Theater Reflections

I visited the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis recently. I was there visiting family and taking an encaustic photo workshop with the wonderful Clare O’Neill.

Clare introduced me to so much in the three days we worked together: art, color, self-reflection, and loads of wax. On the third day we went out shooting and explored the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis’ Warehouse District. The theater–thanks to French architect, Jean Nouvel and others–is a marvel. Stretching more than half a block (178 feet) from the building face, there’s this 30-foot-wide space called the Endless Bridge. It towers over the West River Parkway and provides the most amazing views of the Mississippi River Dam, and the surrounding mills and cityscapes. The interior walls of the Bridge lobby are set in this amber-colored glass; the exterior of the building is a deep blue with ghostly images of past performers. And then there’s this one red wall. All amazing: the light, the views, breathtaking. But it was the people we met that were the true highlight of the day. Some literally danced their way into our thoughts; others shared their music, creative lives and even their sorrows. And I took my first self portrait in 27 days. Thanks to Clare and all her creativity and encouragement, I’m back. Will share more soon on the encaustic process and why it so appeals to me.

Nice article about the theater and the architect here.

Sir Guthrie himself.