Photography as Art/Tim Irving

A painter captures his image with paint and brush. His discretion in the treatment of subject matter is broad in range and he interprets it through the use of color, composition and brush stroke. I think for the photographer, the task is so much more difficult. Art is not merely the relaying of information. A true artist must include a part of himself as he interprets what he sees through the context of his relationship to the world. I marvel at the knowledge required to take a good photograph, let alone produce a work of art. Terminology like shutter speed, aperture and refraction make my head spin. I've always had a natural love of paintings, but my very first love affair with photography began with an exhibition at the museum I worked for in another life. Josef Sudek was the artist. His sepia toned images were so simple and beautiful that years later whenever I visited a gallery I was sure to inquire if his work was represented.

These days, I think it is really wonderful that art has become so accessible. I don't think I could live without it. And since a Matisse doesn't appear to be in my near future, I'm not at all above purchasing a fine print. Everyone knows that Etsy is a great resource for the handcrafted, but it's also a great place to discover new artists as well. I happily discovered photographer Tim Irving there. Not only is his etsy shop, Opart, full of lovely images for your walls, but shipping is free all over the world and if you find something you like (and you will) he can customize the size for you.

These are a few of my favorites.

The quintessential image of bicycles and baskets always reminds me of long country roads in France.

Provence, France 1999

Ripe Red

I love the mood of this photograph. I imagine this dress waiting to come to life on the dancer.

 

Vintage Spanish Fiesta/Flamenco Girls Dress

I love the simplicity of this shot that captures the intricacy of bead work and gold passementerie against that pale beautiful pink.

Suit of Light - Spain

This one is almost like a beautiful watercolor with it's transparent sepia tones.

High Tide

When Tim is not off on some colorful locale photographing, he's writing his blog, Stylemed, about living in Europe and the style of his surroundings. You'll read about the rustic charm of a village in Andalucia, Spain, gaze over the rooftops of Paris or browse a market in Marseille without ever having to board a plane.