Elk River Writers Workshop
Attending my third workshop this year, and the request that I photograph it made the experience different from years past and memorable.
My favorite street photographer, Henri Cartier Bresson, wrote, "There is nothing in the world that does not have a decisive moment. "During our workshop, there were many decisive, candid, posed, and emotional moments.
While photographs can freeze a moment, they cannot record the early morning sounds of chickadees, juncos, woodpeckers, horses in the corral, or the laughter in classes, panel discussions, or one-on-one conversations with each other.
Four Guns, an Ogala tribal judge in the nineteenth century, words also captured what I felt," The Indian needs no writings; actual words sink deep into the heart where they remain in silence; he never forgets them."
For me, the images I captured, the ones I did not, and all the stories the camera cannot record will be good memories embedded in my heart and mind that I will never forget.
I am constantly recharged after a workshop, and it takes time to digest the experience. This year, I felt melancholy as I drove away because the workshop was such a high for me. I plan to return next year.
I thank Elk River Writers Workshop, all the writers, and the outstanding faculty for allowing me to take photographs.
The following feature is my selection; the remaining photographs were sent to Elk River Writers Workshop.
Note: The Four Guns Quote came from Maya Jewell Zeller and Kathryn Nuernberger's excellent book Advanced Poetry: A Writer's Guide and Anthology. Thanks for the class and workshop, Maya!
David Gallipoli
Early Morning
And so it begins
Classes filled with energy, laughter, tears and cookies.
Photo credit CMarie
Panels, Readings and Discussion
Casting has begun for a film by Elk River Writers workshop, "Writers in Chico " with an all-star cast of students, faculty and dogs.
The story of law and lawlessness, good and evil when a group of writers confronts the corrupt sheriff Taylor Brorby with poetry and prose, dancing and music.
Stay tuned for updates.
Guess who?
Special effects crew
For CMarie,
I am thankful for your friendship, and mentorship.
Thank you for encouraging me to attend the Elk River Writers Workshop three years ago and asking me to photograph this year's workshop.
I appreciate your work as director of Elk River, your ability to make things happen, your beautiful introductions, and what you do behind the scenes.
If you accept CMarie, you will play the Mayor of Chico, owner of the saloon and house of ill-repute, in the upcoming film Writers in Chico. Let's have lunch and talk about it.
David Gallipoli