LIGHT
As a teenager, discussing the meaning of everything, the word ‘light’ seemed to encompass all that was needed both physically and mentally. For example, the more light that we shine upon a subject of contention, the easier it is to understand it and make a good decision. By increasing light on areas of knowledge, we increase 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.
So, now we are getting 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.
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.
We are also drawn to the wonder of the light and events beyond our earthly home, through the Hubble telescope. The kaleidoscope of colours it reveals, together with the light received from the art I have seen in galleries, is the impetus for these photographic images.
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.
Some of my images have been very hard to photograph, in the form I’m looking for, as a finished article. Therefore, like most photographs, they are unique. I am continually exploring techniques to elicit mood reactions in the observer.
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.
“No painter knew so well the extent of his own powers and his own weakness. Conscious of the power as well as the necessity of shade, he took the utmost boundaries of darkness and allowed but one-third of light, which light dazzles the eye thrown upon some favourite point, but where is judgement kept pace with his choice, surrounded with impenetrable shade.”
JMW Turner, discussing Rembrandt
