Tuscany & Zen
By Mary Ann Reilly
6 Sep 2009
In August, I unlearned how to make photographs at a week-long Zen and Photography workshop led by Doug Beasley and held at Sant' Anna at Camprena in Tuscany, Italy. You may recognize Sant' Anna if you have ever seen the movie, The English Patient, as several scenes were filmed there. Sant' Anna is a 14th century monastery located in the heart of Tuscany. Very atmospheric.
There were two "truths" I learned while working with Doug and 5 other fabulous photographers:
1. Making a photograph is an exchange of energy: You, the camera, the subject.
2. Making a photograph is not the same thing as taking one.
The work I displayed here was all "made" during the week in Tuscany. The meditations, group discussions, zen walks, and yes, the wine, all contributed to the art.
I'd highly recommend Doug's workshops to anyone who wants to get in touch with a more spiritual side of art and photography.
9 responses
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alannah bowes gave props (6 Sep 2009):
amazing photos, and stories. This makes me want to take one of these workshops!
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Brian Betteridge gave props (6 Sep 2009):
these photos are simply stunning
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Charles Hess gave props (7 Sep 2009):
Great story and even better photographs...especially love 'Three o'clock'.
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Reggie Mateo said (7 Sep 2009):
These are beautiful photos. I wish I could go there too.
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Christy Stadelmaier said (7 Sep 2009):
The colors of your landscapes are stunning and the images particularly evocative.
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Dorothy Menosky gave props (7 Sep 2009):
Marvelous photos. You've added soul.
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Dorothy Menosky said (7 Sep 2009):
I wrote my prop and voted yes before i looked for the name of the author/photographer. I should have known.
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Norman Caldwell gave props (8 Sep 2009):
Wonderfully made. The art in your photography is so apparent. Keep up the wonderful work!
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Nelson Campbell gave props (28 Sep 2009):
I would be so interested to hear more.
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