I have been working on a handmade book of my Tusche Trees. I printed it out and started working on the order of them in the book. I came to a halt when I decided I needed some breaks in the book. I am now thinking about what words to put in there to break up the sets.

Shirley Steel and I are just finishing up our first collaborative online workshop. It was called The Abstract Project. Most of the attendees ended up making books. Last week and this week we are looking at the results.

• Stunning

• Fabulous

• Beautiful

• Intriguing

• Mesmerising

Just a few of the words that spring to mind. Seeing what they are doing just makes teaching so rewarding. Their work is so beautiful that I often feel that little pang of jealousy… Smiles…

We are planning a bookmaking workshop for photographers next.

I need to find the time and the motivation to finish mine. I won’t be at all surprised it takes a while to finish…. I think I need some time to let it sit, and to mature… To figure out those final ingredients that will make it successful. I am actually thinking that after the handmade one gets competed I should consider putting it into a larger print run. I need to decide on a soft cover, or a hard cover, to stop and consider the size. It will all come together when it is ready.

Over the years as a creative artist, I have learnt to trust the process. Some projects take plenty of time, and others take longer. The project dictates the time frame so often. Some sit and go slowly, and others march out the door. I love the ones that have time frames built into them. I often think that is one of the great unsung benefits of working with me as a mentor or as your photography teacher. Together we set deadlines. With these deadlines we just have to finish things.

This particular project formed whilst running the Abstract Photography Workshop that Shirley and I run together. Once I turned my camera to my beloved muses of trees, it all started to work for me. We have been running these workshops for years now. We have been moving the location around, and next year it is in Port Macquarie. There are only a handful of spots left on it. Five days of lessons, shoots and critiques. A perfect place to start your journey into abstract and creative photography. We don’t provide accommodation on this workshop, so it is easy to tailor your accommodation to suit your own budget. 13th -18th March 2022 https://www.lensschool.com/workshops-tours/the-abstract-workshop

I have to get back to getting Len’s Journal ready to post. A very busy day for me. I am so looking forward to my end of year break. Cyan and I are off to walk the South Coast Track in the South West Tasmania. It will be our second attempt. This year covid thwarted our attempt. Fingers crossed for us for this year.

Did you know you can buy some of my art works on Redbubble merchandise. They make great gifts for those who need a little bit of shopping to brighten up the festive season with beautiful gifts. Please note that all of the artworks in there have a signature included in the design.

https://www.redbubble.com/people/lensart/shop

Photographs and text copyright © Len Metcalf 2021