Ken Shuster: What I See
Fremont photographer, Ken Shuster, has toted a camera around off and on for over 40 years. Self-taught, he began “like anyone else who has a camera…” by taking snapshots of family, kids, and events. While his first camera was a 35mm all-Manual Nikon, Ken also had the same cameras you did: the 110 Instamatic, the cameras with the bulb pack on top, Polaroids, disposables. He insists, though, that the secret to a great photograph is “What you See; NOT what you Use!”
When he grew tired of snapshots, and wanted images that were more sophisticated, he began to study. He read a lot of photography books, and even his cameras’ user’s manuals—most of which are never opened!—and visited countless galleries to study the masters. He looked at Composition. He looked at Presentation. Most importantly, he Looked. And then, he Practiced!
As a conductor for Union Pacific Railroad, he learned to take photos out the window while traveling at great speeds. He learned what worked, and what didn’t. He experimented.
He learned to really look at whatever he is shooting. If it happens to be people, he feels it is important to know them—to make a connection. Only then is he able to capture the true image of the subject. If the subject is out in nature, Ken is willing to put in the time—hours of waiting, sitting in mud, cold, heat…all to get the proverbial perfect shot. Ken developed his Artist’s Eye by sifting through thousands of images and finding the few that made him pause. He forever asks the question, “What caught my attention?” When he looks around through the lens, he doesn’t necessarily show us the whole scene we’d take in if we were out there with him. Ken uses the camera to show the viewer exactly what Ken wants him to see. “I show MY picture.”
Focused mainly on nature, Ken does shoot the occasional wedding, portrait, architecture, or home photos for realtors. His approach remains the same. Find the eye-catching moment, the pure emotion, and the interesting space. Eventually, he says, “you just see it—it just Pops.” That’s when you press the shutter!
Occasionally, Ken ventures toward the more abstract, claiming, “That’s just fun stuff!” He asks, “What If?” “What if I just did this…or what if I tried that…” and begins to explore the possibilities. All the while, he’s prepared to find the extraordinary in the everyday. On the day of this interview, Ken had three cameras with him…one with a telephoto lens, one with a macro, and a “point and shoot” with a super zoom and a wide angle… Just in case. “Always!” he said.
Ken Shuster’s photographs are featured in the Hinds Gallery this month, and he’s offering an informal class on Sunday the 18th. Along with his hundreds of followers around the world, you can also find Ken’s work on 500px and Flickr. Please join us for an Artists’ Reception on Friday, September 9, from 5-7pm.
Dia de los Muertos in Textile
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday, celebrated throughout Mexico and around the world in many cultures. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died.
In most regions, the celebration takes place in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saint’s Day, November 1 (Dia de los Innocents, honoring infants and children), and All Souls’ Day, November 2 (Dia de los Muertos, honoring deceased adults). It is a time of celebration of the lives of the departed. Traditions connected with the holiday include building private and public altars (ofrendas-offerings) honoring the deceased using photographs, religious objects, sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed. Visiting graves of the friends and family and leaving gifts is part of the remembrance.
Dia de los Muertos art is colorful and vibrant. Brightly colored skulls and dancing, laughing skeletons are used in creating the art. The art is alive in contrast with the somberness of death. Those who celebrate Dia de los Muertos remember their deceased loved ones and celebrate their lives in color, shapes and dancing. The art, whether painting, drawing, sculpture, or fabric can take many shapes. Sugar skulls with colorful designs can be replicated in fabric or other media. Pan de Muertos (Mexican bread of the Dia de los Muertos) can be shaped into skeletons or other figures. Papel picado can be painstakingly cut into paper or fabric to form banners or folk art. Happy memories come alive in the many media of art.
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