NOW OPEN! One on One session(s) for summer (June - August 2023) are now open!
Portfolio review season will be here before you know it!
The package includes four hours of one on one with me, split over two sessions. These sessions are online.
Participants will leave with:
-A concise artist statement
-A concise project statement
-An efficient elevator pitch that gets to “it” quickly
-A powerful edit and sequence of your photographs
-Increased confidence when discussing your work
-A list of clear and concise questions for the reviewer which will focus the experience in alignment with your goals.
Cost: $325.00 RSVP HERE
Add on: 20 to 30 photographic archival pigment prints that elevate your work to its absolute best. Price upon request based on size and paper choice.
Sample pricing: 11”x17” prints range from $32 to $40 per piece based on paper type.
Sizing variables and paper selections impact the work and experience of the reviewer /
I am happy to make suggestions and work with budgets.
Image by: Marjolaine Gallet
Into the Fold: Artist Mother Identity
Dates: Tuesdays, May 16- June 20, 2023 / 11 AM EST - 1 PM EST / 6 sessions, online zoom
While the idealized version of "mother" has long been the subject of artwork, how have artists' parents + caregivers taken control of their image while offering diverse representations of caregiving? Pioneering artists Mary Kelly, Catherine Opie, and Renee Cox have long challenged art historical norms and more recently, caregiving has become a more widely accepted topic of art and in popular culture. Maternal art studies, feminist mothering, and international networks of artist parents are now widely accessed and provide a strengthened framework of artistic inquiry into care. Yet as "essential work" came into focus in Covid era conversations, caregiving in its many iterations continues to be undervalued and underrepresented. Participants are encouraged to create while enjoying a space for art production, inquiry, constructive criticism, and conversation that challenges these norms.
Each session will begin with a lecture and conversation focusing on artist/parent identity in lens + performance-based art history and contemporary practices followed by workshopping on new and existing participant projects. This format incorporates a weekly lecture + reading discussion, and group critiques. Guest artist TBA. Former guests have included Toni Pepe and Dyana Gravina.
Workshop tuition is $410. RSVP HERE or Venmo @Lesly-DeschlerCanossi. Alternate payment methods are welcome, a sliding scale may be available. Please email DeschlerCanossi@gmail.com for more info.
A cancellation policy requires two weeks’ notice from the start of the workshop. There is a $75 cancellation fee, and a two-week notice by May 2nd is required. Without the required cancellation notice, no refund will be provided - an alternate one-on-one session will be offered. This course originated in 2017.
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One on one single session meetings
These sessions are customized to align with the goals of the artist. A 30-minute free phone consult may be required to ensure the best fit and plan of action.
Possible areas of exploration:
-Private portfolio review
-Preparing the portfolio for grant & residency applications, gallery presentations, or print consideration
-Writing to create a concise bio, project statement
-Book pitch, and book edit for an existing publishing contract.
-Print-to-wall consultation including material considerations for DIY printing to full custom framing and installation
-Undergrad and graduate-level school applications (art school and supplemental packets)
-Edit for gallery, museum or online presentations, or websites
Private session: initial session two-hour minimum. Additional sessions are available at one-hour increments or custom-tailored to the artist and scope of the project. Sessions are $125 per hour in person, via Zoom or Skype. Student and emerging artist scholarships are considered. For information reach out directly to DeschlerCanossi@gmail.com
For year-long mentorships with rolling start dates, please inquire at deschlercanossi@gmail.com
-Three hours of monthly mentoring
-Offering ongoing support on the project and professional development of photographers
-Bi-annual guests with industry experts including photo editors, curators, cultural critics, and artists
-Support to create the essential three writing components: project statement, artist statement, and artist bio
-Shared information on exhibition, publishing, and other opportunities that may be of interest and benefit your work
-Extensive knowledge of the materials of photography and how these choices impact the work from print to wall, bookmaking, and portfolio development
-I am available via email anytime, often by phone
References & reviews available upon request
Selection of past courses:
Penumbra Foundation / online Widening the Lens: Revisiting Photo History
Dates: April 21- May 26, 2022 / 6 pm EST -8 om EST / 6 sessions
In this course, a wide range of photographic practices, from the medium’s conception in the 19th century to the modern uses of images via social media, appropriation, and storytelling including VR technology will be discussed. By (re) addressing photography’s multiple histories: as an artistic medium, as social text, as a technological tool, and as a cultural practice, we aim to rewrite its history to better reflect the diverse range of practitioners who have been omitted or written out of its rich history.
