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Between Two Worlds

Conceptual Portraiture - Maine Photographer - Karen Olson

Wildheart

Wildlight

Centered_Karen Olson Photography

Cosmos

Cosmos_Karen Olson Photography

Empathy

Intimate Conversations

Deep Secrets_Karen Olson Photography

karenolson.photography

‘Let It Wash Over You’ . As I sat on the grass

‘Let It Wash Over You’
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As I sat on the grassy, still damp banks of a river I had only just met, I was reminded of something my husband used to say. “Let it wash over you.” Every time we came upon something we couldn’t understand in the way a cultural disconnect in our travels, he would say these words. He loved to travel and so do I. Not a vacation type travel but a “let’s pretend we live here” type of travel. Cultural immersion. So here in this image I am immersed in the culture of the woods and the river, hoping to learn a few words of the language and appreciate the beauty as well as the grit.
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#landscapephotography #mainelandscape #water #wildheartphotoseries #karenolsonphotography #wildheart

‘Mirage’ . Abstracted landscape reflection. .

‘Mirage’
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Abstracted landscape reflection.
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Pigment print on Hahnemule photo rag metallic.
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#abstractlandscape #intimateconversationsphotoseries #karenolsonphotography #maineartist #mainephotographer

It’s up! I have been patiently waiting to share

‘Interwoven’ . The last from the first section

‘Interwoven’
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The last from the first section of the Intimate Conversation series. I have decided there will be 5. Why five? I have no idea. 🙃
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#intimateconversationsphotoseries #karenolsonphotography

The show at Sweethaven Gallery has been extended u

The show at Sweethaven Gallery has been extended until October 3rd. 3 more to weeks to spend a lovely day in Newburyport and see the show. Thank you @sweethaven_gallery
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‘Centered’ - Sculptural photography: pigment print kozo paper, mulberry paper, natural fibers, fire.
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#sculpturalphotography #karenolsonphotography #newburyport #galleryshow #maineartist #mainephotographer

Just a few weeks ago I was interviewed by Laura

Just a few weeks ago I was interviewed by Laura Valenti @valentiphoto
We had a Zoom chat which was recorded and added to her new multi-media e-course, Landscape Photography and Deep Seeing. What a wonderful connect we had! Of course, I always love talking shop, but she wanted to know intimate details about my practice which was such a delight to share. More of a why you do what you do than a how.
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I am truly excited for Laura’s new class, it looks like a great way to head into fall and open up to “Deep Seeing.”
Go check it out!
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#landscapephotography #photographyecourse #onlinelearning #deepseeing #laruavalenti #valentiphoto #karenolsonphotography

I was listening to the podcast Experts and Masters

I was listening to the podcast Experts and Masters from @asmpnational enjoying an inspiring interview with @erikalarsen888
Erika stated that her extended time spent in the woods helped hone her senses, specifically her sense of hearing and listening. She felt that it absolutely aided her communication with others and helped her be a better listener. I must go back and listen to the podcast again, there were so many good points. Her words connected with the theory I have been researching that time spent in nature helps us navigate interpersonal relationships. Learning to listen in a calm relaxed state is a skill that is very much worth working at, I believe.
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“Intimate Conversations”
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#karenolsonphotography #mainephotographer #maine #communicationskills #natureishealing #intimateconversationsphotoseries #intimateconversations

Getting ready to print a new section of Intimate C

Getting ready to print a new section of Intimate Conversations today. I have decided the series will be 5 sections, variations on a theme, with 7 images in each section. Last week I had a great session with Eric @digitalsilverimaging and talked all things printing. I am excited to get started with a refined process for printing.
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Haven’t decided which paper I will be printing on yet, still a work in progress.
Shown here are prints from the Wildheart series. Image credit @resonant_photography
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#karenolsonphotography #photoprints #photographicseries #wildheartphotoseries

