I am honored and delighted to open early registration for Artistic Alchemy.
Join me, and a small group of incredible fellow creators at my spectacular studio space, Atelier Alchimia, for two inspired days of connection, community, artistic exploration, and creative expression.
Artistic Alchemy promises to be an experience unlike any other. During the workshop|artist retreat, I will depart from traditional, formulaic approaches in favor of more experiential, exploratory methods. Quite simply, we tend to learn best by doing; that is what the workshop is all about: the act of creating. Accordingly, we will spend most of our time together doing just that.
Not only will I deconstruct my entire creative process, breaking down the tangible, technical elements of my workflow, but I will also speak at length about more abstract concepts such as artistic evolution, redefining fear, developing a signature style, and connecting to one's inner-artist in powerful ways, bolstering authentic expression. We will, collectively, embrace the unknown while addressing self-limiting beliefs and patterns, embodying metamorphosis.
The essence of this immersive experience is reconnecting with ourselves as artists and one another as fellow creatives, and rekindling our drive, passion, and excitement to create solely for the sake of creating. I believe that from this mindful, connected state of being, our artistry may reach its full potential.
Art is life; life is art!
-Jonny
Developing an intuitive understanding of and appreciation for the interplay of light and shadow is foundational to artistic expression and genuine confidence as a creative. By exploring a variety of light sources, from natural and ambient to constant and strobes, independently and integrated, and modifying that light using a vast collection of tools (including color), we'll deepen our connection to lighting as our primary means of communication. We will also spend an appreciable amount of time experimenting with unique and atypical lighting methods and techniques; blur, hot lights, projectors, RGB lights, mylar, prisms, mirrors, etc.; Vive la différence!
Art provides us with a powerful means to connect to ourselves, one another, and the world as a whole. However, the capacity to embrace and leverage that connectivity starts with the self. To that end, attendees will be encouraged to connect and create from a place of authenticity and vulnerability, mediating fear, channeling anxiety, and embracing any discomforts that may arise. In doing so, they will organically expand their abilities to create and hold spaces for others to do the same, a superpower of sorts for those who create with fellow humans. We're in this together!
As artists, we must develop our vision and nurture our capacity to see both the forest and the trees. Ideally, in any frame, every element beyond the individual (subject) has a definitive place, purpose, or meaning. That's not to say that there's no room for spontaneity; instead, we must become adept at evaluating scenes and surroundings efficiently and concerning what we're striving to express or convey. We'll spend time exploring why simplicity is synonymous with elegance and how to thoughtfully implement complexity that adds depth rather than creates distractions. Additionally, we'll focus on creating cinematic color palettes and textural harmonies. Lastly, we'll play with many canvas backdrops, one-of-a-kind set pieces, and antique props!
Editing and retouching, like lighting, are compelling because it allows us to communicate our vision and narrative directly. Also, very much like lighting, it is a subject that artists often fear, loathe, or both. As a result, individuals often use overly complex techniques or inefficient approaches to post-processing. However, editing need not be complicated, tedious, or tiresome! Capture One and Photoshop will be explored in-depth, as will various techniques--and hacks--to bring an image from raw to polished in the quickest manner possible. Color toning, skin retouching, styles/presets, actions, and other workflow-enhancing tools will be given extra attention. So bring your laptop and be prepared to find much more joy and fulfillment in editing!
Workshops should be much more than lectures, theory, and demonstrations; they should not only allow for but encourage and inspire application, experimentation, and creation from those in attendance! Every day, attendees will work directly with incredible, unique models, world-class sets, and an awe-inspiring collection of lighting tools, alongside and under the mentorship of Jonny. Individuals are encouraged to own their sets and images by modifying lighting, sets, wardrobe styling, model direction, etc. The aspiration is for every attendee to add art to their portfolio that brings them joy, speaks to their dreams, and inspires them to dig deeper to express their singular creative voice.
First and foremost, Artistic Alchemy is an inclusive, safe space for one and all, born of love, gratitude, and the notion that a rising tide lifts all ships; community over competition! Collectively, we will connect, create, learn, fail, grow, experiment, achieve, laugh, and perhaps shed a few tears... At its core, this workshop is about connecting to oneself as an artist and human and being a catalyst and conduit for others to do the same. Ultimately, the nature of art, and photography specifically, is humanistic. When we focus on the human element, ourselves, one another, and the greater whole, our art takes on a transcendent and infinitely more powerful quality. So excited and honored to be part of this community with each of you!
*investment does not include travel, lodging, or other associated expenses*
My new studio, Atelier Alchimia, is 2,500+ square feet of curated, inspired creative energy. The space was built out as a fully equipped production studio for both stills and video, and is truly unique, in aesthetic, layout, vibe, and the possibilities it presents to artists of all mediums. Situated just outside of downtown Denver, in the quaint Westminster Historic Arts District, it a destination for creators of all types, not just in the Front Range but from both coasts as well. The Atelier was created from the ground up, for artistic expression and the creative community.
To secure your spot at this incredible, immersive workshop, simply click|tap the button below and fill out the brief registration inquiry. Thanks; can't wait to share this experience with you!