Photographer Gary Galger is VIVA’s Guest Artist for September
Personal Perspectives
Gary Galger grew up in Milwaukee, WI. He graduated from Boy's Technical and Trade high school in 1972. In 1976 he moved to Colorado. He lived there until 2009 when he retired from his job of 30 years working for a local brewery (Coors). It was during this time that he took up photography and fly fishing. After retirement he moved to Michigan for a few years. During his travels, he discovered the Driftless area and Viroqua. In 2018 he moved to Viroqua, where he enjoys wandering the Driftless with a camera or fly rod in hand.
Can you articulate what draws you to a particular composition?
Many times, the composition finds me. Other times, I set up compositions for still life work, etc. Sometimes, I am drawn to experimental practices, such as Intentional Camera Movement (ICM), multiple exposures, and lens distortion. I am also inspired by the mood of different qualities of light and to the mood of the environment caused, for example, by fog, ice, and mist.
Who or what has strongly influenced your work?
The practice of Miksang has had a pivotal influence on my photography. Miksang is a Tibetan word meaning "good eye.” The school of photography was founded by a Tibetan monk with a camera. Miksang awakened my vision through a series of visual exercises. I learned to see the basic elements of the visual environment: line, color, shape, and texture. Dropping labels, I learned to see with a beginner’s eye, to see things for what they are rather than my preconceived opinion of them. For me, Miksang is both a meditation and one of the ways I practice my craft.
If you could have one work of art in your home, what would it be?
If I had to pick one, it would be Georgia O’Keefe’s "Summer Days.” I like the softness and sensuality of her abstractions and her powerful juxtaposition of life and death, grounded in the terrain of the southwest.
Why did you decide to work in your chosen medium?
At 13, I looked through a nature magazine and loved the photos. Inspired, I asked my parents for a camera and they gave an Instamatic. So photography has always been my chosen medium. I like the freedom and fluidity of carrying my camera with me. Wherever I go with my camera, I create art.
The gallery’s First Thursday reception is normally followed by a 7:00 pm dinner next door at Rooted Spoon Kitchen Table. While restaurants remained closed, Rooted Spoon is providing themed meals for pick-up each Thursday. Information can be found at www.rootedspoon.com.