Celebrating the 16th year of writing this photographic Newsletter.
Hi everyone,
In this months Newsletter, two short photographic adventures near home are combined with a new Exhibition to further explore the remote Chilcotin Ark, an extraordinary place of immense power.
As always, I work to improve my craft in the endeavour to create photographic art. These visual adventures are gifts from the Mother; I treasure each and every one of them.
1. Our First Visitor to the Studio Gallery in 2021.
I was enjoying a sunny afternoon cup of tea on the front porch when something along the road caught my eye. I looked and saw nothing. Five minutes later a Great Grey Owl rose from a snow bank (where it had caught a mouse) and perched on our gallery sign.
With the owl facing the evening light, I thought to myself, ‘what a photographic opportunity’. However, how could I get close; it was a long way away.
After two cars passed within metres (neither driver noticing the owl!) of the owl, I realized I had nothing to lose by trying to get my image. I got up, went into the house, got my camera, pre-set my settings, and then, as quietly as I could, hiked through a snow filled aspen forest to the road. With its swivelling head, it watched my every move without budging from the sign.
When I reached the road, I raised my camera and made the above image. As soon as my camera clicked, the owl took off for the woods behind our home. As it launched, I made two more images.
I was thrilled. It seemed as if the Great Grey Owl wanted to give me the most famous marketing image I would ever make; truly a gift from the natural world.
2. Seeking New Ways to Perceive the World
Two weeks ago, I woke up to see a dusting of snow outside my bedroom window; nature’s one last attempt at winter. Excitedly, I dressed, grabbed my camera bag, and drove off down the highway. I had no idea what might resonate with me until I saw a marsh of cattails. I pulled over on to the shoulder, and went to work.
As a representational photographer, I could have walked back and forth along the highway seeking new perspectives of the above reality.
I believe, however, that the art of photography is so much more than what we perceive to be reality. How can I capture the imagination of my viewers if I show them what they already know?
No matter what the medium, an artist’s job is to challenge their viewers pre-conceived perceptions of reality. With this idea in mind, I set out to investigate my subject, to show it as no one has even seen it before.
Every time I photograph, I attempt to learn my craft better. I am always exploring the potential of my camera as a tool of photographic expression, always seeking new ways to perceive the world.
3. Chilcotin Ark IV: Jacobsen Lake; Expressions of Ice Exhibit
I was introduced to Jacobsen Lake from the air, and in its centre was a huge iceberg drifting slowly away from two retreating glaciers. Over the headphones, Duncan Stewart, my pilot, told me that as a young pilot in the area he couldn’t land here. The lake was too small at the foot of these rivers of ice. Today, the glacier has retreated more than one kilometer and the lake is large enough to land on.
At that moment, I secretly promised myself, I would one day return to this lake to paddle where no man had paddled before, and to explore the narrative of climate change.
This exhibit includes two 7-day photographic adventures to Jacobsen Lake. Each was an experience of a lifetime. I invite you to join me; Visit the Jacobsen Lake Exhibit here.
All of us at Chris Harris Photography thank you for your subscriber support!
Chris
You keep surpassing my expectations with every new Newsletter-Portfolio. This month is no exception!.
Such superb images of your trip! Merci beaucoup for all this great inspiring work!
Pierre Chabot- Mont St Hilaire
This latest gift of your newsletter resonates so deeply, and surprises with the mysteries of ice and time and beauty and art. Thank you for taking us into the heart of your adventure into the blue world.
What an opportunity nature provided you with the owl on and flying from your sign. I really enjoyed your presentation the other night to our Abbotsford Club and several of the other members have shared with me how inspired they are to try their hand at ME and ICM. You re-energized me as well. In the past few days I have created some images that make me really excited. 🙂
Great to hear from you Betty, and very pleased to have been an inspiration to you and some of your club members. That’s EXCITING!! The very best in creativity. Chris
I very much enjoy your newsletter and reflect on my wonderful time in your area several years ago.
My daughter and I each have one of your images….mine is “golden sunrise”, from when we visited your beautiful home and area. Your newsletters are very inspirational. Thank you….Lois Mesner…Victoria BC
chris your photographs of the owl are brilliant wish our grandchildren could get one to live in their owl box Take care from Liam and Philomena Byrne Ireland
Hi Philomena and Liam. Wonderful to hear from you in Ireland! Hoping all is well. I’ll give the owl directions to where you live and ask it to pay you a visit! Chris
Capturing the great owl was a moment!
It was indeed!
Wow. Incredible photos! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Brenda
Thank you Brenda!
Chris
You keep surpassing my expectations with every new Newsletter-Portfolio. This month is no exception!.
Such superb images of your trip! Merci beaucoup for all this great inspiring work!
Pierre Chabot- Mont St Hilaire
Merci Pierre. Always great to hear from you and to know you are in touch. Dit hello a Mont St Hilaire!
This latest gift of your newsletter resonates so deeply, and surprises with the mysteries of ice and time and beauty and art. Thank you for taking us into the heart of your adventure into the blue world.
To revisit these amazing places and create these Exhibitions is richly rewarding; I’m so pleased they resonate with you as well. Many thanks. Chris
Thank you Chris for continuing to share your Chilcotin Ark images and words that transport me through my imagination to these magical places.
It’s a thrill to share with you Fred. The very best to you. Chris
What an opportunity nature provided you with the owl on and flying from your sign. I really enjoyed your presentation the other night to our Abbotsford Club and several of the other members have shared with me how inspired they are to try their hand at ME and ICM. You re-energized me as well. In the past few days I have created some images that make me really excited. 🙂
Great to hear from you Betty, and very pleased to have been an inspiration to you and some of your club members. That’s EXCITING!! The very best in creativity. Chris
I very much enjoy your newsletter and reflect on my wonderful time in your area several years ago.
My daughter and I each have one of your images….mine is “golden sunrise”, from when we visited your beautiful home and area. Your newsletters are very inspirational. Thank you….Lois Mesner…Victoria BC
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Thank you….
Thank you Lois; much appreciated. Chris
Thank you for your wonderful sense of awe and inspiration in these small details of this earth. Judith Copland
Appreciated Judy; good to hear from you. Hope all is well.
Chris
chris your photographs of the owl are brilliant wish our grandchildren could get one to live in their owl box Take care from Liam and Philomena Byrne Ireland
Hi Philomena and Liam. Wonderful to hear from you in Ireland! Hoping all is well. I’ll give the owl directions to where you live and ask it to pay you a visit! Chris