October 10, 2014
On My Way to Bandon, Oregon!
Stone Jetty No 6, Maalaea Harbor
I’ll be spending the next two weeks in Bandon, Oregon for my annual retreat.
This is a sacred time for me. It’s a chance to be completely alone, with no distractions and only one thing to think about: creating images.
At first it always takes a couple of days before I begin seeing, and often I’ll worry about the process and why it isn’t coming along. But then it comes…as it always does.
As I prepare to depart for Bandon I’m wondering if I’m finished with my Monolith series which I’ve been working on there for the last several years, or if I’m ready to move onto a new idea. I’ll find out soon enough as I walk those beaches and see if something else catches my eye.
In the past I’d need to go on these trips with a plan and preconceived ideas of what I’d be working on. Now I simply go and trust that I’ll see something and if I’m meant to go in a new direction…then I’ll be carried away with excitement and inspiration.
As I look at my portfolios, that is how it has always happened: spontaneously and through a sudden burst of inspiration.
It’s taken me a long time to learn to trust in the creative process and to realize that it cannot be manipulated or rushed.
Cole
I now have the same idea for my trips, I pick where I am going and go from there. Half the fun is exploring and see what comes, that is the exciting part.
Barbara
Beautiful idea! I haven’t thought about a trip like that, but the idea of 2 weeks away sounds amazing. Looking forward to seeing what comes from your trip.
Best,
Carlin
Looking forward to seeing your images, Cole…. I like idea of no pre-conceived ideas.
Hey Cole,
Have a great time of reflection and creativity.
John
Have a great time Cole, looking forward to seeing your masterpieces.
Giulio
Cole,
The area you are traveling to is certainly a beautiful place to explore. I have found over the years that going back to a location numerous times lets you have the freedom to slow down and not rush, as when visiting for the first time. Taking a solo trip, which I have done many times, will yield your most personal and inspirational work. Enjoy your travels and I look forward to seeing your new images. John
Cole, As an Oregonian, I’ve asked you in the past to please stop writing about Bandon. Before you know it, the tour buses will be lined up in front of The Minute Cafe where the servers look like your Grandma, wear home made calico aprons, and call you “sweetie” when they refill your cup. When Starbucks replaces “The Minute”, I’m blaming you!
More seriously, I’m soon putting your concept of “planned serendipity” to use myself; taking my small motor home, solomente, loosely pointed toward southwestern New Mexico. No itinerary, no reservations, no schedule. Just a man and his camera. Sacred time, for sure.
Enjoy your time!
Cole: Wishing you a restorative and creative 2 weeks. -Ryn
Wishing you safe travels, beautiful sunsets and abundance of what it is that calls you. .
Wow, no more Monoliths maybe, say it ain’t so! 🙂 I’ll be looking forward to whatever may be coming up next!
Two weeks! (I just hit the envy button). You will test my photo celibacy to to the extreme in that while desperate to see your eventual images, I will try not to look for I will be there for four days in April next year. Maybe heed Sam’s suggestion and just dole out the images one per every six months. 😉