Short readings on photography will be assigned. These pieces are readily available online and include writing by Sarah Lewis, bell hooks, Susan Sontag, Robert Adams, Teju Cole, W.J.T. Mitchell, and Hilton Als. Students will leave this course with increased language for photography and an expanded awareness of photographic representation and its role in history.
International Center of Photography / ICP Online Into the Fold: Artist/Mother Identity
Dates: June 3 - July 8, 2021 / 10 am EST 12 pm EST EST / 6 sessions
While mothering has long been the subject of artworks, it is only recently that the artist/mother identity has become a more widely supported topic of contemporary art. With a global pandemic revealing caregiving as an essential, all-consuming role, how has this moment impacted art production and how can artist/mothers find support for their work? Focusing on artist/mother identity in art history, lens-based students in this class can either build on or edit, sequence, and complete an existing body of work.
International Center of Photography / ICP Online
June 8th - July 13th 25th / 11am EST - 2pm EST / 6 sessions
SOLD OUT: A Deeper Examination: Domestic Space and the Era of Social Distancing
In this course, photographers of all skill levels dive deep into the narratives and visuals that are emerging in this time of isolation. With social distancing, working from home has taken on new meaning. Despite our isolated reality, how can our cameras unearth everyday muses and help to keep us engaged? Capturing evidence of life through intimate portraiture, studies of personal ephemera or family archives, and observations of interior spaces shows how our shared reality can make way for new and creative approaches. Students in this class may take a few pictures a day or dive deep into an existing project. Upon completion, many students will have a sequenced and edited body of work with a project statement that articulates this time of collective isolation.
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SOLD OUT: Summer Intensive Monthly Critique Group
Looking for deeper support for your project? This commitment will bring focus to an existing body of work while pushing further into the direction of intent and clarity. We will address technical, logistical and conceptual challenges while pushing our creative limitations. Upon completion participants will enjoy increased confidence in their photographic projects + process leaving with a sequenced edit of images, an artist bio, and a project statement. Outside of monthly meeting, additional one on one support via email will be available.
Starting date: June 17th - August 19th / 11am EST - 1pm EST / 3 sessions / limited to 6 / $375.00 / Zoom required
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Domestic Space in the Era of Social Distancing / International Center of Photography
April 2020 SOLD OUT
May 2020 SOLD OUT
Photographers have long explored the domestic space, capturing evidence of life through intimate portraiture, studies of personal ephemera, and observations of interior spaces. With social distancing, working from home has taken on new meaning—yet we must continue our photographic practice despite our isolated reality. How can our cameras unearth everyday muses and help to keep us engaged? Students in this class may take a few pictures a day or dive deep into an existing project. All camera formats are welcome.
UPCOMING:
Women Picturing Revolution / International Center of Photography
Navigating the Domestic: Mother As Artist / live online course / StrudelmediaLIVE
2018
Women Picturing Revolution
International Center of Photography, New York City
Instructors: Lesly Deschler-Canossi and Zoraida Lopez-Diago
Oct. 27, 2018, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Guests Diàna Markosian of Magnum Photos and Yukiko Yamagata of Open Society Foundation
This one-day seminar surveys female photographers who have documented war, conflicts, crises, and revolution in private realms and public spaces. From fine art photography made as a personal response to forced silence, political oppression, and the inability to act, to well-known photojournalists documenting political and social upheavals, we will examine not only the photographs but also the conditions under which women make images. From photojournalists, Gerda Taro and Lynsey Addario to artist Miyako Ishiuchi, as well as international photographers are lesser known to a Western audience, our examination of women who photograph war and revolution will reclaim and retell history that is both radical and necessary. In-class content will include photographic images, partial film screenings, a review of related literature, a conversation with guest artists, and a look at how these contemporary image-makers are using social media. Participants will leave this class with a reference guide that will equip them with tools to better understand how women document resilience, resistance, and creative survival, in an effort to propel all of us towards progress.
