Magic Images Workshops
Magic Images Photo Workshops
Almost every year since 1993 I have organized photo workshops to my favorite places in Ireland...County Clare and the Aran Islands. The workshops provide a chance to delve into Ireland's history and mysteries while investigating the emotional, symbolic and narrative aesthetic of your image making. And workshops are small --- limited to no more than 10 persons.
There are daily opportunities for photography, journaling or sketching as well as seeing the sights and meeting the locals. There will be opportunity to view each other's work as well as that of others inspired by the Irish experience. Additional invited speakers provide background on Irish spirituality, traditions, and history.
Sometimes we mix standard photography with a chance to experience some alternative processes. In addition to many solo workshops, I have worked with a variety of photography artists, including Keith Carter, Doug Beasley and Craig Barber, plus Irish phtographer/musician Christy McNamera.
Who Should Attend:
---- Individuals who have mastered the mechanics of the camera of their choice, but who are searching for deeper meaning in their work.
----Individuals who wish to explore symbolism, metaphor and narrative elements possible with photography.
----Individuals who want to experience a unique sense of place.
What People Are Saying:
"The fact that Patricia loves photography and everything Irish is so evident . She shares magical places with others who in turn become enthralled by the place."
"All the photographers that were on our trip were so friendly and willing to share knowledge with us. We still keep in contact with them and value their friendship."
"I've done two Magic Image Workshops and both were superb. Not only did they introduce me to a truly magical place, they inspired a major body of photography work."
"Patricia eagerly shares her wealth of information and connections to people, place, history, folklore, plus she deftly handles logistics making it easy to enjoy endless image making opportunities."
"Not just for photographers, but artists in other mediums and persons interested in history will also enjoy the special side trips and speakers."
A Sample Itinerary: Aran Islands and County Clare
Destinations, speakers and routes may change according to time of year, availability and ferry schedules. I can also tailor an itinerary to meet your group's special interests within the west counties of Ireland, while maintaining workshop traditions of embracing history, myth and magic.
Day 1 - Arrival early a.m. at the Shannon Airport where we meet as a group an travel by private coach to Galway where we will spend our first evening in Ireland. Accommodation at a major downtown hotel within easy walking distance of Eyre Square and Galway shopping, restaurants and theatre. We should be there in plenty of time to explore this vibrant city. Reservations made at a Galway restaurant for an optional introductory dinner together as a group.
Day 2 - Following an included Irish breakfast at the hotel, bus to the ferry that will take us to Inishmore, the largest Aran Island. Picked up at the dock by our personal driver we bus to our B&B;, Kilmurvey House, a 200 year old stone house in the middle of the island where we will be pampered by our hostess Treasa and her staff. (Includes two breakfasts and two evening meals.) We will spend the afternoon exploring our surroundings. In the evening, we will welcome an Aran guest who will talk about Celtic myth and spirituality.
Day 3- Kilmurvey House is at the foot of Dun Aengus, an amazing Iron Age stone fort, which we visit after breakfast and before the tourists arrive. At the fort, we take in a sweeping vista of the Atlantic Ocean and the cliffs below. You will ask yourself whether this was a fortress or possible ancient spiritual site. After lunch, we will more fully explore the island, by taking the bus back to the main town center for a walk about, and a stop at Joe Watty's Pub. After dinner we can choose to relax or we may visit the studio of one of the Island's traditional craftsmen.
Day 4 -Catch the ferry to Inishmaan, the middle island. There will be few, if any, tourists here other than us. It is the most traditional of the Arans. We stay at An Dun, a B&B; owned by Teresa and Padraic Flaherty. An Dun is a great base for walking the many paths between stone walls that divide field/pasture from cottages that dot the island. Here also you will find ancient sites, a community church with glorious Harry Clarke stained glass windows, a restored cottage where playwright John Millington Synge stayed in the late 1800's. There is also a knitwear factory, a pub for lunch, and incredible landscapes and views everywhere.
Day 5 -Even though it is a small island, you can't do it all the afternoon of our arrival, so this day is a full day to explore and photograph after included breakfast. Dinner this evening at An Dun, and Teresa will tempt you with special desserts, all included. An evening open for sharing photographs.
Day 6 - After breakfast, ferry to Inisheer, the smallest island. Here are monastic ruins buried in the sand, a saint's grave, a ruined fort, a beach, shipwreck, lighthouse and more. We store our bags and have lunch at the local pub. If the weather and seas permit, we will have a long afternoon on the island and will catch the last ferry back to the mainland - Doolin in Co. Clare, where we will be based for two nights. A good night for sharing images.
Day 7- After included breakfast, take private bus into The Burren, one of the most astonishing landscapes in Ireland. We will visit holy wells, abbey ruins, dolman sites, the lovely town of Ennistymon, and even a fairy ring. This evening, we can share images and walk into town for a night at the pubs...or begin packing for the trip home.
Day 8 - After breakfast, we set off for the Shannon Airport in time for afternoon flights back to the States. Or, if you are leaving on Monday, we can drop you at the Park Inn Hotel, adjacent to the airport, with an optional trip to Bunratty for the balance of the afternoon.
Trip includes accommodations, 7 breakfasts, 1 light lunch, 4 evening meals, entrance fees, land and ferry transportation, guest speakers/artists. Does not include airfare or other transport to Shannon Airport. Registration is limited to 10 persons.
