Kevin Imper: 2014

Black and White Landscapes?

The case may be made that landscape photography is best served with color prints. Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, and Peter Lik are excellent proof otherwise, but is it art? Jonathan Jones of the Guardian thinks not. Of course, his view is that landscape photography is not art, whether in black and white or in color.

http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/jonathanjonesblog/2014/dec/10/most-expensive-photograph-ever-hackneyed-tasteless

I won't get into that discussion. There are better photographers and better artists to either refute or give support to Jonathan's views. But the argument does not deter me from occasionally attempting something outdoors in black and white. Fall foliage is always a favorite of photographers, and is undeniably striking in color. But the brilliance of yellow leaves is not lost in this black and white autumn photo taken in Tumwater Canyon, just a few miles outside of Leavenworth, Washington.

Autumn in Tumwater Canyon - Leavenworth, WA USA

This winter photo was also taken in Tumwater Canyon. The patterns left by the snow-covered dead falls and spars left standing, years after a fire raged through the area, are what is important to the scene. The image in black and white enhances the strangeness of the landscape.

Autumn in Tumwater Canyon - Leavenworth, WA USA

These driftwood logs do look good in color, but black and white suits the dramatic qualities of the bleached wood.

Gold Beach, Oregon - USA

As long as I am posting photos of stumps:

Bucerias, Mexico

In January 2011 Rachel and I visited Mark and Harriet Masters, at their apartment in Bucerias, Mexico. Bucerias lies just north of Puerto Vallarta. We stayed with them for two weeks and enjoyed every minute of it. Afternoons were spent by the pool just off the beach on Banderas Bay. The comfortable breeze, a little refreshment, good books to read, and the wonderful conversation made that time of day our favorite. Looking over this idyllic scene was the “Great Rhinoceros,” and depending on the mood of the light, it could seem benignly beautiful or sometimes giving off just a whiff of danger. As a continual companion to our quiet times and lazy conversations, there is little doubt that the powerful presence was the reason that Mark and I started thinking about Henry Moore. And as we had further refreshment, we decided that the beach needed a Henry Moore to enchant beach walkers. Thus it was done. The “Great Rhinoceros” oversaw not only the marvel of what a collective creative mind can accomplish - it also witnessed the destruction of that marvel by a local inhabitant with no respect for genius, collective or otherwise. Destruction of beauty should never be allowed, but Mark and I (also witnesses to the destruction) had resumed refreshing ourselves and consequently didn’t feel any motivation to educate the ignorant. Just too much bother, and besides, we heard Harriet calling that dinner was ready.

August 2015 addition to the "Stump Art."

Dales Way - Grassington, Yorkshire Dales - July 2015

Stumps Abound - This driftwood log joins the collection from Camano Island in Washington State.

Camano Island State Park - August 2016

"I would like my pictures to look as if a human being had passed between them ... as a snail leaves its slime.” (Francis Bacon)

This series of photographs, begun in 2013, is an exploration of the themes, moods, and artificial spaces suggested by 20^th century artist Francis Bacon. The Anglo-Irish artist famously used movie stills, tabloid images, and popular photojournalism as inspiration for his sometimes disturbing and controversial works.

The accompanying images are for an upcoming exhibit at Glazer’s Camera in Seattle. They comprise only a portion of the continuing series and have images from locations as diverse as residential West Seattle and the cemeteries and catacombs of Paris.

All proceeds from sales of the collection will be donated to the Photo Center NW: http://pcnw.org/