Chris Priebe

press release: Reception Thursday, Aug. 6, 7pm

CHRIS PRIEBE: PhotoMidwest Photographer of the Month

Chris introduces his exhibit with this statement, "Growing up in an exceptionally artistic family and having an aptitude for science and math, I found myself conflicted about which direction to pursue in life. Illustrating this fact, after receiving a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in electronic sculpture and working as a custom printer for a large commercial photographic business, I founded a computer design and manufacturing business with some engineering friends.

The subsequent years were spent developing a successful business until its sale, at which point travel and photography advanced to dominate my time. In the ensuing years, in addition to Madison, Wisconsin, our family has called St. John in the USVI, the Antilles, and France home.

As a private pilot, I have always been fascinated by the magic and mystery of flight. With the "C29" portfolio, my intent is to capture the feeling of expectation, anticipation, and focus prior to flight. Compositionally, I am seeking balance and inter-play between viewer and pictorial space. I also strive to achieve drama through scale, tension, and tonal dynamics.

The "Boats in Fog" series attempts to capture the mystery and ever changing nature of fog and water during various times of day. This portfolio, shot on Mount Desert Island, Maine, represents the loneliness and isolation of boats on the water enveloped by fog. Black and white was perfect for this series because of the de-saturated nature of the foggy scenes.

The short "Wave" series was taken in Antibes, France after a violent storm. I was compelled to capture the sheer power of the breaking waves in its aftermath. The Thoronet Abbaye series is part of a larger portfolio focused on classical European architecture. I hope you enjoy the show."