DISCOVERY: the Vision of K.Leigh Images, the fourth solo show by local photographic artist, Karen Fuller Harvey, is hanging at the USCB art gallery in Beaufort through October.
Karen, 43, came late to the game of photography, having pursued it in earnest only since she turned 40. But it’s clear that photography actually has pursued her. Through her lens, Karen captures everyday vignettes without staging, artificially lighting, or digitally altering them. The effect resonates through the viewer’s soul, enhanced by the fact that her work is printed on canvas and so absolutely approachable, instead of being presented under ‘don’t-touch-me’ glass.
Lowcountry Weekly asked Karen Harvey to choose three of her favorite images from DISCOVERY and tell us a little about them.
{mosimage}“God’s Candlewicking” (Cold Mountain, NC): I believe of all the photos I have taken since my mother passed away this past April, THIS one would be among her favorite, if not her very favorite. It’s all ‘her’ colors: deep rose, mossy green; it’s a ‘God moment’; it is delicate – it is strong; it is unlikely to be recreated before me here on this earth. Just like my mom.
[ Candlewicking is the glasswork that has all the ‘knobs’ of either clear or white glass around the edge — and the perfection of the dew on this grape arbor couldn’t be dreamed up. (Don’t worry: I have spent most of my life not knowing what ‘candlewicking’ was, as well.)]
“Ride it . . .Forever” (St. Maarten): This is another example of art that just couldn’t be recreated in paint ñ the white and light are too white, the aqua too translucent. . . and I don’t know that I’ll ever capture a ‘curl’ of a wave quite like this one. As my commentary at my show states: “It is my humble opinion that staring at this photograph for five minutes each day would easily bring as much benefit as an hour with a therapist!’
{mosimage}“Checkered Flag From the Start” (Breckenridge, CO): One of our families favorite ways to spend time together is our every-other-year journey to Breckenridge. . . It is our Christmas ñ no gifts, just ‘presence’ ñ time spent together. I saw these shadows as we boarded a ski lift, and once we were at the top, I said we needed to ski down quickly so I could attempt to capture what I saw. Our son, Stuart, held my poles so I could board the lift and have my camera at the ready to shoot. This is light and structure – with help from my family. . .and I love it!
Along with the exhibit at USCB, Karen Harvey’s work may be viewed locally at The Gallery on Bay St. and in the form of Aquamarina, the mermaid which graces the porch of the Beaufort Art Association on the corner of Bay and Charles Streets.
