Twilight, Astoria-Megler Bridge, 2011

“. . . To See Things New” – A Photo Exhibit

I am honored to announce that Fresh Flours has graciously agreed to an exhibit of my photographs at their Phinney Ridge Cafe and Bakery throughout the month of July.  This show has been almost two years in the planning, and I must admit there were many days when I wondered if it would actually come to reality.  In addition to chronic health problems that have plagued my body during most of this time period, I was also diagnosed with cancer, not once, but twice.  My current chemotherapy/radiation treatment is expected to conclude with good prognosis in late June, and I am very much looking forward to marking its conclusion with the display of this exhibit.

The show is entitled “…To See Things New” and is inspired by a quote from the legendary photographer Ernst Haas, mentor and friend to a key photographic mentor in my life.  In an interview, Haas was once quoted as saying, “I am not interested in shooting new things – I am interested to see things new. “  And while I must confess that, unlike Haas, I am often interested in shooting new things, I have taken the opportunity, and ask you to join me,  both literally and figuratively, “to see things new”.

This exhibit was originally conceived in two parts during the summer of 2011.  The first part, to have been shown in the fall of 2012, was planned as a retrospective marking my 25th anniversary residing in Seattle.  There has been a tremendous amount of change and growth in both the city, and in my life, during this time, and the idea of a retrospective exhibit greatly appealed to the historian within me.  Unfortunately, my health prevented me from mounting any type of exhibit then, and this part was put on hold so I could attempt to successfully accomplish the intended second exhibit – a general retrospective exhibit of my photography this July.  And while health challenges have continued to do their best to make this exhibit sometimes seem like a dream, I am pressing ahead with the help and support of many folks, albeit with the need “to see things new.”

This exhibit will not be a retrospective, but rather a specific selection of images containing strong, key photographic elements – color, lighting, subject material, perspective, or some combination thereof.  In short, photographs that when further evaluated caused me “to see things new.”  I realize this theme is a bit of a departure from a retrospective, but I think that the images selected will more than make for an enjoyable exhibit, and I am sure that at least a few will resonate well with every viewer.

So, if you are in the neighborhood, I ask that you stop by Fresh Flours during the month of July and have a look.  I also recommend having a French macaroon or two.  They are a work of art themselves, as well as being quite delicious.  I will be posting more about the exhibit as it approaches, as well as while it is hanging, so if you are interested in more information, or cannot attend in person, consider subscribing to the blog by clicking on the large “Follow” button at the bottom of the page.  The pace of my posts will be quite moderate so your inbox will not be clogged with notices, and as always, you can unsubscribe at any time.  I hope you will be able to visit the exhibit and let me know what you think.

–Ken