Gazehound Gallery.To grasp the intent of this
name, you need to know a little more behind the scenes to
understand the whole story. My father was an art teacher but
also an equally talented long-time photographer. There is no
doubt he passed on his love for appreciation of art to me, along
with an eye that continually seeks out the makings of a good photo,
and the possibilities that begin anew with each click of the
shutter.
Now fast forward that Love I felt as a child for
All animals to one specific animal as an
adult—focusing a fierce and sacred Love onto that beloved creature
known as The Dog...
I believe there is no greater, purer form of
unconditional Love so freely given as that which eminates from every
PORE of a Dog when its master looks in its direction.Add to that the beauty which
is inherent in every one of these fur-bound beings, and you will
understand my being drawn to their countenance with my other good
friend, my Nikon camera.
A LITTLE
BACKGROUND
For those of you not so familiar with dogs, there are
primarily two forms of hunting dogs—ones that hunt using their
noses, who track game by scent, the scenthounds.Conversely,
sighthounds hunt using their eyesight.Gazehounds (also known as
sighthounds) use their keen sense of sight to gaze up to a mile in
the distance and can run at high speeds to catch their prey--be it a
rabbit in the underbrush or trailing an antelope over rough
terrain.
AESTHETICALLY
SPEAKING
For some reason, I have always been drawn
unequivocally to Sighthounds as my favorite group of dogs to
photograph.There are
many breeds involved--just to mention a few are the Ibizan, the
Greyhound, the showy Afghan hound, the Whippet, the striking Saluki,
and Pharaoh Hound.Their sleek and graceful lines with long narrow neck, deep
barrel chest and well-muscled flanks speak volumes toward their
athletic physique and functionality, while their elegant faces bely
that aristocratic, dignified demeanor.In days past, they were the
dogs of the upper class and were a symbol of highly regarded
royalty.
WHAT
DRAWS YOU IN...
Purelyby
accident (followed by long hours of experimentation) did
I stumble upon using various artistic Special Effects which can be
added as filters, or layers, onto the original photograph,
which then lends it an altogether different feel—perhaps that of a
watercolor painting, a chalk drawing, color pencil
sketch, the soft light of diffuse glow, or one with a more
edgy, modern look of neon glow, glowing edges or funky stamp
art.As it is with the
nature of all art from the beginning of time, what is Art to one
individual may not be viewed as pleasing or be understood by
another.
WHAT ITS ALL ABOUT...As owner of Gazehound Gallery and
also speaking as the artist and creator of all artwork therein, my
wish is to offer potential clients an abundance of artwork to
consider and enjoy. People have different tastes and preferences.If this were a restaurant
(instead of a virtual art gallery), I'd like to see
a variety of items on the menu (or a lot of paintings on the
wall). In that vein of what I consider to be classic,
quality artwork, I can offer a wealth
of choices and styles.Look around.Gazehound Gallery.It is indeed a feast for the
eyes!
THE BOTTOM LINE
Martin Buber was quoted, “An animal’s eyes have
the power to speak a great language.”For me, my artwork is all
about what I see in the gentle eyes of a sighthound, in the tranquil
gaze of a gazehound.And while artwork is perhaps not a necessity like food which
we need to live, and it may indeed be considered a luxury, I
truly believe that artwork can feed us. It can feed the
soul and renew us by creating a catharsis, elliciting an
epiphany, (of pleasure, awe, and respect) each time we
pass by a true work of art.That is a feast for the eyes and a banquet for the Soul. 'So give me the
luxuries in life and I will glady do without the
necessities...'
"You are my one and
only. Never before and never again will there be one such as
You. My Heart will never be the same. I am
eternally grateful for each
wonderful and horrid day with
you. I will remember them all and keep them close, as your
memories are all I have left. No other can ever
replace you...
