"It doesn't matter what you do, he said, so long as you change something from the way it was before you touched it into something that's like you after you take your hands away..."
-Ray Bradbury
When I think of art and craftsmanship, this quote has always been one of my favorites. I love the idea of using our hands to build things, to create, to offer change and goodness into the world in a way that reflects a piece of who we are. And not only that, but then using these gifts and tools of our hands to teach others how to do the same. I have great respect for people who make such a lifestyle for themselves and their surrounding community.
So, with that being said, there is a local business in my neighborhood that exemplifies this connection of craftsmanship + teaching in beautiful ways. The Craftsman and Apprentice is a small workshop in downtown Denver that encourages creativity and imagination throughout all ages. This sweet little space offers a wide range of workshops and hosts events that vary from toddler "Tinker Time" to adult sling-shot making birthday parties to pop-up markets for local vendors. Neighborhood kids gather every Saturday morning where they are provided with materials - cardboard, wood, etc - and are given the chance to create whatever their little imaginations desire. It's always amazing to see the things kids come up with! Spaceships, robots, musical instruments... you name it. The classes offered for adults are also INCREDIBLE. Kombucha 101, Sling shot making, Native American beading... the list continues. Across the board, the C+A has created endless opportunities to bring the community and neighborhood together in pretty innovative and fun ways.
Earlier this fall, I was able to capture some moments in action of The Craftsman and Apprentice over the course of a weekend. The weekend held two different birthday parties (my favorite was the arrow making themed!), a fermentation workshop, and then ended with hang time with Delanie (creator/owner), Jon, and their two awesome little ones at the shop.
If you are in the Denver area, I highly recommend checking out this wonderful neighborhood business that bridges art and community. Find a class or a workshop that suites your fancy! You will not be disappointed. (And let's all admire how precious this sweet little family is.)
www.craftsmanandapprentice.com
<3
The Summer of Wandering - 2015
"Don't be afraid. There are exquisite things in store for you. This is only the beginning."
- Oscar Wilde
Whew. I have been on a bit of a blogging hiatus simply because I haven't stopped moving for months + weeks on end! Probably no excuse, but alas, I'm finally taking the time to sit.. to organize and sort photos, and in doing so, I am able to process the whirlwind of the past 6 months.
At the very beginning of 2015, I had a thought to myself, that I wanted this to be a year of exploration and learning. (Not that other years haven't been... but I felt the adventure bug stirring big time). Lo and behold, ten months into the year, it HAS been that, and so much more than I could have anticipated. This has been a year of being pulled to the edges of endless unknowns (i.e. quitting all stable jobs, giving up housing situations), but also of such trust and goodness. I have seen some INSANELY beautiful places, ventured with friends, pursued my art, and taken classes in new cities. And despite my complete mental/emotional/spiritual/physical exhaustion, I am realizing that these seasons are special. They are hard (and often chaotic) but they are RARE. I know the adventuring won't last -- or at least, it will begin to look different. So, at the end of the day, I have been feeling real full of gratitude lately for this wild ride called life.
If travel teaches you one thing, it teaches you to see. It wakes you up from the rut of the mundane. Removed from any bit of stability and routine, something happens, and you pay attention. I think that is one of the biggest things I have gleaned from this season of wandering. In each place I have visited, I feel like I have learned something.. seen something. From awe-filled coastal cliffs, to urban streets of community + art, I have been exposed to more beauty and goodness than my little spirit can contain.
There is a line from an Arthur Rimbaud poem that continually came to me while on the road. It says, "A thousand dreams within me softly burn..." And man, THAT'S how I felt. Over the past 3 or 4 years, I have been filled with more vision and dreams for the future than I ever have. Dreams that involve making bridges between creative communities + neighborhoods in need. Dreams to travel and tell stories, to speak of the good works being done all the time, all around me. Dreams to speak hope into this often dreary world. And I don't know how to explain it or why, but seeing the dazzle of new cities and places fueled and sharpened these visions again and again.
Whew. Honestly, I could keep writing forever. I don't know enough words or the right words to perfectly describe these past few months, but I can say that it has been a beautiful, grace-filled, inspiring ride. And it's only just begun.
So here, below, I have compiled my favorite photos from Portland, to Cali, to Detroit, to Chicago.... Let us remember that the ride is grand, adventures are endless, and goodness abounds as we open our eyes to it.
