Naturescapes  PRATIK RAY, MIKE LEINHAUSER, & GARY HOARD

LOCATED IN THE COMMUNITY GALLERY

Artist Statement: Pratik Ray

I am fascinated by the beauty and majesty of nature and light – not just the landscapes and seascapes, but also the light that paints them in vivid colors. It is the many moods of light that gives rise to a range of emotional response to the scene. It is my endeavor to take in these moments, and capture these precious snapshots in time in a way that re-kindles the same feelings when I look back at these images. In short, to quote Robert Kincaid from the Bridges of Madison County, “I don’t take pictures, I make pictures”. Each of these pictures are made in order to preserve the many moods of nature that I have felt during my sojourns in the American West and the Mid-West.

Through my work, I hope to share my excitement and that rare feeling of bliss one experiences when journeying through the lap of nature, motivate people to appreciate nature and spark efforts to preserve and nurture them. Man has a strong connection with nature, but this connection may be latent for many. I endeavor to ignite a spark that helps people reconnect with the majesty of Mother Nature, in all her moods and glory.

Artist Biography:  Pratik Ray

Pratik Ray is an artist and a scientist. He started out as an artist working primarily with charcoal and pastels. During his graduate school at Iowa State University, he started delving into the photographic medium. This medium melded beautifully with his other passion, namely electron microscopy. One involves capturing images of our daily visual world using the subtleties of light, while the other relies on electrons at microscopic levels. His art complements his other life as a scientist – with both the worlds studying and describing nature in their own unique ways.

Pratik’s interest in photography is two-fold. His fascination with Mother Earth results in a passion for landscape photography, displaying Nature in all her glory. Based in the American mid-west, his landscape shots reflect some of the mid-west surroundings in general, and his town (Ames, IA) in particular as well as the mountains of United States.

Pratik’s travels often lead him to rugged mountains and fascinating ocean fronts. A second interest relates to exploring the vagaries of the world from different point of views. In this endeavor, the same event is studied from different points of view – an attempt to reveal the underlying currents and counter-currents behind an innocuous image.

Artist’s Statement: Mike Leinhauser

In 1966 my dad took a couple photos of my new bride, developed and printed the negs, I was really impressed by all this. Out of the service in 1970, I got all his equipment and set about teaching myself how to use it. Read lots of articles and looked at lots of photographs and tried to make sense of it all. Took some photos and classes along the way and finally got tired of going classes where the instructors were just showing off their fancy equipment and decided to teach classes myself.

Taught some classes through Scott Community College and one through Lincoln Center for the Arts in Bettendorf. Really enjoyed the experience. Had some shows with the Photo Image League, a very enjoyable time. Had some other shows too.  Entered a few contests.

Foggy mornings and inclement weather are when I like to photograph mostly. Suited my needs, did wonders for the backgrounds and I enjoyed the quiet. I just photograph whatever appeals to me, as one can see in my images.

What have I learned from all this? Maybe to have applied myself a bit more.

Artist Biography: Mike Leinhauser

Born 1945 in Ottumwa, IA. Moved a bit growing up, Branson, MO, Dallas, TX, Cleveland, OH, Akron, OH and in 1960 moved to Des Moines, IA where I attended jr. high and high school. Took some classes at Drake University and University of Iowa. Married in 1966 and off to the Air Force from 1966 to 1970, had a daughter and a son during that time and back to Des Moines after I was discharged until 1979 when we moved to Bettendorf, IA where I now currently live. Lost my wife Sally to cancer in Dec. 2015. Since 2002 I have worked as an electrician at John Deere Seeding in Moline IL.

Artist’s Statement: Gary Hoard

Photography is my way to capture the ordinary and unusual moments in the nature around us.   Looking through the lens and composing an interesting shot forces me to be more aware of what is going on around me, enhancing the outdoor experience.  I enjoy this natural experience whether or not I get the photo – the image is a bonus which allows me to share a special moment with others. 

This ‘Naturescapes’ exhibit includes a collection of my photographic images on metal of plants, birds and animals in their natural environments, hopefully uncommon views of common subjects.  I also include some landscapes that evoke the feeling of peace and solitude that being ‘close to nature’ brings us.   The images are printed on metal which reflects the vibrancy I see in the natural world.

Artist Biography: Gary Hoard

Gary has been photographing for over 50 years, predominantly nature and city and rural landscapes.  His interest in both photography and nature was kindled early by his parents:  his Dad a US Navy photographer stationed at Pearl Harbor during the attack, and his Mom an avid naturalist and gardener.  Gary’s 40-year career in plant genetics research furthered his interest in the natural world.  He has enhanced his photographic skills by studying the biology of animals and plants, and by attending photography workshops and seminars. 

His award-winning work has appeared in several exhibits including Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, Ankeny Art Center, Iowa State Fair Photography Salon and Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel FL.  His photographs were used in the State Capitol Tour Guide.

Gary enjoys capturing uncommon views of common subjects.  He spends most of his camera-time photographing at state, county and national parks, urban areas, or in his home gardens.  He finds Iowa offers many beautiful photographic opportunities including lots of green space, interesting cityscapes and beautiful architecture, both historic and modern.

Website:  GaryHoardPhotography.com