Photographing Domestic Life: Pleasure and Chaos
July - August, 2018, guest artist Andi Schreiber
This course is for students who would like to photographically explore the joys, sorrow, expectations, and demands of domestic life including the intimacy of family, partnership, and personal identity. Through live group discussions and critique, each students’ creativity will be nurtured and sustainable artistic practice will emerge. Ideas and images will be cultivated, and students will be encouraged to complete thoughts and dig deep. This class is open to photographers looking to build upon an existing body of work, but also to better understand, edit and sequence their existing images. Historical and contemporary art investigating the domestic space will be presented. Students may work using any camera format, and fine-art print production and modes of presentation are discussed.
2017
Women Picturing Revolution: Focus on Africa and the African Diaspora
Columbia University's Institute for Research in African-American Studies (IRAAS)
March 11th 2017 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
A one-day seminar that examines contemporary photography and the conditions under which women in and/or from Africa or the African Diaspora make images. From fine art photography made as a personal response to the legacy and locales of slavery, political oppression, and the inability to act, to well-known photojournalists documenting political and social upheavals, Women Picturing Revolution reclaims and retells history in a manner that is both radical and necessary. In-class content will include analysis of photographic work and projects, partial film screenings, review of related literature, conversations with guest artists, and a look at how contemporary image-makers are using social media. Participants will leave Women Picturing Revolution: Focus on Africa and the African Diaspora with a certificate showing their achievement upon completing the seminar. Participants will also leave with a reference guide equipping them with tools to better understand how women in and/or from Africa or the African Diaspora document resilience, resistance, and creative survival. Guest artists Nona Faustine and Ayana V. Jackson will be sharing their work in person. This seminar was co-created and will be taught by Zoraida Lopez-Diago and Lesly Deschler Canossi.
International Center of Photography, New York City
Navigating the Domestic Space: Mother as Artist
January 25, 2017 - Mar 29, 2017 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
While motherhood has long been the subject of works of art, it is only more recently that mothers as artists have turned the camera on themselves and their domestic space. It is said that “anonymous was a woman,” but contemporary female artists exploring the nuances of the domestic space have shifted that role, and now hold power positions in the art world. This work has widened the representation of the female, specifically in her role as mother, beyond the stereotypical saint or sinner, and created a space for the exploration of the joys, sorrows, expectations, and demands of motherhood, marriage (partnership), and identity. Over this ten-week session, your creativity, ideas, and images will be nurtured and developed. You will be encouraged to complete thoughts and dig deep into the ideas you would like to explore—and no one will interrupt you when you are speaking. Through building relationships with other artists, weekly critiques, encouragement, and accountability, a sustainable artistic practice will emerge. Students may work in any format. This class is open to photographers looking to build upon an existing body of work or to better understand edit, and sequence existing images. Historical and contemporary art investigating the domestic space will be presented. Fine art print production and modes of presentation will be discussed for future consideration. Sharing work via social media, opportunities for exhibition, and self-publishing will also be covered.
Recent Events: Panel Discussion Fall 2016 International Center of Photography, New York City
Women Picturing Revolution, Co-created by Lesly Deschler-Canossi and Zoraida Lopez-Diago
November 16th, 2016, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Against the backdrop of the ongoing chaos, women are documenting war, conflicts, crises, and revolution, in private realms and public spaces. This work includes fine art photography made as a personal response to forced silence, political oppression, and the inability to act to well-known photojournalists documenting political and social upheavals. The Women Picturing Revolution panelists include award-winning photojournalist and 2013 Recipient of the Maria Moors Cabot Award for Journalism Donna DeCesare, Documentary Photographer and mentor of the groundbreaking educational initiative Arab Documentary Photographer Program (organized by the Magnum Foundation) Tanya Habjouqa and Artist, Smithsonian Artist Fellow and Founder of Labertino Projects Muriel Hasbun. In conversation, we will examine not only photographs but also the conditions by which women make images. In dialogue with photographers who engage these issues, Women Picturing Revolution aims to reclaim and retell a history that is both radical and necessary. The panel will be moderated by Grace Aneiza Ali, 2014 Andy Warhol Foundation, Curatorial Fellow and Founder and Curatorial Director of OF NOTE magazine. The related course Women Picturing Revolution will take place on November 5th.