I’ve always been one that appreciates nature and

I’ve always been one that appreciates nature and I’ve spent a ton of time in the garden and at the shore. But I hadn’t been in the forest alone since I was a child. In 2020 I began an independent study of neuropsychology, specifically with regard to grief and anxiety. In doing so, I came across the concepts of biophilia and Japanese forest bathing. One must enter the forest or park alone in order to give complete attention to one’s surroundings and engage all the senses. It was scary at first but soon fear gave way to delight. I began to crave being alone in the forest. I was keenly aware of what was happening. As I stood in the midst of the trees I could image all the systems I was reading about, how the trees communicate with each other and with us by means of hormones, fragrances, and electrical connections. It was having a profound effect on my psyche. I would walk softly and gently, seeking out those times when the atmosphere was charged with moisture and light. Forest bathing is now an integral part of my life and my artistic practice.
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Prints in two sizes on Hahnemule Photo Rag Metallic paper @sweethaven_gallery
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#forestbathing #ecotherapy #biophilia #nature_brilliance #tree_brilliance #fortheloveoftrees #karenolsonphotography

Thanks @thehandmagazine for including my Wildlight

Thanks @thehandmagazine for including my Wildlight sculptures in the August issue. I just love looking over back issues for inspiration, I am have been collecting them for several years now.
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Second shot is a hello to all the readers of The Hand Magazine from my garden in Midcoast Maine.
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#wildlightphotoseries #sculpturalphotography #thehandmagazine #karenolsonphotography

At first I thought to name this image early mornin

At first I thought to name this image early morning. It reminded me of those few minutes just before any light from the sun brightens the horizon. A moment later, the name ‘Early Mourning’ popped into my head. Perhaps the image doesn’t deserve such a somber title but I had to keep the name. Maybe it was a reminder of how far I have come or more likely it was to honor that particular period of mourning. It is a strange place. Adrenaline rushes through your veins like never before, coating brain connections with a protective solution. It is surreal, hopeful, sharp white light blinding reality.
All systems in our mind and body kick into protective mode.
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The concept of time and place still feel very surreal to me. I am sure we are all feeling this way, in a perpetual early mourning period. All the more reason to allow ourselves the space to process what we are going through, to express it creatively in any way we can, and to allow that protective adrenaline to shape our days with hopeful positivity.
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#grief #griefjourney #griefandloss #naturebrilliance #brainhealth #karenolsonphotography

The forest makes no judgement. It doesn’t expect

The forest makes no judgement. It doesn’t expect you to make polite conversation or avoid certain subjects. You can come to it with angst or indignation, quietude or delight. It doesn’t matter. It will meet you where you are. It is wholly supportive, a true friend, always ready to listen, always ready to give.
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Heart of Gold, 13x19 or 24x36 print on photo rag metallic paper. The reflective print is subtle yet powerfully engaging. One feels embraced by the mystery and grace of the subject.
Currently available @sweethaven_gallery
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#karenolsonphotography #newburyportma #mainephotographer #maineartist #creativemaine #treelovers #treesofinstagram #treescape #fineartphotography

We end an over the top exciting week at our Maine

We end an over the top exciting week at our Maine Media workshop ‘Art of Seeing’ with Elizabeth Opalenik and a talk at Carver Hill gallery in Camden. Elizabeth is showing her new work (which I am personally in love with) and teaching about paper choice and printing options. She will be returning to Maine in October for a show at the gallery with her new work, ‘See of Possibilities.’ Don’t miss it!!
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Thank you Elizabeth for sharing your wealth of knowledge and generous spirit. I am completely inspired!
@elizabethopalenik
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Thank you Maine Media for ensuring a safe campus and comfortable space to grow artistically.
@mainemedia
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And thank you Karen at Carver Hill for welcoming us and giving us insight into your artist selection process.
@carver_hill_gallery
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#mainephotographyworkshops #photographyworkshops #artofseeing

Today’s the day! Show opens in Newburyport!! .

Today’s the day! Show opens in Newburyport!!
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Come say hi 😊
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Huge hugs to @jsybylla for making the introduction helping curate the show.
Thanks to Greg for welcoming me into the space @sweethaven_gallery
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Such a happy day. Thank you Fehmida @fehmidachipty for celebrating with me!!
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#newburyportma #sweethavengallery
#karenolsonphotography

‘Komorebi’ . #mainelandscape #forestbathing #f

‘Komorebi’
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#mainelandscape #forestbathing #forestbathingtherapy #intimateconversationsseries #karenolsonphotography

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All words and images copyright Karen Olson Photography