August 23 through October 11, 1997
Gallery Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Other times may be arranged with the artist, Sam Wormley
Exhibit Review by George Christensen, Ames Photographer, Arts DIALOGUE, Sept/Oct 1997 (text only)
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
Notes: 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.... And he still enjoys a thought provoking question.
Notes: 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.
Notes: 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.
Essential: Fast Lens,
Fast Film,
Fast Eye, and
Good Fortune
Notes: 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.
Notes: 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!
Notes: Edward Carbrey - Cello, Central Iowa Symphony, Ames City
Auditorium. Ed is playing the famous Chinese piece "Tu-ning" with
passion.
Notes: Youngsters rehearsing for the
Children's Dance Theater production in ISU's PEB.
Notes: 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.
Notes: Valerie Williams - Torso Study
Notes: 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.
Notes: 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, 2002 - Samuel J. Wormley,
All rights reserved.
