Big Island, Hawaii: Images of Gratitude
Hamakua Coast, Big Island, Hawaii, with Douglas Beasley, March 9 – 19, 2011
This is not your parents Hawaii. This is an incredible journey to the old authentic and indigenous Hawaii and not the pre-packaged tourist version. Even if you've been to Honolulu and Waikiki on the Island of Oahu please join us because you have not seen or experienced anything close to this Hawaii. Some of the highlights will be a trip to the lava flow on the island's active volcano, shoots on black sand beaches, spectacular waterfalls, Akiko's sense of humor and infectious laugh, wandering through old plantation villages, Buddhist temples, ancient stone spiritual grounds and meeting and hanging out with with some of the islands many artists and photographers. But the best of all are the people of Big Island, who still embrace and live the "Aloha Spirit" of old Hawaii. This is a trip you will not forget and will exceed all expectations of what Hawaii is really like.
Akiko's Buddhist Bed and Breakfast located along the beautiful lush Hamakua Coast 15 minutes North of Hilo will be our home. Everyday we will embark on a new adventure to explore and photograph the Sacred landscape of waterfalls, ocean, volcano and old rusty tin-roofed plantation villages with an eye for how things in nature, worn by time and wind and rain and crashing ocean and volcanic eruptions reveal their "postures" of gratitude.
Mornings will begin with a short optional sitting meditation in the zendo and a walk to the ocean to experience the early morning light and to hear the tropical rain forest wake up. Upon returning, you will all be treated daily to Akiko's great breakfasts — platters of fresh papayas, banana pancakes. mango smoothies, her famous Buddha Buzz coffee and whatever else is blooming or buzzing.
After a short photo/art discussion we will usually head out on a photographic adventure. Doug will spend time each day helping each individual clarify their vision and reach toward their photographic potential. We will leave room for spontaneity and serendipity. Nightly discussions about the meeting of art and spirit, and how we can better interpret and incorporate it into our own art and selves, will be held hanging out in the comfort of the retreat studio or along the ocean just listening to the waves and observing the night sky.
We will also have the opportunity to visit with the town elders who are mostly Japanese, in their 70's & 80's who have lived during the sugar plantation era. Their faces, feet and bodies show the humility, toughness and resiliency of work and the desire to make a better life for their children.
This will be an unforgettable experience and a very unique way to experience Hawaii. Everyone is welcome. You need not be a Buddhist, just bring an open heart and a willingness to be transformed by the amazing beauty and power of Hawaii and of course, plenty of film.
See some student photography from this workshop.
To find out more about Akiko's Bed and Breakfast and Hawaii :
www.alternative-hawaii.com/akiko
Student testimonials from this workshop:
“My heart has so much that it wants to say, but it is difficult to get the feelings translated into words. Cliched as it may sound, the workshop was life changing. Our group was totally great, with you at the core, and our ninja Akiko. You teach how to make pictures that are connected, that speak to the photographer as well as to the viewer. I have been gifted a spiritual practice that integrates with artistic vision, what could be better? I feel deep gratitude to have found this path. And you Doug, have a big, open heart that invited me right in. Thank you so much.” — Rio Elkheart,Albion, CA
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“My heart has so much that it wants to say, but it is difficult to get the feelings translated into words. Cliched as it may sound, the workshop was life changing. Our group was totally great, with you at the core, and our ninja Akiko. You teach how to make pictures that are connected, that speak to the photographer as well as to the viewer. I have been gifted a spiritual practice that integrates with artistic vision, what could be better? I feel deep gratitude to have found this path. And you Doug, have a big, open heart that invited me right in. Thank you so much.” — Rio Elkheart,Albion, CA
“It was a life-transforming trip. Thank you so much for your inspiration, humor, kindness and introduction to so many wonderful people. I take away a great enthusiasm for photography and I definitely intend to pursue that mode of expression. I will be thinking of your words, your ideas and images.” — Annika Khalsa, Park Ciry, UT
“I would like to thank you all for making this trip a wonderful experience for me! I really enjoyed the company and the opportunity to share in your lives. Thank you Akiko for opening your home and heart to us and for the honest critique of my work. It will truly help me grow. Please extend my thanks to all the wonderful people of Hawaii that made our trip special. Thank you Doug for the workshop and the inspiration in helping me find something else within me that I could express through photography.” — George Quirog, Miami, FL
“I must tell you how grateful and appreciative I am for the experience on the Big Island and the opportunity that you gave me in taking your workshop. I learned a great deal from you about photography and connecting with one's inner spirit. Having the opportunity to create that connection with the place, Hawaii, that is most dear to me was truly inspirational and very meaningful. I carry what I learned at that workshop wherever I go and whenever I take photos. I am grateful to you in giving me a new tool (photography) to connect with my spiritual self and the environment.” — Keri Yamamoto, Honolulu, HI
“Thanks for a great workshop. I appreciated your comments on getting to ‘feel’ the picture rather than just seeing it. Thanks for a rewarding and fun workshop.” — Herb Hong, Honolulu, HI
“Doug, I can’t even begin to find the words to thank you for the beautiful experience we all created. I’ve been thinking about you and the group pretty much non-stop and know that the past two weeks have been life changing in so many ways.....many of which I don’t even know yet. You are such a beautiful soul. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. :) I know our paths will cross again and I so look forward to it.” — Lisa Heartman, Longmont, CO
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Dates:
Friday, March 9 (arrival day) – Sunday, March 19, 2010 (departure day).
Cost:
$1595 plus airfare ($500 deposit). Includes healthy breakfast, lodging and all transportation in Hawaii.
Class limit:
8
