Student Testimonials

-Ray Davis, workshop: David Julian, Creativity and the Cultural Image, October 2005.

“The workshop was marvelous. David Julian is an outstanding teacher of photoshop techniques, but more important, it's the creative vision that is passed on to the students. Also, he really bonded together a group of strangers into a synergistic and creative body,”
-Ray Davis, workshop: David Julian, Creativity and the Cultural Image, October 2005.

"I never thought that I could spend 10 hours a day glued in front of a computer learning the nuances of fine art digital printmaking and have so much fun. Mac Holbert is a fine teacher. Besides his wealth of knowledge that he eagerly shares, he has tremendous patience, a skill definitely needed in teaching photoshop, and a warm sense of humor and lots of enthusiasm for all photography. What also made the workshop great was the privilege to work along side talented, experienced fellow photographers. Their photographs gave me the beginnings of awareness of the rich life of the Mexican people. Our host, Marietta and Antonio were gratuitous and generous with their time. They were our guides to Dia de los Muertos parades, altars, and delicious restaurants. Everywhere we went, walking through the neighborhood to lunch or to a restaurant near the market we photographed. Since this workshop, I see the world differently, a moment between people, the pattern of a shadow, the vivid richness of a blue against orange,"
- Pat Dolan, workshop: Mac Holbert, Digital Printing, October 2005.

“As for the workshop, it was great!!! I think that I and everyone else gained personal, social, and political insight. And extended our strategies for making issues visible. I thought that the equal inclusion of Mexican national, regional and local artists as a matter of course was vital to the integrity and intentions of the workshop. It gave the visitors an experience beyond tourism. The real friendships and artistic links made across all the nationalities along with the location and attitude of the workshop and the supporting staff ensured that a meaningful cultural EXCHANGE took place. The specific tasks of the workshop consolidated this by celebrating difference, and by dispelling any notion of irrational fear towards cultural and racial difference. Also the exploration of stereotypes served to highlight their absurdities. I can't wait to return to Mexico!”
- Traci Kelly, workshop: Guillermo Gómez-Peña, Performance, Summer 2005.

“The workshop offered an amazing opportunity to make work with a diverse group of artists from nine countries. The strength of the group was in the varied approaches, experiences, and en-culturation of its members. Guillermo Gomez Pena and Violeta Luna provided outstanding direction and exposed the participants to new, rigorous and exciting working methodologies which enriched the practices of all. La Luz Talleres provided a well considered and organized environment for the work to take place in. This workshop was a momentous process for any artist to undertake.”
- Richard Hancock, workshop:
Guillermo Gómez-Peña, Performance, Summer 2005.

“The La Pocha Nostra approach to creating interesting and risky images employed extreme trust building exercises as well as step-by-step explorations of the human body to develop keener awareness of our physical/psychological/spiritual capabilities and deepen our sense of respect for each other as organic intellects. Over the course of the workshop, I found that confidence in my abilities (as well as the abilities of others to handle my body) was heightened and the link between my social aesthetics and conceptual thought process was tremendously fortified. I came away from the experience with a feeling of profound refreshment, inspired excitement and fierce love for the incredible people I had the pleasure of working and learning with. Thanks again for showing us all such an amazing time,”
- Emily, workshop: Guillermo Gómez-Peña, Performance, Summer 2005.