Astoria Beach, Oregon Coast
Portland, Oregon
Just outside of Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Flats, Utah
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
San Francisco, CA
Half Moon Bay, CA
Pigeon Point Lighthouse, California
Pigeon Point Beach, CA
Big Sur, Coastal Hwy 1, California
Los Padres National Forest, CA
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, CA
Santa Monica Blvd // Los Angeles, CA
Detroit, MI
Chicago, IL
Forlorn Strangers in Colorado
What's that saying? A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush?... Be happy with what you've got, rather than trying to get more. But what's the other saying? You can never have too much of a good thing? Well, that's the one I pick for these guys. I am in full belief that you can never have too much of Forlorn Strangers. This group of humans has continually played an encouraging and pivotal role in my photography venture (more so than they probably even realize... so, deep gratitude and thanks guys!)
At the beginning of the summer, in the thick of their Hither Thither and Yon Tour, Forlorn Strangers wandered their way to Colorado. Not only was I able to hear them play at three different venues in sweet Colorado style, but I also had the chance to photograph them as a group at one of my favorite mountainside parks just outside of Denver. All around, it was a perfect weekend. I laughed, I cried (from laughing), and I enjoyed every moment of their folky musical selves.
Take a look at the sampling of images from Forlorn's time in Denver and the surrounding mountain towns.
(Mathews Winters Park // Backyard party, Boulder, CO // Stage Stop, Nederland, CO)
And better yet, Forlorn Strangers just released their fall tour schedule - Florida to Maine! So check them out, guys. Do it. {www.forlornstrangers.com}
Derrick and Christy - Colorado Spring Shoot
I have to say, the more I walk forward in this craft, the more I fall in love with the camera's ability to create a sort of sealed vignette of a person, the ability to preserve the essence of those around me. And in that regard, being able to photograph those who are closest to me is a true delight. The beauty of capturing my dear ones feels like such a privilege of knowing them and then being able to portray them to the world.
Derrick and Christy are some of my closest friends. Christy and I went to college together in Florida, lived in community housing with amazing women, ran after-school programs in inner-city south Florida together, and ended up in the same city again after parting ways from the sunshine state. Christy met and dated Derrick long distance while we still lived in Florida, and very quickly, he became equally as dear of a soul. These guys were married just about a year and a half ago! Christy is full of whimsy and ideas and bright hopes for herself and those around her. Derrick is steady but full of jokes. Together, it is clear that they know how to deeply love each other, while also living out of their spunky inner child. These photos hold the intention of memorializing their Colorado season together, and who they have grown into as a married couple.
I say this often, but this was such a fun shoot. I especially loved the various backgrounds we hunted down for these photos. We took a mini trek into the mountains for some early morning picturesque shots and then ventured around downtown Denver in Christy and Derrick's neighborhood.
Thanks, you two, for offering me the privilege of documenting your whimsical Colorado selves.
xoxo
Forlorn Strangers - Spring Rain, Spring Tour
Oh man. These kids. Once again, I had the great privilege of capturing some moments with the crew of Forlorn Strangers on a recent visit to Nashville. This week marks the beginning of a grand adventure for Forlorn, as they are making the leap to pursue music together FULL-TIME! Agh! So exciting. During our time together, we snagged as many shots as we could get in between tornado sirens and bouts of thunder... but alas, the rain still ruined (well, or maybe actually enhanced) the fun.
Forlorn Strangers is a folk/Americana quintet characterized by their rich four part harmonies, smooth and vibrant melodies, and energetic percussion as the backbone. Their sound is a delightful blend of bluegrass instrumentals and vocals, with hints of jazz and rock and roll. If music is to be experiential, Forlorn Strangers definitely creates an atmosphere in which this is true. Listeners are sure to be filled and drawn into places of vibrancy, light, and introspection.
I am so proud to call this group musicians and artists some of my dearest friends. Keep living the dream, guys. You bring so much goodness to the world!
To keep up with their whereabouts on their spring tour, take a visit by their website for deets! http://www.forlornstrangers.com/home
Veak Ceramics Lifestyle
I have to say, I am continually blown away by the caliber of talent the people in my life possess. It's kind of incredible. And definitely makes me so proud to be able to brag on my people again and again. Several weeks ago, I spent a morning capturing some lifestyle photos of my dear friend Sarah Veak and her beautifully finished ceramic mugs & pour-over pieces. I have featured Sarah's work at Veak Ceramics on my blog in the past {click here}, and I am honored to be able to continue sharing her story as she grows deeper and flourishes within her craftsmanship journey.
