Today is the day I leave. I have been thinking a lot about what I have been told about this workshop, how to approach it both creatively and philosophically. I keep going over the words of advice that have been bestowed upon me by several of my mentors...
Stephen Webster : approach it with no expectations. He said, the first day everyone will be meeting, and that if by Wednesday you don't feel completely creatively lost, then you did something wrong. Thursday you will want to drag yourself to the ocean and drown yourself. By Friday, he said, you'll need a drink, and by Saturday it will begin to make a little sense right before its time to head back home. He also told me to listen to introductions for I will surely meet some of the most talented people from across the country, as well at least one doctor per class who insists on making statements into questions. Stephen met Anne Cutting at the Workshops, I can't imagine the type of talent I will meet and befriend.
Duncan Snyder told me to have fun and take as much away from it as I could, including the scenery and to take my camera wherever I go. He said that it will be over before I know it, but that this experience will stay with me forever. I will never forget Duncan's cold stare when I dismally picked up my portfolio (Charlotte's nonchalance as she said "good luck"), his huge smile when I came running back, and how he squirmed when I gave him a hug. I won't be the cool kid with a car like Duncan was but at least I'm getting chauffeured there.
Stephanie Matthews told me to be quiet and listen to everyone that was around me and stressed the wealth of information I was soon going to be exposed to. She shrieked with delight when I told her when I was selected, and is constantly asking me if I'm ready, while she barely contains her excitement. I won't have the luxury of staying in Joyce Tenneson's home like you did Stephanie but I'm so excited to finally meet Joyce, and the chance to pick her brain.
These things have been swimming around in my head for weeks and months since receiving the scholarship and my acceptance into Joyce Tenneson's "Intimate Portraits" class. I have been growing so much professionally in my career that it feels a little intimidating taking a student role once again, but I'm so excited to get this 16 hour drive over with and study under such a prestigious, enlightened, ingenious artist. So, I am charging up my zune, ready to hit the road, and take the first steps to a week of absolute Hades (I'm sure), and hopefully something that will completely move me. There is something so riveting about the unknown; not so much that is unknown, but that it means anything is possible.
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