I’ve always liked the idea of layered artwork that can be moved or changed easily to create a unique impact in a room.  A Drop in Time on the main wall below reminds me of a watercolor brush releasing its color as an accident or an abstract.  The small image to the right in sepia tones, titled Landing Pad, creates a graphic monochromatic look.  And the image to the far right, Through the Looking Glass has a watery texture that reminds me of an old French windowpane on a rainy day.  Each piece makes a very different statement, yet they work well together in this setting.

A Drop in Time © 2022 in situ

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These three images and Featherweight below are part of one collection of work originating from the Japanese screen that I shared with you recently.  I continue to be amazed by the variety of artwork that can be created from one object and I always appreciate the original source that allows my imagination to soar.

Featherweight © 2022 in situ

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Our creativity is limitless and guided by our ability to visualize possibilities that exist even if they are not obvious. That desire to look deeply is what inspires me to create abstract art and abstract photography. Each person can discover their own world of possibilities.

To browse these and other works please click here: lookstudio.net.


Wishing you a beautiful season filled with endless possibilities.

As the crisp November air settles in and the clear blue skies lead to star-filled nights, I’d like to introduce you to one of my new works, Midnight Sky. This image was created by photographing a collection of spots on a window pane. Adding a dark backdrop made the spots come alive as glowing points of light.



MIDNIGHT SKY, ©2023

 

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MIDNIGHT SKY, ©2023
 

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If you enjoyed seeing this new work, please visit my website to view the second piece in this series, Those Among Us.

Sending warm wishes with winter's approach,

Today, I’m excited to share my latest abstract photograph, Ascension, a composition that embraces darkness and light through texture, form and shine.




 

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This piece, like many of my photographs, invites you to interpret it through your own unique lens. Without imposing any predefined narrative, I hope that Ascension sparks something unique in each of your imaginations.


 

As the warm days of summer draw to a close, what better way to encapsulate the season’s essence than through the graceful and vibrant world of butterflies?

 

I’ve enjoyed their delicate dance in my garden this year, a gentle presence amidst the flowers. Like living works of art fluttering from bloom to bloom, they are captivating creatures. Sometimes the best things come in small packages.

A Dance of Color is one in a new series of abstract macro photographs.
You can view the others by clicking here:

- Repose
- Spread Your Wings

Wishing you joy with the changing leaves and cooler breezes of fall!

Japanese Screen Circa 1870 Meigi Era Shijo School of Painting

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. 
 

Kishi Ganku (1749 or 1756-1839)  
 

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.   

Kanō Sanraku (17th century)  

The variety of artwork and subject matter is vast. Byōbu artists used these special canvases to depict nature, celebrations, poetry, human and animal figures, stories and even instructions. Some screens are painted with black ink alone and others are bold and colorful. Gold leaf, now a signature byōbu style, eventually took these screens to another level of elegance. 
 

Konoe Nobutada, Waka Byōbu (Poetry Screen), Momoyama period (1573–1615)

The screen I photographed has a silver leaf foundation that reveals itself from behind the paint and dark overtones of age. The luster and hue of the screen change as the light of day changes. These details intrigued me, and seen more closely in tiny parts through my camera lens, the screen transformed into a unique new version of itself. 

Gayle Waterman, (Artwork from top left to bottom right) Path of Hope, Garden Path, Full Bloom, Fresh Start (2022)
 

Please contact me directly at gayle@lookstudio.net if you are interested in these new smalls.