In the fine art space, there’s a tradition of favoring painting, and perhaps sculpture. This is for good reason. People have painted for tens of thousands of years. If you count the tools and structure humans have created over the eons, we’ve probably sculpted for even longer. Photography is the new kid on the block. There are as many photography styles as there are painters, but capturing/crafting/creating images at home in a fine art gallery with renowned paintings and sculptures is easier said than done. This is one of the many things I love about photography. It seems ubiquitous now, but in the bigger picture, it’s still new. There’s abundant room to grow.
It takes a certain amount of time for a photographer to see and understand a good photograph, then an additional stretch of time to actually take a good photograph. Beyond a good photograph comes a certain personal style. John Griffin, owner and curator of Griffin Galleries, has not only nurtured his own style of photography, but has also developed an eye for some of the best contemporary photography in the world. John works with some of the biggest names in photography today, including David Yarrow, Michael Kenna, and Steve McCurry. John is running an online art show that showcases his remarkable group of artists from now through March 17th.
I am pleased to share that several of my fine art images are available through John’s online show, Nature’s Splendor. In addition to spreading the word and sharing an incredible collection of art, I also want to highlight a few of my personal favorites.
Mangrove Monument, Kendrick Chittock - For several nights I fought the lamps from the beach as I struggled to take night photographs in the distracting light. None of my images came together. When I shifted my perspective and looked anew at this tree guarding and welcoming each visitor to the flats and reefs of the ocean, I saw the potential in embracing what is, in appreciating the light and subjects laid out before me. I now wonder what else I am fighting, what else might I see?
Base Camp, John Griffin - There is a mystique around mountaineering. Base camps are an edge of sorts, a safe haven for people coming down and a starting point for people going up. I imagine this base camp at Annapurna in Nepal looks much different today than when John took this image in 2009, but he captured the authentic mystique in a way modern phone photos and uber editing just can’t do.
Moon and Half Dome, Ansel Adams - Ansel Adams in Yosemite. What more do you want?
Ice Waterfall, Paul Nicklen - Pearl Jam fans will recognize this image from their album, Gigaton, but I can assure you, seeing it in full size on the wall gives incredible force and energy to an already brilliant photo. If you want to be transported to the Ice Age, or the last of the melting glaciers, this photo does both.
Torii Gate, Study 2, Michael Kenna - The minimalist master takes a spiritual approach to his art and it shows through with the most essential elements in his images.
African Tails, David Yarrow - If you told me all the elements in this photo were going to be put together to make a cohesive image I probably would have laughed. Somehow, it comes together in a dramatic, iconic piece.
If you’d like to learn more about the pieces in Nature’s Splendor, please explore the online show. With a variety of sizes and prices, there is something for new and seasoned fine art collectors to enjoy.
I hope this mix of images highlights the staying power of photography in the fine art world. Photographers might be ten thousand years behind; but maybe we’re catching up.