Curiosity about the unknown has no boundaries.
Symbols, images, place and cultures merge, time slips away.
The stars, the cards, the mystic vigil may hold the answers.
By shifting the point of view an inner spirit is released.
Free to create.
~Betye Saar
As long as I can remember, I have been inspired by most everything I see in nature, and whimsical, being my favorite.
My love of all things creative began in my early childhood. My Mother, a child educator and award winning art instructor introduced me to painting, sculpture and other creative disciplines at a young age...a brilliant way to keep me creatively engaged.
My Father, creative in his own rite, also fostered my creative journey by sharing his love of photography with me. Photography was to be his hobby when he retired. He saw my interest and out of the blue, taught me the basics of the camera, the importance of composition and how to manipulate camera settings to achieve desired results. Unfortunately, and unexpectedly, he passed away within an hour of that lesson...and in his memory, my passion for photography was born.
My career as a Visual Artist started in the late 70’s and I haven’t looked back. My artistic career has encompassed, publications where I was able to contribute my graphic design and photography skills, working at advertising agencies, and in the entertainment industry for Music, Movies, TV.
I tell stories using my camera, computer and multiple media to communicate the beauty I see through my unique perspective, and have been invited to show my work in numerous galleries throughout Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo County.
I have worked as a journalistic photographer and graphic designer for decades. Over the last decade I have expanded my portfolio to include: Nature, Architectural, Product, Portraits and Lifestyle themes. Some of my nature shots fall into the category of Evidence Based Design, many of which are installed in Medical and Wellness facilities. Through nature, landscape and composite photography, I can tell stories using my camera and artistic abilities to communicate the beauty I see through my unique perspective.
Photography is life for me! In 2020 the year of the quarantine, I was actively shooting photographs. I found solace in shooting the City of Los Angeles during Lockdown. The only obstacles that I faced were avoiding the parking citations on the coast (LOL). I shot a 2020 version of, ‘The Day the Earth Stood Still’... No people, no traffic, empty places which were usually packed with humanity. An eerie sight from the normal LA vibe. And to keep it dramatic, the shots are mostly stunning Black and white captures. Stay tuned for the Book!
The fact that I am a well-versed visual artist (photographer, Graphic Designer, Painter and Ceramicist) helps me to see things from a broader perspective. Things that others might miss as I am looking at the whole field of my vision with multiple layers of composition, balance, color, textures...and possibilities.
I make it up as I go! (Stay Tuned!), Gail Oliver