Conscious Creativity

a self portrait workshop to honor your inner artist

An immersive experience with Bunny Luna + Roarie Yum at Crossing Hedgerows Sanctuary
Held annually in DETROIT, MI

This is a safe space. Join us for an inclusive, immersive all-day educational experience to nurture your practice. Come willing to learn + make new connections with a creative community in a collaborative environment.

See Yourself Through NEW Eyes...

Explore self portraiture, set creation, + group collaboration while being held in community

This inclusive experience was designed to nurture your soul + enrich your art practice.

FYI: There will be nudity during this event so please plan accordingly.

Come willing to learn + make new connections with community in a collaborative environment free of judgement.

The intention of this space is to offer a spiritual laboratory for creative expression of our authentic selves!

We join together in sacred ritual to honor ourselves and each other in the divine mission of self-discovery through self-portraiture.

Get support in taking creative risks
+ expanding the boundaries of your vision.

Unlock your potential + discover the transformational magic of visual art. Conscious Creativity is an opportunity for creatives of all ability levels to gain a deeper understanding of their craft + the process of self-discovery. We will experiment on all sides of the lens. This flexible learning framework allows you to receive a personalized experience tailored to your interests. You’ll learn techniques to develop your skills as a photographer, model, + self portrait artist!

 
 

This workshop is for people who:

  • want to explore + experience self portraiture, set creation, + group collaboration

  • crave intentional connection with themselves + others

  • want to create in a shameless non sexual + clothing optional environment

  • are capable of receiving instruction + running with it, enjoys self-directed creative time

  • want to ground in nature in a body-positive space

  • are adults 18+ years old

This workshop is NOT for people who:

  • are racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, etc

  • view all nudity as inherently sexual +/ expect a sexual interaction

  • need one on one individualized attention for the entirety of the workshop

  • have a rigid understanding of what is "acceptable" as art

  • won't make space for differences + are not capable of deep listening

  • are younger than 18 years old

What's included with your ticket:

  • Full weekend or day pass to the workshop

  • Group + individual education + support from Bunny, Lior, + Roarie

  • Clothing optional outdoor location

  • A custom created set to shoot in (on Sunday)

  • Taco/salad bar each day (meat, vegan, + gluten-free options)

  • Aftercare take home materials (co-created images, educational PDFs, + more!)

 

Meet your instructors:

Lior in center

Bunny in center

Roarie in center

Bunny Luna

…is a multi-talented model, photographer, + self-portrait artist with nearly a decade of experience in the industry. They graduated with an associates degree in Fine Art + Photography from Rowan-Cabarrus + has collaborated with the likes of Spencer Tunick, Lauren Woods, Roarie Yum, and other masters in the international art community. Bunny is motivated by self-expression beyond the limitations of language.

Photography, especially self-portraiture, allows one to explore parts themselves that we might not know or understand otherwise. Taking self-portraits is an integral part of their self-love practice. No matter the emotion, whatever Bunny’s feeling they can pour into an image + this alchemical process helps them remain balanced + grounded.

Lior Allay

…is a queer, non-binary self-taught artist, performer, aspiring social scientist, humanitarian, + single mother from the greater Philadelphia area living with EDS.

Their specialty lies in spontaneous design of site-specific concepts using largely found objects to create visual poems with power. They operate from both sides of the lens to execute meaningful scenes about the intersection of identity, sexuality, vulnerability, + gender in our culture today.

As an auteur their technique is defined by the poignant combination of visceral body language + everyday surrealism that encourages the viewer to ask difficult but necessary questions about the sociocultural challenges we face today.

Roarie Yum

…is a Model, Creative, Collaborator, & about 99 other titles as well with decades of experience in the industry. Roarie works unceasingly to improve their skills and expand their knowledge. 

They love creating and it shows in their willingness to dive in and go the extra mile. Subtle details make all the difference. Roarie is happy to repeat and refine poses. 

While they offer creative direction; they are also comfortable at adapting to the goal of the shoot, understanding and grasping the essence of the style, mood + inspirations at hand, as well as being aware of the best light and angles for their body in relation to the camera's perspective.