Interview with Lesly and Zoraida on the inspiration behind Women Picturing Revolution on page 15 of the ICP, Fall 2016 Course Catalog which can be viewed and downloaded here.
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Fall 2016 International Center of Photography, New York City
Women Picturing Revolution
Instructors: Lesly Deschler-Canossi and Zoraida Lopez-Diago
Nov 5, 2016, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
This one-day seminar surveys female photographers who have documented war, conflicts, crises, and revolution in private realms and public spaces. From fine art photography made as a personal response to forced silence, political oppression, and the inability to act, to well-known photojournalists documenting political and social upheavals, we will examine not only the photographs but also the conditions under which women make images. From photojournalists, Gerda Taro and Lynsey Addario to artist Miyako Ishiuchi, as well as international photographers lesser known to a Western audience, our examination of women who photograph war and revolution will reclaim and retell history that is both radical and necessary. In-class content will include photographic images, partial film screenings, a review of related literature, a conversation with guest artists, and a look at how these contemporary image-makers are using social media. Participants will leave this class with a reference guide that will equip them with tools to better understand how women document resilience, resistance, and creative survival, in an effort to propel all of us toward progress. This seminar was co-created and will be taught by Lesly Deschler-Canossi and Zoraida Lopez-Diago. Lesly is a photographer, photo educator, and owner of Fiber Ink Studio, a pigment print and scanning studio in Beacon, New York. Her first book, Domestic Negotiations, was published with ICP EDU in 2014. Zoraida recently co-curated Women as Witness, an exhibition at TI Art Studios (Brooklyn, New York) about how women photograph community upheaval and was the assistant curator of Picturing Black Girlhood, a photography exhibition at Columbia University/Raw Space presented in conjunction with Columbia University’s Black Girl Movement Conference. Her photographs documenting women in Colombia’s drug wars have been published in Of Note Magazine, the World Policy Journal, and El Tiempo.
Preparing Your Portfolio for Grants, Residencies, Art School and other Visual Applications
Oct. 22nd, 2016 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
What makes a strong visual arts application portfolio? How do you present a portfolio? What gives you the best chance of being accepted in the opportunity of your choice? This two-day workshop provides students with the knowledge to create an art portfolio that demonstrates creativity, ability, and commitment, while clearly expressing the individual artist's potential. Editing and sequencing of images, artist statements, and general submission guidelines (file formatting, supplemental materials, etc.) are covered. Each student is required to bring 30 to 50 images (prints, artwork, or digital) along with a draft of an artist statement for review and discussion. A guest artist reviews portfolio presentations at the end of the course. Students will leave with insider knowledge of what makes a successful portfolio, and a cohesive presentation of their work.
2015 - current
Teen Academy Imagemakers
Lead Faculty
Teen Academy Imagemakers enables 36 motivated high school juniors and seniors to advance their photography skills and develop an awareness of the creative and professional possibilities in the field. This yearlong, weekly program provides students with guidance from some of New York's best teaching artists; field trips to museums, galleries, and studios; college prep workshops; pre-professional assignments; mentorship opportunities in the field; and full access to ICP's facilities. The curriculum provides an in-depth study of photography genres, including self-portraiture, documentary, photojournalism, personal vision, fashion, and studio work. All aspects of the curriculum are intended to encourage and inspire students to further express and strengthen their artistic voices. At the completion of the program, students will have created an extensive portfolio, including an artist's statement and resume, and are honored in a gallery exhibition. This program is best suited for students looking to pursue photography further in college and/or as a career. Interested students must submit a portfolio and written application. Prerequisite: Photo II as approved by Community Programs staff.
Registration by portfolio review
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See Lesly in the classroom for ICP in this lovely piece by CNN which celebrates analog film and its practitioners including the great Elliot Erwin. What Film Photography Still Has to Offer by Cubie King (2011).
