Laura Rubin, founder of AllSwell Creative, invited me to photograph one of her incredible workshops at the historic Venice Beach House in Los Angeles. For this event Laura invited notable artist Alison Kunath to lead an exuberant group on an engaging journey in an array of serious and playful exercises focused on drawing, writing and, most importantly, putting pen to paper.

About AllSwell Writing Workshops

AllSwell Writing Workshops are designed to do just that. You’ll be led through accessible writing-based activities by AllSwell founder Laura Rubin. We all need inspiration. To that end, Laura curates a selection of literature from the greats, such as Twain, Melville and Whitman, to serve as touch points throughout the process.

You don’t need to have any background whatsoever in writing or literature to enjoy these experiences. The mere act of putting pen to paper is illuminating. There’s no wrong way to do this. As Papa (a.k.a. Hemingway) said: write drunk, edit sober. We’re not suggesting you go get lit up. The point is, don’t judge the process. Give your yourself permission to start somewhere. The activity itself has value. The therapeutic benefit of doing it is why it should be done.

We develop the content around themes that suit the setting, partner or sponsor, whether that’s overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu or in the desert amidst Joshua Tree National Forest.

"One of the most enjoyable gatherings in recent memory. I love the way you lead, the questions, dialogue... the passages! Watching that discovery of such an obvious act that we've lost to our frantic lives is like finding sunken treasure. Thank you for having me along."
— Beth O'Rourke, Filmmaker