 

Educational Opportunities

Photography - digital & film
Modeling & posing
Self-portraiture
Multiple exposures on film
Art as a spiritual practice
Inspiration & creativity
Yoga & meditation

What's NOT included with your ticket / what you're responsible for:

  • Lodging before/during/after the workshop

  • Travel to + from Crossing Hedgerows Sanctuary

  • Meals before/after the workshop

  • Extensive 1:1 education (consider booking a private shoot or mentoring session)

  • Creative tools - cameras, tripods, film, etc

Supplies

  • journal + pen/pencil

  • water, snacks

  • camera - cell phones count as cameras!

  • tripod or something to prop up your camera with

  • props, costumes, anything you want to create with

  • sunblock, hat, sunglasses, towel

  • an open + explorative mindset

Want a scholarship ticket?

Tell your friends about this workshop! Share it far and wide! The more people who purchase tickets, the more scholarship tickets we can provide!

Every 4 tickets sold = 1 free scholarship ticket

APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP TICKET HERE

Making Art Accessible

Representation is important to us! We create space for historically marginalized folks to have access to our community + resources. People with intersecting identities are prioritized for scholarship tickets. Sliding scale memberships on patreon are available.

If you think this event would be of use to someone you know, please invite them to join!

Schedule of Offerings

Itinerary:

2 half days: 4 hours each (8 hours total)

Day 1 - Sunday 9am - 1pm

9 am - 11 am:

Silent Settling into the space (15 mins)

  • Introductions

  • Creation of a set

  • Everyone has a chance to shoot on our set!

15 minute break

11 am - 1 pm:

  • What are your boundaries / Consent discussion

  • Group self portrait

  • Review + closing circle

*Please keep in mind this is a rough outline, events with more folks involved typically means the time table may take more time than anticipated.

Day 2 - Saturday 3pm - 7pm

3 pm - 5 pm:

  • Somatic practice

  • Introductions

  • Community Agreements + Expectations

  • Intentions for the day: What do you want to create?

  • What brought you here?

  • What are your adjectives? (1-3 words)

  • Tips + tricks, tools, prompts, props

15 minute break

5 pm - 7 pm:

  • Individual self portrait creation (with support)

  • Review (when applicable/possible)

  • Critique/Feedback (if requested)

  • Journal Session

Bonfire (weather permitting)

 

FAQ

Q: What do I need to bring?

A: Your camera, tripod, props and anything you need to create self portraits, a journal to take notes, comfy layered clothes to adjust your temp, a water bottle, a snack, a yoga mat and/or blankets… anything else that would support you in listening + learning!

Q: If I've never done self portraits can I still come?

A: Yes! Absolutely, if you’re open to new experiences and willing to learn, we’re happy to have you!

Q: What if I don’t have a camera?

A: No problem! If you have a smartphone, you have a camera! If you don’t have a smartphone OR camera, let us know in advance via email at goingbeyondthelens@gmail.com ASAP and we can arrange for you to borrow one of our cameras (with assistance from us).

Q: Do I need to buy tickets for both days?

If you purchase a Full Weekend Pass it covers both days! There is no need to buy two separate tickets.

Q: I'm not sure I'm ready to touch or be touched, am I still welcome?

A: Yes! All parts of this workshop are optional. You will get more out of it the more you participate but the level of participation is completely up to you.

Q: Is there any erot!c touch involved?

A: No! This is a strictly non-se*ual space. We'll incorporate touch + platonic intimacy while respecting everyone's unique experience + avoiding traditional erogenous zones like the nipples or groin.

Q: How ռǟӄɛɖ do I have to be?

A: You don't 'have' to be anything, you get to show up however you like! We encourage you to follow the path of most comfort. Tune into your temperature as we create and adjust your clothing to suit your ideal climate.

 
 

Conscious Creativity 2022 Gallery:

 

Gallery of self-portraits solo + in groups by Lior + Bunny:

 

Covid-19 Policy:

If you are showing any symptoms, signs of illness, or were in contact with a known covid positive person within 10 days of the workshop, please do NOT attend. Individually each person is responsible for assessing their personal risk level. By gathering you accept any + all risks associated with participation + do not hold crossing hedgerows or GBTL accountable.

Thank you for showing up safely!

This workshop will happen rain or shine

Looking forward to creating with you,

Bunny, Lior, & Roarie