Jim Turner‘s collection Seeing in Threes is on display in the Griffin Main Gallery as a part of the Atelier 33 exhibition, open until March 26, 2021. We wanted to learn more about Jim’s innovative and insightful way of representing nature, so we asked him a few questions.
© Jim Turner – Daffodils
Which of these images was the impetus for this series? How did it inform how you completed the series?
One of the exercises we did in the early part of the Atelier was a “conversation” with another artist where we explored someone else’s artistic approach then created our own work as inspired by theirs. I chose Brigitte Carnochan as my artist to explore. I have always admired her work and I share her appreciation of the beauty of the natural world and of the intricate patterns and detail found in nature. One of the things she talks about is slowing the viewer down so that they can appreciate the beauty in an image in more detail. A method she has used to accomplish this is to divide images into triptychs so the viewer can appreciate each panel on its own in addition to as a part of a cohesive whole. As I applied this idea to some of my own photographs I was immediately struck by how much I felt that certain images were significantly enhanced by converting them into triptychs. Two of these early attempts, “Daffodils” and “Maple Leaves” were the impetus to make a series of botanical triptychs my project for the Atelier.
© Jim Turner – Maple Leaves
How has your photography changed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic? Has the Atelier been a motivator to persevere through these trying times?
Unfortunately, like most of us, my options for photography have been very limited since the beginning of the pandemic. I seldom go much further than our own backyard or local gardens. The Atelier was a lifesaver, it kept me focused and allowed me to interact regularly with other like-minded and supportive photographers.
What do you hope we as viewers take away from viewing your work?
I hope that viewers will be surprised and pleased, as I am, by the hidden beauty in what we often regard as everyday things.
© Jim Turner – Ancient Tree
Tell us what is next for you creatively.
I would like to continue to expand my series of botanical triptychs while I’m waiting for the inspiration for my next project.
To see more of Jim Turner’s work, visit his Instagram, @Jim_Turner_Photos.
