A few thoughts regarding those artists and individuals who have influenced my journey. The list includes three photographers, three spirits who pursued their sense of wanderlust with a passion (all whose stories had an unfortunate endings) and two painters.

Ansel Adams - I am not sure when I first became aware of Ansel’s work. I know it was when I was studying architecture at the University of Oregon. The architecture program at the University of Oregon was actually part of the school titled Architecture and Allied Arts. I must have come across a book in the school library with Ansel’s photographs. Even though I didn’t own a camera I was mesmerized by his stunning black and white photographs. I was fortunate enough to take a class that was taught by one of his former assistants, Ted Orland. Even though his Yosemite photographs are perhaps his most recognizable I lean towards “Winter Sunrise, Sierra Nevada from Lone Pine, CA 1944” as my favorite.

Galen Rowell - I first noticed Galen’s images in issues of Outdoor Photographer. My initial thought was that they were ok but the only reason he was able to take these photographs was due to his climbing ability. My belief was that his athletic ability far exceeded his photographic knowledge. I have since learned how wrong my belief was. Seeing his actual prints on display at his Mountain Light Gallery in Bishop, California raised my awareness of his vision and technical skill. I loved the manner in which he was able to capture the details of the vegetation and the light on the landscape in the same photograph was inspiring. “Fall Sunrise on the High Sierra over the Owens Valley” from 2000 captures everything that I appreciate about his art.

Adam Jahiel - My wife and I went to the Nevada Museum of Art in Reno to see an exhibit of Ansel’s work. While wandering through one of the side galleries on the way to the main exhibit we saw two black and white prints of cowboys and horses on one of the walls. The two photographs were by Adam Jahiel. I knew nothing about Adam of his work but did a search on the internet when I returned home. This search indicated that there was an exhibition of his work at the Museum of Northern Nevada in Elko. Riff and I drove to Elko the next week to view the exhibit. It concentrated on his series of rural life on the ranches along the Nevada/Oregon border aptly title “The Last Cowboy.” This was about the same time that I was becoming interested in photographing the wild horses that roam in the Virginia Range of northern Nevada. I had the privilege of participating in two of Adam’s workshops at the Willow Creek Ranch in Wyoming. Adam’s ability to capture the character of the ranch hands, horses and landscape is wonderful.

Christopher McCandless - The person featured in the book written by Jon Krakauer, “Into the Wild.” Though he met his demise in Alaska his willingness to pursue his dream of wandering capture my imagination. 

Everett Ruess - I learned about Everett when I read “Into the Wild.” Another young man who lost his life while pursuing his passion. “A Vagabond for Beauty” by W.L. Rusho tells the life story of Everett.

Buzz Holmstrom - Buzz was another individual who couldn’t be restrained by everyday life. He ran the rivers of the west as no one else had. He appeared to have no fear other that being stuck in the daily world of trying to live a normal life.

Phyllis Shafer - Phyllis is a landscape painter based in Lake Tahoe. She is another artist who I gained a greater appreciation for each time I see a new piece of work. At first her work was a bit too different for me. The style in which she captured the water and clouds is unusual and bothered me for some reason. Over a period of years, I realized that I needed to look at the entire work before me instead of focusing on a small segment of each piece. I am glad I overcame my short sightedness. Phyllis captures the beauty of the small bodies of water and streams in the Sierra Nevada. These are the areas that the tourists are not drawn to, but the locals grow a great appreciation for over time. One can see a display of her paintings at Renown Medical Center on Mill Street in Reno, NV. They are in a hallway leading to one of the cafeterias. The Stremmel Gallery in Reno also features her recent paintings every few years. I would recommend taking the time to see her work at one of these locations.

Amber Blazina - I first noticed Amber’s paintings in Western Art and Architecture several years ago. I really like how Amber is able to capture the soul of a bison, deer or bighorn sheep with the strokes of her brush. I have only seen her art in magazines so far. The Gallery Wild in Jackson, WY was closed the day I had time in February 2023.  One of these days I would like to purchase a small painting of Amber’s to have on display in my den.

Regards,

Matt