An abstract photograph of a mesquite bean pod, created while at Miraval.

Each work of art I make, whether I am in the desert or my studio at home, starts with me being mindful of the natural world and my relationship to it. I disconnect the analytical side of my brain, and quiet the chatter in my head. I try to calm the brain’s reflexive need to process and categorize, and just allow myself to absorb what my senses perceive, unfiltered. Even when I am out gathering subjects to photograph, I cannot worry about the past or plan for the future: I have to just be aware of the present, and experience my environment as openly and simply as possible. Only then do the ideas and images come to me. In a way, my art has become my own form of meditation or prayer, helping me be more mindful, more present, more centered.

Annother photograph of a mesquite bean pod created at Miraval.

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Mindfulness and my artistic process

Since I have two young kids, the first thing I needed to do was convince the grandparents to babysit for a week (thank you thank you thank you). Being gone that long is a big deal, so I had to explain to the kids what I was doing, and make sure they were ok with it. Luckily, they are pretty amazing. As my son says, I’m heading off to “summer camp for adults”. Still, this is the longest we’ll have been away from them, so it might be a little tough — on us at least.

I then had to make sure my business would be fine while I was gone: making sure my ketubah orders are completed, and getting all of my other projects finished or tied up. I’ll be bringing my work with me, but you never know how much time or attention you’ll have.

Finally, I needed to figure out what I was going to do at the resort: the style of work I’d be demonstrating and the equipment I’d need. This took some planning. When I photograph, I usually work in my studio, which is set up exactly the way I like it. But I couldn’t just pack up my whole studio! So I needed to figure out everything I needed to bring that would demonstrate my technique, while still making sure I could haul it across the country and back. I finally managed to streamline my tools down to a decent set, and squeeze them all in a Pelican case. This case is important because it can be used as a carry-on (I want to keep my stuff close), yet is tough enough to keep everything safe if it needs to be checked as luggage.

All of my equipment packed up and ready to go.

Part of me still wonders if I should just leave all the equipment behind — just bring the camera and a single lens, wander the gardens of Miraval, and see what happens. It’s not how I normally work, but it would be a fun challenge. But then I remember that the temperature in Tucson gets to 105°… and the thought of working indoors sounds much better! But we’ll see what inspires me when I get there.

This is definitely going to be a challenge. An interesting and fun experience, but a new challenge none-the-less. I’m used to being in a pretty controlled environment, and I’m not sure what will be waiting for me when I get there. Miraval has a space ready for me to work in, but I have no idea what it’s like: is there enough outlets for my computer and lights? Is there any natural light I can use? I also hope that I’ll be able to find some subjects to photograph around in their gardens, but you never know what you’ll find and be inspired by. (I’ll need to bring some subjects of my own, just in case.) Will anyone stop by to see me work? How will that feel (I’m used to working alone). It’s all a mystery that will soon be solved.

Wish me luck! Any if you are at Miraval next week, see you there!

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getting ready for my artist in residence

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artist in residence

Untitled abstraction of a leaf.

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slow art

When I decided it was time to upgrade my printer, I knew I had to find a good home for my 7600, which has served me so well for the past five years. I couldn’t just auction it off on eBay — this printer has been a vital part of my creative life for too long. We had made so much art together. We created hundreds of ketubahs for couples around the world together. It helped me launch my art career, and helped me grow as an artist. No, I couldn’t just auction it off. It needed a proper home, where it would be appreciated, where it could continue to do good.

So when the state of New Jersey announced their very extreme budget cuts, costing some schools almost all of their state funding, I knew what I had to do. I called up my local high school’s art department, and they jumped at the chance. As the head of the program said, “In these times of budget tightening, there would be no way we could even consider purchasing one.” It makes me happy to know that this wonderful printer, this amazing art creation tool, will go to help these students discover themselves as artists.

Bon voyage, old friend. May you continue to make art.

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bon voyage old friend