On December 2, 2011 I joined a photography workshop
that took my life in new and unexpected directions!
Of course 2011 will be etched in my memory for other reasons. But what better way to find clarity and perspective in one’s life than through photography!
I joined a weekend workshop called “Visual Narratives” with Susan Burnstine, a fine art and commercial photographer from Los Angeles, California. I had never seen images like hers anywhere before. They are unique and powerful; and I encourage you to look for her website online.
Susan worked with each participant to help us find our personal voice. While the workshop focussed on photography, this process is also applicable to other aspects of our lives. During her introduction statement, Susan exclaimed that all photos are self portraits. She then asked us what meaning were we looking for in our photos. What do you do? … Why is that important? … Why is that important? … Why is that important? And finally, … Why is that important?
When I take a photograph – I look at intimate details and colour.
That’s important because – no matter what I am looking at I want to drink it in with my eyes, feel it, explore it, and enjoy or absorb the emotion…. And that is important because – I experience things through the process of taking pictures. I see the world with an open mind…. And that is important because – the process puts me into the present…. And that is important because – taking photographs centres me, and connects me to my surroundings.
Beyond photography, exploring my personal narrative – at least within a given place and time – confirms the importance of knowing myself and clarifying my vision. I realize that I am a portal. In following my personal narrative, I know I need to pursue what I want, not what I think others want; I must be true to myself. Finally, having a personal narrative can help me express my feelings, perspectives and conscience more openly and honestly – hopefully with the result of improving my ability to communicate.
When we are stuck or lacking motivation, we can draw upon our inner voice for inspiration. So… what was my visual narrative? Through a series of 16 photographs that I took to the session, my emergent narrative was “Honour“.
About a year after taking the workshop (though not as a direct result), I began to build a public memorial garden to honour my mother, along with her siblings and parents on the land they cleared and settled in the early 1900s. In doing so I also honour multicultural communities past and present; shining light on the fragility of essential basic values such as sense of place and belonging.
And, as a direct outcome of the workshop, a few participants and I formed a small informal photography collective. I am now practicing photography with intention. I am stretching beyond my current skills. I am exploring new creative paths. I’m learning a lot, and being completely humbled along the way. We call ourselves “VI” (don’t ask what it means … I can’t explain).
KIM V WALKER 