Newsletter #176: January, 2020
© Chris Harris. All rights reserved.
This is my 176th consecutive monthly photographic newsletter. Enjoy!
Hi everyone,
One of the greatest things I can do as a photographic artist is to visually express myself; to communicate how I feel about the world around me, or some aspect of it. For me, the thrill of doing so lies in the adventure of exploring the modalities of expression and visual design.
I had such an adventure earlier this month in Ireland, and I’d like to share it with you.
Exploring Expression
An Adventure in Colour and Perspective:
Earlier this month I visited my sister, Jane O’Malley, in Ireland. She is an artist and her painting studio (which she shared with her late husband, Tony O’Malley) is a treasure trove of colour and inspiration. The moment I enter the studio space, there is an energy of substance and creativity; it’s a place of resonance to which I respond with a sense of excitement and spontaneity.
Jane and Tony’s painting studio; a space filled with inspiration
I have photographed here several times. However, each visual adventure yields images like none I have made before. That’s the thrill of exploring expression.
To challenge myself further, I brought only two lenses; an 8-15 mm fisheye and a 100 mm macro lens. While this limited my perspectives on the one hand, it also pushed me to discover new perspectives.
Tony has been a mentor of mine for many years. His paintings are of every shape imaginable, including circles (foreground).
Finally, with my zoom fisheye lens I was able to fulfill my dream of making photographs of similar perspectives.
Tools of their craft, I
Tools of their craft, II
Tools of their craft, III
In an adjoining room are stored paintings, drawings, and installations.
The racks of different coloured paintings at different angles provided me with my chosen subject.
With only two lenses and my chosen subject, there was an explosion of possibilities.
Colour and perspective, I
Colour and perspective, II
Colour and perspective, III
Colour and perspective, IV
Colour and perspective, V
Colour and perspective, VI
Colour and perspective, VII
Colour and perspective, VIII
Colour and perspective, IX
Expression requires observation, exploration, and experimentation. By making these images, I feel I am helping to preserve Jane and Tony’s creative energy which I always feel, upon entering their studio of inspiration.
2-Day and 7-Day Workshops for 2020
Informative, Inspirational, Challenging & Creative
7-Day Workshop:
New workshop added.
You asked – we answered!
September 8-15, 2020, on Gabriola Island.
This is a magnificent west coast setting to study visual design and unique expression; to take your photography to an entirely new level.
The workshop is hosted at The Haven, a welcoming shoreline retreat centre where a plethora of photographic opportunities await you. Sandstone formations, coastal forests, oceanscapes, and congenial Gulf Island hospitality are just a few reasons why so many artists live on this island.
Enjoy a few artistic expressions made near our retreat centre.
A peaceful evening
A visual exploration of beach seaweeds
An Arbutus tree
Abstract expression of an Arbutus tree
Lighthouse; an unusual perspective
Language of the sea
Sandstone interpretation
Sandstone; a compositional study of a geological story
Impression of a visual journey through a forest
Dennis Ducklow and I teach these 7-day workshops, in which we approach photography as an art form. Please join us. You will be inspired.
Click for complete details about Develop Your Creative Vision workshops
2-Day Workshops:
Freedom of Expression
A Workshop in Photography as Art
Art is the language of expression.
Through illustrated talks on art and photography, in-the-field art projects, and collaborative evaluation sessions, you will discover new ways to interpret your most familiar realities into new, unique, and never-before-seen expressions, using ‘in-camera’ techniques. You will journey toward becoming a true photographic artist.
-
Journey beyond representational image making. By blending technical and creative aspects of photography, you will celebrate new ways to communicate visually.
-
With personalized assistance, you will take your photography beyond the obvious, and to a level you never knew existed or thought possible.
-
The ‘in-camera’ techniques will free you to visualize and develop your unique expression.
This 2-Day workshop will take you on a journey toward greater photographic artistry.
As with the images below, you can begin to interpret your world with a new freedom of expression.
