And Zen There is Art

"Just Beyond" by Marion Griffin

    Interpreting art work is an education in visual art and in the artist. For several years I've been photographing artist's portfolios and have found that each experience is a report card in adapting to venue, element and content changes that spark compounding menus of technical strategies and aesthetic awareness that can be applied to other photography experiences.

     As a painter and a yogi, Marion Griffin's world overflows with art and inner peace mingled with candid fun and open communication. Her abstract work is an autobiography of her natural self in lively palettes, textures and compositions.

     I have grown to appreciate the difficulty of creating ongoing abstract work with such diversity of balance in design and color as Marion does. I have been able to guess which of her work will sell or which one her agent will choose for a promotional piece. This has encouraged professional trust and a "pick up where we left off" relationship.

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"Cairn" Teapot by Shelley Stevens

    Ceramics and photography are two of my favorite art forms and both worlds meet in Shelley Stevens' ceramics studio.

     Her found driftwood treasures inspire platters, baskets, vessels and magical teapots to be choreographed around them. Patient slip trail or stamped designs on goblets reach for my hand. Earthy vessels (she calls glaze experiments) have been adding up on my shelf; addicting little personalities I occasionally rearrange - infinite landscapes at my command.

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Zebrawood Fanfret Electrics by Wes Lorber

     A super challenge this summer was photographing handmade guitars by Wes Lorber of Gravitas Guitar Works.

     Though I have a background in music (mostly piano) I don't know much about guitars except what they look and sound like. I also don't know how my camera and I managed under 100+ degree weather and drenching humidity (digital downfall). With a diffusing umbrella and a black backdrop we worked up ideas. I saw Wes' instruments as a family of sculptures while he pointed out the importance of wood, grain and the essential details of his craftsmanship.

     The response to this body of work was tremendous (my favorite sold!) and I now have an appreciation for the art of luthiery.

    By photographing art work (as an artist myself) I'm lucky to be able to bask in aesthetic connection with the artist, their work and my self. Seeing how we artists must have our work portrayed as close to our intent as possible, it's such an honor to be asked do this.

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