Description
It is true, that during a worldwide pandemic, it is not the time for a traditional workshop to a geographic destination. However, this might be an excellent time to find a fertile destination for our imagination.
While working on an exhibition at Shoboji Temple in Northern Japan, I was introduced to Godai, a Japanese Buddhist Philosophy. The Godai philosophy is based on all of the material world being described by 5 elements: Chi, or the earth, symbolizes solid matter. Sui, the water, symbolizes liquids. Ka, the fire, is the symbol of combustion, or the elements in an energy-releasing state. Fu, the wind, symbolizes gases. Ku, the void, is representative of the formless subatomic energy that is the basis for the structure of all things. This Godai symbolism is also used to describe the emotional nature of human beings, and to provide a symbolic structure for the teaching of effective physical combat principles in many martial arts.
This workshop is to explore how applying the Godai system to our photography would strengthen each of the participant’s work.
We will not attempt to create literal photographic representations of the 5 elements, but see how each of those elements, and what they represent, can manifest itself in a photograph.
The 5 elements will be the thread that guides us through our photographic exploration.
You will have weekly assignments and reviews of your photographs. In addition there will be lectures and demonstration of other important photographic work to inspire and guide your exploration. At the end of the workshop, each participant will create a small booklet or a Zine.
Dates
The workshop will meet weekly on the following dates, from 2-4 pm EDT:
October 5, 12, 19, 26 and November 2, 12, 19, 23, 30, 2020
The Details
October 5, 12, 19, 26, 2020
November 2, 12, 19, 23, 30, 2020
THIS IS AN ONLINE WORKSHOP