My Creative Makeover: Self + Art Class at the iArtist Collective

Some of my favorite shots from Self + Art class

You've seen it a million times. The mother getting a makeover on TV after spending so many years putting her children first, and letting herself go. She hasn't bought new clothes in years, and her hair is an unruly mess. For a few moments she is the center of attention. She is pampered and plucked and made to feel like queen for a day. She once agains feels like her old self.

Not too long ago I let my inner-artist go. I used to design jewelry for a living (and I was good at it) so my work day would be spent doing something creative that I loved to do. Once kids came into the picture I no longer had the time to dedicate to jewelry so I found other creative outlets and crafts that I could spend a few minutes here and there on. But then life got in the way, and my studio got dusty as I was spending what little time I had to myself on other things. I had no creative outlet, besides snapping photos of my kids here and there (ok, not just here and there, but they weren't of the quality of photos that I wished they were) and it made me feel like something was missing.

Week 1 assignment: My little elven fairy in the woods

Over the summer I discovered a community of amateur (and professional) photographers like me on Instagram. I had used IG in the past here and there, but had no idea as to its true potential. My creativity was sparked by participating on Fatmumslim's photo-a-day contests (see this past post for more details) and I was meeting people from all over the globe who shared a common interest in photography and other creative things. Through IG I reconnected with a dear friend from high school who told me about this amazing online iPhotography (meaning with your phone) school she and two other friends were starting - the iArtist Collective. Sounded like just the thing I needed to get my creative juices flowing.

I decided to take the Self + Art class given by the uber talented photographer Carolyn Mara Borlenghi. I will be honest, I wasn't going to take this class at first. I was scared of it. I was scared at how talented Carolyn was and felt I had no business being in her class with my amateur photography skills. But you know what? I needed a challenge. I needed someone to push me creatively. I needed someone to spark that passion in my for something artistic again.

Pants off dance off :)

And damn did she light a fire within me! I know that sounds so cheesy, but this class changed me in some way. It changed the way I look at things through my camera - whether on my iPhone or my DSLR. It changed the way I look at things around me. I feel like when I am driving now I see potential photographic masterpieces all around. I am not afraid to get out of my comfort zone either...I am comfortable pushing my own artistic boundaries. I took off my pants and danced in front
of a camera for crying out loud! And I think it is one of my favorite photos I have ever taken.

Each week she gave us assignments that excited and scared us at the same time. Once we completed the assignments we shared them with the rest of the class online and were given amazing critiques that helped each of us all grow as artists. Each time I posted something new I got a rush of anxiety - will they like it? Will they hate it? What will they say in their critiques? I felt like I was back at school again, but I loved every second of it!

Carolyn's class gave my creativity the polish and pluck that it so desperately needed. My inner artist has been given a makeover! It was an experience that I will never forget, and one that I can't recommend enough.

If you are interested in taking an iPhotography class with the iArtist Collective please visit their site for more details! 






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