October 19, 2022
My photographer’s mind awakens to aged objects because of their inherent history; old things have so much to reveal. The above Circa 1870’s Japanese screen resonated with me the first time I saw it because of the dimensions of age that are apparent. Japanese Screens, called byōbu meaning “wind wall”, were used as room dividers and to create private spaces. Their history begins in China as far back as 206 B.C. however arrival in Japan during the 7th or 8th century marked the beginning of a long and uniquely Japanese artistic evolution occurring over hundreds of years.Japanese Screen Circa 1870 Meigi Era Shijo School of Painting
Kishi Ganku (1749 or 1756-1839) Initially made of wood panels with metal, silk or leather hinges, Japanese Screens evolved to a lighter wood frame construction with paper hinges, and silk or paper stretched across both faces to create a perfect canvas for artistic expression. As the artistry of these screens grew their purpose expanded. They were used as diplomatic gifts, at funerals and births, in Buddhist and Shinto temples to emphasize someone or something of honor, and by wealthy members of society (such as the Samurai lords) to convey affluence and power.Kishi Ganku (1749 or 1756-1839)
Kanō Sanraku (17th century)
Konoe Nobutada, Waka Byōbu (Poetry Screen), Momoyama period (1573–1615)
Please contact me directly at gayle@lookstudio.net if you are interested in these new smalls.Gayle Waterman, (Artwork from top left to bottom right) Path of Hope, Garden Path, Full Bloom, Fresh Start (2022)
May 9, 2022
Out of thousands of options, I was drawn to the textures and patterns of reptiles. I’ve never considered myself a fan of reptiles, but once again through the inspiration of the lens, I was fascinated by the patterns that nature provides as a means of protection, evolution, and beauty. As I began processing the images in this body of work, I was surprised by the primal resonance that it created within me. It’s as if I connected to a prehistoric time when these creatures roamed the earth in great numbers.(Stallion Boot Company)
I was interested to discover through a macro lens that the textures and patterns of many reptiles mimic our ancient rock formations that created their kingdoms. The wrinkles in the python look like the sandstone crevasses seen in Canyonlands, Utah or along the Delores River in Western Colorado. The crocodile looks like some of the rock formations near Split Rock in Wyoming.(Citrine Lace, Diamond Python)
(Above: Split Rock, WY - Image courtesy of BLM)
And the ostrich, more recently evolved from reptiles, has an eerie resemblance to the human skeletal spine.(Rocky Road, Crocodile)
The wonder of these animals and their history is yet another reminder of how connected we are to all creatures, to the earth and to each other no matter how different we appear on the outside. In the future I’ll look at reptiles with a different perspective, as if these ancient creatures have wisdom to impart when we take the time to watch and listen. When we look deeply at the layers of the world around us, we’re inspired by the magnitude, wonder and design of creation and the connection among us all. Art is a great adventure in exploring and experiencing the world.(Night Crawler, Ostrich)
January 18, 2022
January 10, 2022
September 15, 2021
(I Was. © 2013 Look Studio)
The cracks from the aging blue chair graphically depict a reminder of the focus that we gain through meditation and the essence of our being.(I am. © 2013 Look Studio)
(Left: I Feel. Right: I Can. © 2013 Look Studio)
(Left: I Love. Right: I Speak. © 2013 Look Studio)
(Left: I See. Right: I Know. © 2013 Look Studio)