The Times 

Enhanced Photography by Gay Waldman

Carolyn Henderson: Talk about Art

 

April 19, 2018

Courtesy Image

Autumn Sunflower, by Gay Waldman

Stop.

Look.

Think.

While these three actions aren't necessarily the best way to cross a busy road, they constitute excellent advice for life itself, especially when it comes to viewing art.

Many people, however, are nervous about looking at art, because their major "teaching" in how to do so comes from clips in movies, in which actors playing characters we're supposed to accept as believable stand around and concentrate on perplexing images of irrationality. Given that most normal people recognize folly when they see it, it's understandable that they're reluctant to join in the game of pretend.

But looking at and appreciating art doesn't have to be an affected show of false erudition.

"My artwork is decorative and is my expression of my appreciation for design," says Gay Waldman, a Spokane photographer who enhances and embellishes her images through digital manipulation.

"My intention in art making is to make pictures that create a visual experience for the viewer to pause a moment, absorb the image, and possibly make a connection with form in color, line, and shape."

Waldman starts with photographs of flowers, trees and natural aspects of the landscape, and adds design and line elements, pushing color and patterns as she creates a unique collage. The result is reality and yet not reality: an intriguing feast for the eyes that does, indeed, require stopping, looking, and thinking.

"I crave the exploration and the creative process of manipulating images, and my passion is to push my photographs into images that expose my originality."

A varied and diverse selection of Waldman's art is presently showcased at Dayton's Wenaha Gallery, ranging in all sizes and formats, including long, vertical curved aluminum works that are perfect for that wall niche demanding something especially colorful and creative. Waldman's Art Event runs through Saturday, May 5.

Wenaha Gallery, located at 219 East Main, is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

 

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