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Charles Search — photography

My approach to photography is a contemplative endeavor. I believe meaningful photographs are really unique moments of revelation which transcend place and time. It is about opening the mind's eye and being prepared for an illuminating moment should it occur. Recognizing the extraordinary which just moments ago seemed ordinary. At that moment I try to make a photograph which will contain it.

My hope is to reclaim and impart something of my personal experience through an image. The viewer in bringing their creative imagination to the image will expand their visual perspective. The image becomes then a conduit establishing an emotional connection between the viewer and myself. A worthy achievement when it occurs.

I choose to work primarily in black & white with its expressive tonal range because it helps me to approach the subject without preconceptions or the potential distraction of color. I believe it allows me to see more intently and enhances my discernment so my perceptions are more acute. I am convinced in most situations it is more effective in conveying the revelatory emotional moment I have experienced.

Recent Exhibits

September /October 2007 5th Around Oregon Annual, The Arts Center, Corvallis Oregon

September/ October 2007 2001 Mayor's Art Show, Jacobs Gallery at the Hult Center, Eugene

June/ October, 2007 Mount Pisgah: A refuge for the Spirit, solo show Museum of Natural and Cultural History, University of Oregon, Eugene

June 2007 New Work Photo Zone Group Show, Emerald Art Center, Springfield Oregon

December 2006/ February 2007 The Cycle of Light, PhotoArts Guild exhibit, Center for the Humanities/ Oregon State University, Corvallis

November/December 2005 Oregon Coast: Visions and Perspectives, LaSells Stewart Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis

October 2005 Springfield Mayor's Art Show, First Prize: Figure Study

June 2005 Coastal Scenes, Photo Zone Group Show, Florence Events Center, Florence Oregon

June 2004 Sixteenth Annual Juried Show, Photo Zone Gallery, Eugene, Judge's Choice Award and Peoples Choice Award

Collections

Regional Arts & Culture Council

Publications

Oregon QuARTerly - Autumn 2007