Abstract expression of a country landscape
Abstract expression of urban skyscrapers
Impressionist perception of Mount Royal cemetery
Photographic impressionism can take us beyond documentary image-making
Multiple perspective portrayal of downtown Montreal
Expressionist interpretation of Old Montreal at blue-hour
Artistic perspective of a cracked ceiling
Divine beauty in flower movement
Seeking visual design elements within a complex environment
A representational study of the influence of simplicity in visual design
Offer to Camera Clubs:
Any group of photographers (max.12 participants including one complimentary space for the organizer) can organize this 2-day workshop. Contact Rita or Chris for details at photography@chrisharris.com. Please subject your email ‘2- Day Workshop’.
We are able to bring this workshop to almost any location in Canada, as we often present spectacular audio-visual presentations around the country. A perfect combination for your club or organization could be both a presentation and workshop.
We can discuss various options depending on your location and needs. One event can help support the other.
Offer to Individual Photographers:
For individual photographers; I am offering a 2-day workshop at my gallery at 105 Mile Ranch, in central British Columbia. For details and reservations, contact Rita or Chris at photography@chrisharris.com. Please subject your email ‘2-Day Workshop.’
Date: June 27 & 28, 2020
Click for complete details about Freedom of Expression workshops
Check out my Portfolio
Check out 2-Day Photo Workshops
Check out 7-Day Residency Photo Workshops
Subscribe to this Newsletter
See you next month!
Very nice work Chris. I must say that “Colour and perspective, IX” is a real standout. Pleased to hear and see that it was a good trip!
Thanks Chris. Had a great trip!
Your Ireland art is fantastic! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Rosemary. I look forward to seeing you again on Gabriola!
Wonderful newsletter; we enjoy every issue….we have great memories visiting your studio near 100 Mile House, August 2019, and I treasure my “Golden Sunrise” picture….
Appreciated hearing from you….Chris
…..fascinating……thank you!…..JANEIL.
Thank you Janeil!
Hi Chris
I was interested to see that the fisheye lens you bought was a zoom version, presumably taking you from circular fisheye to full-frame! I tried one of those but found it a bit soft on focus so took it back. However, in the mid 1980’s I worked for a Professional photographic supplier in London and they had a rental department so; I was able to borrow a prime 8mm circular fisheye one weekend and a 16/2.8 full-frame fisheye another weekend and the quality from them was outstanding so; it spoilt my perception of the zoom version!
Your sister Jane often asks me if I ever contacted you and I have mentioned that yes, we have been in contact but still she asks!
Kind regards
Julian
Hi Julian., Just spoke with Jane to verify who you were! Amazing connection after all these years. I’ve never tried a prime 8mm but I can imagine the clarity! Thanks for connecting. Jane says ‘hi’!
thx again Chris……….each time your newsletter comes in is like slowly and methodically opening a gift at Christmas and then savouring it all morning!
That’s wonderful; I’ll treasure that comment Darrel.
Hi Chris, your new work from the studio is stunning and inspirational – I really love them
I am very much attracted to the sandstone works, but my favorite in that section is ‘Language of the Sea’. It speaks for itself. It is a beauty.
Love Janie
It’s always a privilege to photograph in your studio Jane; thanks again. Chris
As always Chris, I sooo… enjoy your work-each time I see your work, I am so amazed at what you can do!!
As always, thank you Helen.
Chris, I am in awe of your creative talent, and the freshness of your perspective. I am inspired an energized by your work. I look forward to to a workshop with you in September.
Fantastic! We’ll look forward to having you join us.
Chris, thank you for sharing your experience of the energy you feel in Jane’s studio. It is fun and inspirational to be drawn into your world of expression.
Thanks Adbhuta!
Ooh Chris! I really really love this month’s work. So free, so beautiful, so seductive. mmmm.
Thank you so much.
Seductive….mmmmmm…..I’ll keep working on that!!
Chris ….Old Montreal at blue-hour…what a fantastic photo of my beautiful metropole
Congratulations
Micheline
My favourite as well!! I can’t wait to go back!
Inspiring, Chris. Photographic impressionism…….from earlier dabblings to now creating a very extensive body of work.
Thanks Jai. Hoping to connect one day soon.
I am enjoying your playfulness; your excitement and spontaneity. And the results of exploring new modalities fabulously creative.
Good to hear from you Satya. I remember your creativity at Tallheo well. I hope you are still enjoying your creativity.