Something New...

I realized that photographing out on the ranches wasn't going to work for me anymore.  I love it out there, but it's time for a change.  Let's photograph something new!  Make something else work for me that's fun and challenging too!  So I went about shooting other things and other places and found out I didn't want to focus on one thing, one project.  I had broken free and nothing was too small or dull or lackluster for me to photograph.  It's all big and it's all beautiful!  

So here begins a new non-themed, no story, plain and simple journey.  I photograph what I find interesting to shoot, that's it!

We'll see what takes place...

Best as always,

Patricia

Cathedral Park Show - Santa Fe - May 5  and 6

Just finished the show!  What a beautiful weekend!  The weather was fantastic save for a few bursts of wind...warm, blue skies, breezes.  Cathedral Park is always a joy.  The park is full of large trees, a spacious lawn of green, and of course, the Cathedral.  The bells ring throughout the day and remind us of where we are and what we are doing.  Centering...

All the artists looked great and I believe that sales for most were plenty.  Thanks to all of you who came through my booth, for the delightful conversations, and for all the stories.  Hope to see you at the next Cathedral Park show...July 7 & 8.  Also, don't forget me at the Railyard!  Next Saturday and every Saturday at Railyard Park, across from the Farmer's Market!  Cheers!

Four in the Dust

"Barndominium"

Last Saturday was a fine day in Santa Fe, warmer than usual for this time of year. I was at the Santa Fe Society of Artists show, a block west of the Plaza. It's a two day show and restricts itself to 2D art. I've done several shows with them over the past two years and have always enjoyed it very much.

A couple came through from Midland, TX and talked about their new "barndominium". It's a combo barn and living quarters. A fine place to be. Then they chose my "Four in the Dust" as the first piece of art to hang there. What an honor!! I love to hear stories about where my photographs are going to live, who will see them.

Linda, please send me a photo if you get the chance. I'd love to see "Four in the Dust" on the barndominium wall!

New Season for Santa Fe Artists Market!

This morning at 6:25 am, warm and barely a breeze, I arrived at the Railyard Park. It seems we just finished last season, but here it is the first morning of a new one! 21 brave souls beginning again. The wind picked up before 8:00 am and clouds were moving in. No, No...not on the first day...not on any Market day for that matter! But everyone proceeded to set up by hauling all their items from their cars or trucks to their space. Put up our tents, set up our tables, hang our drapery or racks, attach our weights, arrange our goods, and breathe a sigh of relief. DONE! At least for this Saturday.

We hung a new banner today! It represents months of work by the new Board of Directors, putting together an organization that will take us into the future. Hanging the banner today was a milestone for me, representative of how far we've come. Felt great!

The 21 artists that set up today were all professionals. Painters, photographers, potters, furniture makers, jewelers, and fiber artists. It's a great feeling to see so many talented artists with smiling faces early on the first morning. Could this be a sign? Are we about to have the best year ever? We all hope so...

Frank Osborne raises goats. He's a fiber artist, weaving his own, creating beauty from the wool of his goats. Last night he brought two new, little baby goats into the world. I think that's definitely a good sign!

Dusty Road Workshops

Today and days from now, I am working on and revealing to all the dream I've had for a long time. That of making Dusty Road Workshops a reality.

For the past couple of months I've been researching and talking about my workshops to everyone who will listen. I've had quite an interest brewing and have found some incredible ranches in New Mexico who will host our photographic adventures. What I promise to everyone who attends one of my workshops is that they find a peace they have not known before, out there photographing and experiencing ranch life in all its beauty, richness of character, and fullness of southwest experience. A true photographic adventure!

Stay tuned for all the developments underway and visit my website often for the latest dates and locations.

Presently underway...San Cristobal Ranch, outside Santa Fe a few miles, yet far, far away from the nearby lifestyle. Join us in September, one of the most beautiful months in northern New Mexico, for a four day photographic adventure...September 16, 17, 18, and 19. Also included in the workshop will be an exciting shoot of New Mexico's Wild Horses. Email me at patricia@patricialeigh for further details.

On with the journey...

It has been sometime since I last posted. Life. Life changes. In the flash of light, a phone call, a doctors appointment...nothing is ever the same again.

What I searched for most of my life went out the window and came back in again in a more powerful and magical way. In a few words...photography saved my life.

Diagnosed with cancer and having surgery in one day can spring a person out of this world and into the next and back again. Living through it and then experiencing the healing process creates a different sort of awareness. There are books and articles written about it. There are movies made of it. And after all is said and done, there are no words.

Photography and beginning again created joy and a sense of belonging like nothing else for me. I dug out my photographs that I had worked on, found my business cards that I designed and never used, and researched how to do this and do that until the sun went down. I found an Artist Market and signed up right away...no delays. I set up my white tent along with all the rest of the folks and waited and hoped for a sale. Something to tell me that I could make it as an artist. Some sign that there were people out there that liked my work. And it came...

Maybe it was just that I took that first step. A leap of faith. They say that when you take that leap, there is nothing to fear. There is nothing to fall upon but pink, fluffy, rose petals. I guess that's how I would describe it. Pink and fluffy and real...

So I'm starting again. This is my first blog in two years. It's time. I have a lot to write about and a lot to share. Let me know your thoughts along the way.

On with the journey...