Almost every year since 1993 I have organized photo workshops to my favorite places in Ireland...County Clare and the Aran Islands. The workshops provide a chance to delve into Ireland's history and mysteries while investigating the emotional, symbolic and narrative aesthetic of your image making. And workshops are small --- limited to no more than 10 persons.
There are daily opportunities for photography, journaling or sketching as well as seeing the sights and meeting the locals. There will be opportunity to view each other's work as well as that of others inspired by the Irish experience. Additional invited speakers provide background on Irish spirituality, traditions, and history.
Sometimes we mix standard photography with a chance to experience some alternative processes. In addition to many solo workshops, I have worked with a variety of photography artists, including Keith Carter, Doug Beasley and Craig Barber, plus Irish phtographer/musician Christy McNamera.
Who Should Attend:
---- Individuals who have mastered the mechanics of the camera of their choice, but who are searching for deeper meaning in their work.
----Individuals who wish to explore symbolism, metaphor and narrative elements possible with photography.
----Individuals who want to experience a unique sense of place.
What People Are Saying:
"The fact that Patricia loves photography and everything Irish is so evident . She shares magical places with others who in turn become enthralled by the place."
"All the photographers that were on our trip were so friendly and willing to share knowledge with us. We still keep in contact with them and value their friendship."
"I've done two Magic Image Workshops and both were superb. Not only did they introduce me to a truly magical place, they inspired a major body of photography work."
"Patricia eagerly shares her wealth of information and connections to people, place, history, folklore, plus she deftly handles logistics making it easy to enjoy endless image making opportunities."
"Not just for photographers, but artists in other mediums and persons interested in history will also enjoy the special side trips and speakers."
A Sample Itinerary: Aran Islands and County Clare
Destinations, speakers and routes may change according to time of year, availability and ferry schedules. I can also tailor an itinerary to meet your group's special interests within the west counties of Ireland, while maintaining workshop traditions of embracing history, myth and magic.
Day 1 - Arrival early a.m. at the Shannon Airport where we meet as a group an travel by private coach to Galway where we will spend our first evening in Ireland. Accommodation at a major downtown hotel within easy walking distance of Eyre Square and Galway shopping, restaurants and theatre. We should be there in plenty of time to explore this vibrant city. Reservations made at a Galway restaurant for an optional introductory dinner together as a group.
Day 2 - Following an included Irish breakfast at the hotel, bus to the ferry that will take us to Inishmore, the largest Aran Island. Picked up at the dock by our personal driver we bus to our B&B;, Kilmurvey House, a 200 year old stone house in the middle of the island where we will be pampered by our hostess Treasa and her staff. (Includes two breakfasts and two evening meals.) We will spend the afternoon exploring our surroundings. In the evening, we will welcome an Aran guest who will talk about Celtic myth and spirituality.
Day 3- Kilmurvey House is at the foot of Dun Aengus, an amazing Iron Age stone fort, which we visit after breakfast and before the tourists arrive. At the fort, we take in a sweeping vista of the Atlantic Ocean and the cliffs below. You will ask yourself whether this was a fortress or possible ancient spiritual site. After lunch, we will more fully explore the island, by taking the bus back to the main town center for a walk about, and a stop at Joe Watty's Pub. After dinner we can choose to relax or we may visit the studio of one of the Island's traditional craftsmen.
Day 4 -Catch the ferry to Inishmaan, the middle island. There will be few, if any, tourists here other than us. It is the most traditional of the Arans. We stay at An Dun, a B&B; owned by Teresa and Padraic Flaherty. An Dun is a great base for walking the many paths between stone walls that divide field/pasture from cottages that dot the island. Here also you will find ancient sites, a community church with glorious Harry Clarke stained glass windows, a restored cottage where playwright John Millington Synge stayed in the late 1800's. There is also a knitwear factory, a pub for lunch, and incredible landscapes and views everywhere.
Day 5 -Even though it is a small island, you can't do it all the afternoon of our arrival, so this day is a full day to explore and photograph after included breakfast. Dinner this evening at An Dun, and Teresa will tempt you with special desserts, all included. An evening open for sharing photographs.
Day 6 - After breakfast, ferry to Inisheer, the smallest island. Here are monastic ruins buried in the sand, a saint's grave, a ruined fort, a beach, shipwreck, lighthouse and more. We store our bags and have lunch at the local pub. If the weather and seas permit, we will have a long afternoon on the island and will catch the last ferry back to the mainland - Doolin in Co. Clare, where we will be based for two nights. A good night for sharing images.
Day 7- After included breakfast, take private bus into The Burren, one of the most astonishing landscapes in Ireland. We will visit holy wells, abbey ruins, dolman sites, the lovely town of Ennistymon, and even a fairy ring. This evening, we can share images and walk into town for a night at the pubs...or begin packing for the trip home.
Day 8 - After breakfast, we set off for the Shannon Airport in time for afternoon flights back to the States. Or, if you are leaving on Monday, we can drop you at the Park Inn Hotel, adjacent to the airport, with an optional trip to Bunratty for the balance of the afternoon.
Trip includes accommodations, 7 breakfasts, 1 light lunch, 4 evening meals, entrance fees, land and ferry transportation, guest speakers/artists. Does not include airfare or other transport to Shannon Airport. Registration is limited to 10 persons.
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