PHOTOGRAPY EXHIBIT
The Gallery in the Round
1015 North Hyland Avenue
Ames, Iowa 50014
August 23 through October 11, 1997
Photographer: Sam Wormley
37 B/W Prints
EXHIBIT REVIEW
by George Christensen, Ames Photographer,
Arts DIALOGUE, Sept/Oct 1997
review.txt
review.jpg
ARTIST'S STATEMENT:
I bought a camera in the spring of 1977 in
anticipation of using it to document a bicycle trip
from Missoula, Montana to Pueblo, Colorado (about 1200
miles). Canon had just introduced the AE-1, reviews
were good, and I bought one with two lenses.
For me, reading is an excellent way to learn. I
learned what I know about photography by reading--the
technical camera and darkroom techniques, the science
of perception, the effect of framing, other artwork.
And, of course one learns by doing. A photographic
experiment is worth a thousand expert opinions.
I decided to take myself seriously as a photographer a
little more than ten years ago--the goal being to
create images that could hang in art galleries. I have
also been "pushed" by the needs of Co'Motion Dance
Theater, ISU Dance and Music Departments, and recently
the Central Iowa Symphony.
Now the goal is to capture with a camera the emotion
that Rodin could create in the way light plays on the
surfaces of his sculpture. If you have never seen an
exhibit of Rodin sculpture--do so".
- Sam Wormley
Abram Siemsen - I had asked my nephew, Abram, something
about the sky, and captured his contemplation of my
question. He has now graduated from college and has
been working for several years in computer graphics.He
still enjoys a thought provoking question.
Batista Simpson at Big Table Books--An open house for
investors. By using the 80-200F4L lens at the 200 mm
focal length, I can often candidly capture people being
themselves. The photograph is often spoiled when the
subject is conscious of the photographer. People knew I
was roaming around with a camera, but I tried to stay
unobtrusive to get my images.
Bill Boon playing the roll "Lord Chamberlain" telling a
tale to Joan Rost at the Iowa State University Music
and Dance Departments' Madrigal Dinners. It is always a
challenge to capture the spirit of the Madrigal Dinners
candidly and without flash in candle-light.
These youngsters are rehearsing for the Children's Dance
Theater production in ISU's PEB. The photos were intended
for publicity. I have always disliked the images created
by on-camera flash. Because lighting was marginal and I
knew I would be dealing with subjects in motion, I chose
to use fast film. Kodak's TMZ P-3200 was developed with
photojournalist in mind--fine for newsprint, and is not
as well suited for fine art photography. I have since
learned that the grain is significantly reduced by
developing TMZ P-3200 in straight D-76 at a longer
developing time.
Debi Fredrickson, Rippey, Iowa -- I said it was a look
of confusion. She said it was the look of determination.
I think this image belongs on the cover of a book! A
couple of days ago I overheard a 10-ish year old girl
telling her dad that she really liked that picture!
Edward Carbrey - Cello, Central Iowa Symphony, Ames City
Auditorium. Ed is playing the famous Chinese piece
"Tu-ning" with passion.
Youngsters rehearsing for the Children's Dance Theater
production in ISU's PEB.
Laurie Hoifeldt (Musilek at the time) at the Iowa State
University Music and Dance Departments' Madrigal
Dinners. It is always a challenge to capture the spirit
of the Madrigal Dinners candidly and without flash in
candle light.
Valerie Williams - Torso Study
Two wenches doing their thing at the Iowa State
University Music and Dance Departments' Madrigal
Dinners. It is always a challenge to capture the spirit
of the Madrigal Dinners candidly and without flash in
candle light.
Inside a Kiva built about 1270 AD by the Anasazi at
Mesa Verde, Colorado. The only light source was the
small rectangular hole that I could barely squeeze
through with a camera bag. I was able to brace myself
against the wall to get this one second exposure. The
24F2.8 lens gives the impression of a larger space--it
was quite small.
© Copyright 1997, 2009 - Samuel J. Wormley,
All rights reserved.
swormley1@gmail.com