Capturing the Beauty of Space - Artosphere Photo Competition Finalists
The Artosphere Festival celebrates art, music and nature with exciting performances, activities and events that the whole family can enjoy. Each year, Artosphere spotlights artists and performers from around the world who are inspired by nature, and provides a creative framework for the community to discuss issues of sustainability and environmental awareness.
This year, we asked photographers to show us their perception of space and how space inspires wonder, imagination and innovation. Sharing their vision and photos, the photo contest finalists gave us a look behind their lens.
Mike Price
Artist Statements
Fairy Land Milky Way: My family and I got up around 2:30 in the morning and left our cabin. We arrived at the Fairy Land Overlook in Bryce Canyon National Park as the Milky Way was nearly vertical. You could see it with the naked eye and it was just so awesome to take in.
The Big Dipper: This scene was shot much closer to home, over at Kyle's Landing along the Buffalo River. I had been hiking up Indian Creek that afternoon with a buddy and we did some night shooting at Twin Falls at Camp Orr. When we arrived back at camp the Big Dipper was in a perfect position straight overhead. So I got a fire going and we lit the tents and played with some 20-30 second exposures to capture the scene. Kyle's Landing and Steel Creek are some of my favorite places to go in all of Arkansas.
Capitol Reef Milky Way: I had been talking with another photographer who had shot some night scenes I really admired and he steered me toward this one lone scraggly remnant of a tree at Panorama Point. It was a perfect anchor to the scene. I also love how the moon light from my over my right shoulder helped light up the foreground.
How does the Artosphere theme of “space” apply to your work?
When I think of "space" I think of the stars, the Milky Way and constellations. I feel like I captured that feeling and concept with these three pieces.
Craig Underwood
Artist Statements
Solitude: As I walked away from the campground to photograph the Milky Way, I noticed a lone camper. This was not my intended shot that evening, but I loved the peaceful serenity of this unexpected happenstance. I used my flashlight to quietly paint the tree above his tent, doing my best not to disturb the tranquility of the night. And then I silently moved on.
Mourning Trees: A close family member had unexpectedly passed away and a thick fog had crept in overnight. Taking an early morning walk to clear my thoughts, I found myself drawn to this scene.
The Dance: Every time I view this image, I can’t help but be mesmerized by the flow, rhythm and harmony of Antelope Canyon’s solid rock formations. I see a lady spinning on the dance floor with her cape flung open wide and the spotlights gleaming in the background.
How does the Artosphere theme of “space” apply to your work?
While there are many areas of photography I enjoy, landscape photography is my favorite. I love the wide open space of the great outdoors. Whether it the soaring majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains or the narrow confines of a waterfall ravine in the Buffalo river valley, these spaces are treasures to experience.
What do you hope the viewer experiences as they take in your work? What message do you hope it conveys?
More than anything, I hope my images evoke some type of emotion. When they view “Solitude” maybe they will feel a since of inner peace. When they view “The Dance” they might feel the wonderment of discovery and when they view “Mourning Trees” they might feel the sadness and sorrow that comes from unexpected loss.
Maurice Konkle
What connected you to the spaces/places In YOur Photos?
Sometimes I go searching for objects and the space between them. Often this leads me to buildings and sky, or weather-vanes and chimneys, or marble monuments and bits of chiseled text. Other times I happen upon the image, the objects and space just jump out to me. I don’t necessarily like the “searched for” less or more than the “happened upon.” The photos chosen by Artosphere both jumped out to me. I am the designated grill operator at my daughter’s and son-in-law’s house. I saw this image while performing my duties. As for the lamp and water glass, beautiful light was coming in the living room windows, I was sitting on the couch, I looked over, there it was.
What do you hope the viewer experiences as they take in your work? What message do you hope it conveys?
Most of all, when a viewer looks at my work, I hope they experience a “sense of beauty.” I have loved that phrase, “sense of beauty,” for many years. It seems to describe a precious human faculty and at the same time the experience that faculty allows. So, a sense of beauty is my hope for the viewer.
Beyond that, I hope that people say “the little rectangular section of the world chosen by this photographer is interesting.” Not only because the framing of objects is a bit unusual but also, because it shifts focus away from the center, out to edges, then maybe, comfortably between the two. I hope that is a visual metaphor that gives the viewer some delight, during direct perception and in the after-image.