Virtual Creative Problem Solving Institute 2021

Join us for a growing experience in which the evocative nature of poetry is synergistically interconnected with the visual imagery of photography. (This is a double 90-minute session, at the beginning of and near the end of CPSI.)  

Poems throughout the ages have been filled with images of growth and change, from the growing of gardens to the growth and changes that occur in a lifetime. Photography gives a chance to play with the “mind’s eye.” Together, poetry and photography provide an opportunity to reflect, explore and imagine the idea of growth applied in various ways: personal growth, the growth of an idea, the growth of a relationship or the celebration or new or past growth. During two 90-minute sessions, over two different days, we will take a handful of poems and explore their meaning by creating photographic images that depict growth or change in some way.

In this first 90-minute session we will explore a handful of poems. We will describe them in various ways, including transforming what they mean into another poetic form. 

After this session, plan to take photos that represent the poetry and images of growth in some way with the intent of sharing 1 to 3 photos during our second 90-minute session. 

What will you learn or experience as a result of this program or session?

• You will experience poetry that represents growth, inspire it, and use growth as a metaphor.
• You will transform poetic images into photographic images, further growing and adding dimension and perspective to the metaphor.
• You will experience the interconnectedness of poetic and photographic imagery. 

How might the content of this program or session change your perceptions, habits, ways of working, or view on the world?

• You might see synergies in different means of self-expression.
• You might encourage the use of imagery and figurative language.
• You might grow metaphors further by using different means of expression.
• You might invite insight into how reflection on growth can be applied personally and/or professionally at this point in time.

How might you apply what you learn or experience in this program or session?

• You might literally use the inspiration of a poem for taking photos.
• You might use the combination of poetry and photography to explore other themes, like love, traveling, nature, etc.
• You might use this approach as a school or family exercise to look at the world, a challenge, an idea or an opportunity in a different way.