Dancing Brook Water
As a teenager, when conversations often revolved around the meaning of everything, the word light seemed to contain all that mattered — both physically and mentally. The more light we shine on a subject of contention, the easier it becomes to understand it and make wise decisions. By illuminating areas of knowledge, we expand our wisdom.
Light is electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the eye. But wisdom can be received from those people who are blind. So, the definition of light can also include the imparting of understanding: the teacher shed light upon a subject that I did not know about when I asked, and I understood; I received wisdom.
I strive in my photographs to achieve effects that motivate discourse.
This brings us close to the inspiration behind the images on this site and the reason why thousands of years after the earth’s creation, we still want to see the qualities of light represented in art.
We are also drawn to the wonder of light far beyond our earthly home. Through the Hubble telescope, we witness a kaleidoscope of colours and events unfolding in the universe. The awe it inspires, combined with the light I have encountered in art galleries, fuels the creation of these photographic works.
The idea is that you look at these images and, potentially, see other pictures within them. The more depth they have, the more effective they are in what I am trying to achieve.
Silk Road
Some of my images have been challenging to capture in the exact form I envision. As a result, like most photographs, they are unique. I continue to explore techniques that evoke emotional and contemplative responses in the observer.
Smoke on the Water
I hope that you enjoy the visual representations, as much as I have in trying to capture the different effects of light that we are immersed in each day.
The artist JMW Turner wanted to include all of the constituent elements required for life (fire, air, earth and water) in his paintings. He was particularly good at depicting light. He never stopped trying to convey light in his pictures and always lived close to the River Thames, because of the reflective properties of the water.
Portrait of Turner, engraved by W. Holl published 1859-61 Joseph Mallord William Turner 1775-1851 Transferred from the British Museum 1988 http://www.tate.org.uk/art/work/T06300