Yes, it’s true. It is coming soon!

What this book is about.

For those that have not yet heard, I have created and self-published a photographic memoir of my time on the Oregon Coast. The book is titled Taking Refuge: On the Oregon Coast and is my vision of the obvious grandeur and beauty of this region but also of nature’s smaller details that both inspire the artists within us and are critical to the vitality of our coastal eco-system. You can read much more about the book when it arrives and I officially launch it.

This is how it happened.

For Christmas of 2022 my husband, Steve, gave me the best present ever- an online workshop by Rachael Talibart and Adrian Beasley titled, “Photo Project Workshop”.  Steve knew that I contemplated creating a book but it felt like too daunting of an endeavor. Feeling both fearful and inspired, this gift roused me into action and there was no turning back. The group workshop experience not only mobilized me to embark upon a creative journey but the process somehow opened up a space within me that fostered courage and confidence. I ended up embracing a project much more challenging than I had initially contemplated.

Having gone through the rigorous process of bringing a book to fruition, I am a better, more self-assured photographer. I owe a great deal to the professional mentorship provided by Rachael as well as the technical support from Adrian plus critiques and emotional support from 5 other group members, all from the UK. The group experience was a six month long commitment and from there I took everything I learned and followed up with finishing my project, the end result of which, is Taking Refuge: On the Oregon Coast.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention here all of the local support that I received within my community of friends and fellow professionals. But then, I took the opportunity to thank them within the acknowledgements of my book and you will read about that soon too. There have been so many that continue to help me with the process of marketing this book and I will write more about them as I move through this launching process. My heart is full and I am so very grateful.

When and where you can purchase a copy.

If all goes as scheduled the books will arrive during the last week in May.

I have an exhibit of 16 images scheduled to open at the Bandon Library exhibition hall May 1st, running through July 30th. If you are local to Bandon, you can go there personally to see images and to purchase a book if you like. I will keep you posted, here on my blog, as to when the reception/ book signing event during that exhibit will occurr. There will be other events during the summer and I will keep you posted about those as well.

Additionally, once launched, “Taking Refuge” will be available to purchase through my website.

What’s with the image of me below?

This image, taken by my husband, is me having a first look at my book proofs that we picked up from the post office. We had just returned from the beach so the disheveled but excited me was reviewing them. Specifically, in this shot I was quite emotional as I had just read the dedication of  “Taking Refuge” to Steve. For all of your eyes only, you can read it below.  

It has been a long time coming. That is for sure. It will be two years ago this coming  June that I embarked on this journey of self-publishing. It has occupied my time and mind over this last 21 months, more than I can say.

It has been heart and soul work. It is a tribute to both the seaside of Bandon that I love and the surrounding coastal areas that have, indeed, become my persoanal place of refuge.

Additionally, my book is a gentle reminder to myself and to us all, that we might contemplate how much our wildland means to the creatures that depend on it, including you and me.

Thank you for spending time on  my blog here. I love to hear your comments! 

Susan