"(A)...singular aspect of the wilderness is that it gratifies every one of the senses." Robert Marshall
The question that often comes up from gallery patrons and passers by is why I developed an interest in photography. My college course work in fine art was developed around both drawing and watercolor painting, which I loved very much, but somewhere along the journey to adulthood I fell under the trance of photography and then the workshop with Ansel Adams only served to fan the flame. It is my belief, at least in my own experience, that photography is not only about capturing light in a sometimes amusing box, but also about capturing a moment of time and place. As the population of this world and the confusion it brings with it, I think it will be important that there is more than just a record of what may be lost in THE confusion. When looking through portfolios of other nature photographers the "oooh's and aaaah" moments are those captures that are testimony to a fraction of life on earth that may never occur again. Whether sunrise, sunset or crashing wave, a duplicate repeat performance is not likely, at least in our lifetime.
As important as the capture of time may be the minutes or hours of anticipation while preparing for a capture are equally fulfilling on a personal basis. While a viewer, of say this blog image, will get the full visual impression of a garden image, they will never be privy to the search, wonder and captivation of the "place". While it is always my hope that an observer will feel the presence of a place when looking at a two dimensional print, they will not feel the dew on their skin or wind in their hair. These "subliminal" moments are the artists reward, which will likely not be forgotten. I cannot recall any name of a particular capture without summing up a legion of sensations about the place.
This image "Mother's Garden", which it actually isn't, is a digital image taken through several filters in Elements 8, including "Find Edges" and various brushwork, as well as some work in Topaz plug in's. Wild the original capture is near Amnicon Falls State Park in Wisconsin, the scene, as depicted here, reminds me of my mothers carefully tended gardens when I was a child. A mental moment in time and place...preserved.
Honor the 4th and our great patriots, past and present and hold hands with your family.
For more views of my work visit;
"A Piece Of Work", Spirit Lake, Iowa http://www.apieceofworkinc.com
"Art On 16th" http://www.hankhallarton16th.com
Artisans Road Trip www.artisansroadtrip.com
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