Working closely beside Sarah and her ceramics business, I get to see so much of the heart that goes behind her craft. For Sarah, her work is not just a hobby or menial task of creating pots. Sarah desires for her pieces to bring people together - whether it is over morning coffee or an evening meal - with hopes of fostering community and a sense of togetherness. In a time where busyness and hectic schedules take over our weeks and days, it is refreshing to be brought into spaces that encourage moments of quietude and familiarity, where maybe we are able to pause and appreciate the intention behind our morning coffee, or the intricacy of the hand-made mug we are drinking it out of.
These photos were truly a privilege and a joy to take. I am so proud of Veak Ceramics and all the dreams, passion, and talent that it carries. Thanks so much, Sarah, for letting me walk alongside of you to see the goodness you are offering the world through your beautiful work. Here's to capturing the still moments and comforting routines that mornings and coffee and lovely ceramicware can bring.
{To see more of this gal's incredible work, check out www.veakceramics.com !! And keep your eyes peeled for her appearance in locally sourced craft coffee magazines, as well.}
Tidwell Family - Baby Banyan
“So every day I was surrounded by the beautiful crying forth of the ideas of God, one of which was you.” – Mary Oliver
I cannot imagine many things more remarkable than the joy of entering parenthood. To bring such precious life into the world can only evoke a great rising of emotion… elation, nerves, complete adoration, to say the least... I love being able to witness pieces of the parenthood journey in those around me, and it is always such an honor to be able to capture bits of these moments with the lens.
PT and Rachel are so dear to me. Being able to watch them grow from the Florida days of college friends, to newly weds, to newly made parents here in Colorado has been beautiful. Just a few weeks before their little one was born, I photographed PT and Rachel during a radiant golden hour shoot. The emanating light was a perfect way to capture their anticipation of welcoming new life. And now, a few months later, I still believe the light they hold and are offering their son manifests in evident and vibrant ways. You don’t have to be around PT and Rachel very long to tangibly see the great love and devotion they share towards each other… and now that same devotion being showered endlessly upon their little babe.
Banyan Brooks made his appearance into the world in September and instantly stole the hearts of PT and Rachel. Banyan is named out of an inspiration from a verse in the Bible: "Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. For he will be like a tree planted by the water that extends its roots by the stream." (Jer 17:7). I have no doubt that with such steady and adoring parents, Banyan will surely grow into the fullness of his given name.
Love you guys and the beautiful home you have created here in Denver!
PT and Rachel - Maternity
The older I get, the more I start to appreciate the beauty of shifting seasons in life. You start to realize that some people are in your life for moments, and others you get to stand alongside of through a multitude of days and milestones... the craze of college, the simplicity yet chaos of a wandering "early 20-something," seasons of marriage, to seasons of children. PT and Rachel are some of my good friends from college in Florida, and the ONLY friends I knew living in Denver before I moved here a year ago. It has been such a gift to live in the same city as them again - for familiar faces and shared memories - and also to witness the joy and adventure of their own shifting seasons.
I had so much fun photographing these two just about one week before the arrival of their baby boy! Capturing light + capturing special moments made for one happy golden hour evening. I cannot think of a better symbol than radiating light to portray the essence of these sweet friends and the life of their little-one-to-be.
I am so grateful to be on this journey in Denver with you guys and your precious Banyan bear. Lots of love PT and Rach!
Hannah and Ben - Maryland Wedding
If every photographer has to have a "first wedding" experience, I would hope it could be just like this one. I have shadowed and served as a second shooter for several weddings before, but until now, I had never led as head hauncho! Whew. Totally different ballgame running the show! But truly, what a joy and privilege to photograph my friends Hannah and Ben on their beautiful day.
Hannah is one of my dearest friends from college. Quickly upon meeting the "cool girl with a lacrosse jersey and dreads" at my Florida school, I knew I wanted to be this girl's friend. My friendship with Hannah was one of those instantaneous ones that do not take much effort to develop, and inevitably last a lifetime. Hannah and I have walked through joyous and not-so-joyous seasons together. Bright times and healing times. Goofy moments, to emotional breakdowns, to everything in between. So, naturally, I could not have been more honored to witness and capture her wedding day with Ben.
Hannah and Ben's wedding took place in the hills of Maryland at a 4-H camp. The combination of rustic woods, cedar cabins, and warm-toned firelight provided the perfect mixture for a cozy yet radiant wedding celebration. Friends and family gathered together to experience live bluegrass music, a bridal party full of spunk, and a union between two sweet souls. Here are some images from Hannah and Ben's day!
