Celebrating the Beauty of Nature

Nature Photography by Jeanne Gadol

Dolphin Gallery Gualala, CA | January 3, 2004 - February 4, 2004

My exhibit is arranged into three sections that are distinctively different yet have the unifying element of conveying the beauty of nature: the nature of our exquisite local coast; the wildlife of Kenya from my recent safari; and digital manipulations which form new and intriguing compositions.

My technique: I photograph with a 35mm camera using print film. I then scan the negatives and bring the digitized images into Photoshop. I print on high quality photographic or art paper using archival inks.

My thoughts about my art: I enjoy photographing wildlife and finding beauty in common things. I find the challenge of capturing the beauty and personality of animals in their natural environment captivating as it combines preparation, skill, speed and luck. Looking for the beauty and patterns of common elements, such as leaves, rocks and waves, enhances and excites my awareness and appreciation of my environment. My recent exploration of working with digital images to create new compositions gratifies me as it allows me to celebrate the essence of the original image as I use the computer to express and superimpose upon it my aesthetic and emotional reactions to it.

My background: I have enjoyed a life long passion for nature and art. Over the years I have taken many courses and worked in a number of mediums, all of which have led me to my current methodology.

Many years ago, while living in Cazadero, I created and sold off-loom weavings combining a variety of naturally dyed yarns with found items as I explored form and texture. My interest then turned to watercolors where I was able to express my passion for color. Both of these interests then led to photography. I developed my photographic techniques with a manual camera and lenses. Over time, the frustrations of dark room printing - not wanting to work with chemicals and disappointing experiences with labs - caused me to temporarily move away from this medium.

In 1992 I opened a business as a graphic designer, website designer, and multimedia specialist. As I became proficient with Photoshop and other digital design tools, I began to use the computer to express my creativity. When my husband, Steve, and I purchased our Sea Ranch home in 2000 I was so struck with the beauty of the area that I once again began to take photographs. This time around the technology enabled me to easily scan my developed film and then work with my images in the digital domain. Combining my photographic skills with my computer expertise is the ideal art form for me. In addition to giving me control over the whole photographic process, it enables me to take it a step further by creating photo montage posters and calendars and digitally manipulating my photographs into new works of art.