Highlighted are the singular building blocks which support an inspired idea. Eight essential elements of creative practice are identified, illustrated utilizing examples within contemporary photography, and form a new foundation to view, inform and conduct one’s creative process.
Attendee Quote:
“Sybylla Smith’s fine-tuned curriculum and expert facilitation guides attendees through a powerful enriching experience that bolsters confidence and insights into one’s own unique creative process.” – Jon Wollenhaupt
Winter/Spring lodging and meal package available for $525. Includes breakfast and lunch Monday – Friday. Dinner services are not available during our Winter/Spring session. Meal plan (mandatory) without lodging $150. Plan to arrive on Sunday afternoon/evening to be rested for your workshop which will begin Monday morning, following registration. Workshops will end late Friday afternoon. Lodging is booked for a Saturday departure.
Header Image: Hao Wang
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Instructor: J. Sybylla Smith
Part artist, part academic, J. Sybylla Smith, is equally compelled to create art as to examine its cultural significance. Her roles as a fashion designer, stylist, and creative director have all been informed by developing a visual language that conveys a concept, idea or theory. Smith’s diverse resume reflects over 25 years of curating fine art photography exhibitions with international photographers, bringing advertising campaigns and fashion editorials to fruition, and developing and teaching university curriculum. Smith has curated over 27 solo and group exhibitions featuring the work of over 90 international photographers. Her diverse exhibition hosts include: The Griffin Museum of Photography, Photoville, The Museum of Modern Art in Medellin Columbia, Harvard University Ed Portal, the Pao Art Center and VII Photo Gallery in Brooklyn and Mexico City.
