October 2010 • Delafield, Wisconsin
This week I visited the open studio of William Lemke, one of Caggio's featured artists for October/November. Far from the city, through winding roads, tree-lined lanes windswept with leaves, it was a glorious fall day in the Wisconsin countryside. With his show quickly approaching (October 15 - November 15), I sat down with this seasoned landscape photographer, a Wisconsin native, and talked about his many journeys-- cross country and abroad-- producing a prolific body of work that has spanned nearly 30 years. Staying true to traditional methods, Lemke spoke about his methodical photographic process, spontaneous travel locations, inspiration and artistic influences, and a lifelong passion for nature-- a passion that has compelled him to sustain and preserve it-- through the lens of his experience and unique point of view. I gained insight into this tonal and textural world of black and white photography, shot in environments both familiar and exotic, a "step away from reality" Lemke describes.
As a traditionalist, Lemke is an expert in black and white photography using the age-old silver gelatin process-- a technique made famous by Ansel Adams and largely unchanged since the 1880's. Images are created using 4"x5" or 8"x10" film for a large format camera. Lemke then uses traditional dark room processes-- following archival standards-- to create silver gelatin prints, achieving luminous white tones, deep blacks, and a myriad of tones in between. Unlike digital photography, Lemke observes a greater depth can be achieved-- a more three dimensional quality-- when using this methodical, hand crafted process. Each print is individually exposed and hand processed, staying true to time-honored traditions and standards of quality, resulting in museum quality prints, rare in this fast-paced digital world that often sacrifices quality for quantity.
In terms of location, Lemke travels the country-- and world-- packing 35 pounds of equipment. Exposures are long-- common for large format cameras-- "wind is your worst enemy" he admits, tripod in tow. Whether on assignment for the US Geological Survey in the Grand Canyon, traveling solo in the Western United States (Montana or Wyoming are among favorites), climbing pyramids in Egypt, or finding beauty in rugged landscapes closer to the Midwest, Lemke finds his subject matter-- plants, water, rock formations, skies, clouds, mountain ranges, trees, architecture and people in their natural settings-- and frames these distinct compositions-- inviting serenity, bringing forth a feeling of expanse and thoughtfulness. It is not surprising the artist is gearing up for his next adventure-- a trip to Madrid, Spain.
Artistic influences include Ansel Adams, Edward Weston and Richard Avedon-- some of America's most influential photographers. Lemke attended classes at the Ansel Adams Workshop in Carmel, California, and studied with the master himself-- one of many catalysts driving his career early on and inspiring a commitment to black and white photography and to age-old photographic processes.
Inspired by a lifelong passion for nature, Lemke has been traveling cross country since he was 16. Over the years these trips have consisted of long journeys by van-- often in solitude-- traveling, eating, and sleeping in the van. The artist views the process as organic, going on location-- in the field-- with an open mind, letting the environment affect or persuade him as it will. The result of these free spirited adventures has awarded Lemke decades of experiences that range from quirky to profound. Sleeping in cemeteries while on the road, being arrested in Egypt for climbing a pyramid, following Grateful Dead shows and photographing fans, bonding with fellow motorcycle riders, or catching the first rays of sunrise in the stillness of morning, Lemke takes tradition-- years of practice and refinement-- and makes it his own.
I enjoyed getting insight into Lemke's work and process; I was inspired by his expertise and command of such a rare, hand crafted process.
We look forward to the upcoming show with Caggio, sure to be a fantastic collection of work!
In terms of location, Lemke travels the country-- and world-- packing 35 pounds of equipment. Exposures are long-- common for large format cameras-- "wind is your worst enemy" he admits, tripod in tow. Whether on assignment for the US Geological Survey in the Grand Canyon, traveling solo in the Western United States (Montana or Wyoming are among favorites), climbing pyramids in Egypt, or finding beauty in rugged landscapes closer to the Midwest, Lemke finds his subject matter-- plants, water, rock formations, skies, clouds, mountain ranges, trees, architecture and people in their natural settings-- and frames these distinct compositions-- inviting serenity, bringing forth a feeling of expanse and thoughtfulness. It is not surprising the artist is gearing up for his next adventure-- a trip to Madrid, Spain.
Artistic influences include Ansel Adams, Edward Weston and Richard Avedon-- some of America's most influential photographers. Lemke attended classes at the Ansel Adams Workshop in Carmel, California, and studied with the master himself-- one of many catalysts driving his career early on and inspiring a commitment to black and white photography and to age-old photographic processes.
Inspired by a lifelong passion for nature, Lemke has been traveling cross country since he was 16. Over the years these trips have consisted of long journeys by van-- often in solitude-- traveling, eating, and sleeping in the van. The artist views the process as organic, going on location-- in the field-- with an open mind, letting the environment affect or persuade him as it will. The result of these free spirited adventures has awarded Lemke decades of experiences that range from quirky to profound. Sleeping in cemeteries while on the road, being arrested in Egypt for climbing a pyramid, following Grateful Dead shows and photographing fans, bonding with fellow motorcycle riders, or catching the first rays of sunrise in the stillness of morning, Lemke takes tradition-- years of practice and refinement-- and makes it his own.
I enjoyed getting insight into Lemke's work and process; I was inspired by his expertise and command of such a rare, hand crafted process.
We look forward to the upcoming show with Caggio, sure to be a fantastic collection of work!
