about
In my photographic art practice, recent bodies of work are produced from abstract explorations and studies of the intimate details of the natural world. Landscapes emerge from flower parts, and disappear into curves of natural light. Horizons blur in abstraction. I reveal stillness, look for meditation to answer back through a pinhole camera or raw digital file, without alteration or processing.
Objects and locations can often impart a deep and moving impression when viewed from a more elemental and lingering perspective. In addition, this impression can often be very personal and exist in a space that is not easily defined by words. The late Tibetan Buddhist master Chogyam Trungpa teaches of this as the "Drala Principle" and refers to it more specifically as the elemental presence of the world that is available to us through sense perceptions. A fine example is outlined below.
"A friend of mine was once with her family in upstate New York. It was winter and they had hiked into a forest. The landscape was one of cold and snow, whiteness and silence, birch trees. Astonished by the pristine beauty, my friend realized it was her duty - not just to notice this beauty - but to stop and linger with it.” -Introduction to The Drala Principle, by Bill Scheffel
I photograph in an attempt to capture a moment or object, and impart the magic it has to offer. In that sense the art of photography then, when approached from a certain perspective, could be seen as the art of capturing and preserving the Drala. Observe a more intimate view of the ebb and flow of life, its remarkable beauty, and share in the moments that open up when one takes more time to look closer at the world around.
More info? Email me: info@emilykoonse.com
Objects and locations can often impart a deep and moving impression when viewed from a more elemental and lingering perspective. In addition, this impression can often be very personal and exist in a space that is not easily defined by words. The late Tibetan Buddhist master Chogyam Trungpa teaches of this as the "Drala Principle" and refers to it more specifically as the elemental presence of the world that is available to us through sense perceptions. A fine example is outlined below.
"A friend of mine was once with her family in upstate New York. It was winter and they had hiked into a forest. The landscape was one of cold and snow, whiteness and silence, birch trees. Astonished by the pristine beauty, my friend realized it was her duty - not just to notice this beauty - but to stop and linger with it.” -Introduction to The Drala Principle, by Bill Scheffel
I photograph in an attempt to capture a moment or object, and impart the magic it has to offer. In that sense the art of photography then, when approached from a certain perspective, could be seen as the art of capturing and preserving the Drala. Observe a more intimate view of the ebb and flow of life, its remarkable beauty, and share in the moments that open up when one takes more time to look closer at the world around.
More info? Email me: info@emilykoonse.com
exhibitions & awards
2018 PhotoVision, juried group photography show, Orr Street Studios, Columbia, MO - Honorable Mention - "undone"
2017 Sturt Haaga Gallery, La Cañada Flintridge, CA • Group Art Exhibition • BLOOM!
2015 Julia Margaret Cameron Gala Award 7th Edition; Runner Up, Still Life & Abstractions, Finalist, "Being Mother" category
2015 Century Books, Pasadena, CA • Group Photography Exhibition • "Writing with Light"
2015 Hud Gallery, Ventura, CA • Group Exhibition • "Dab Art's Summer Juried Exhibition"
2014 The Missouri Photo Workshop, participant in MPW.66 in Platte City, MO
2014 Century Books, Pasadena, CA • Group Exhibition
2013 Bookshow/NOMAD Art Compound, Los Angeles, CA • Group Exhibition
2013 Century Books, Pasadena, CA • Group Exhibition
2012 Cafe Americano, Los Angeles, CA • Solo Exhibition
2011 Sidney Larson Gallery, Columbia, MO • Solo Exhibition • "Dralas"
2011 Rush Philanthropic & Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series, Semi-finalist, "Still Life: Flower"
2011 1650 Photography Gallery, Los Angeles, CA • Juried Still Life Group Exhibition
2011 Reillyworks Art Salon, Pasadena, CA • Group Exhibition
2017 Sturt Haaga Gallery, La Cañada Flintridge, CA • Group Art Exhibition • BLOOM!
2015 Julia Margaret Cameron Gala Award 7th Edition; Runner Up, Still Life & Abstractions, Finalist, "Being Mother" category
2015 Century Books, Pasadena, CA • Group Photography Exhibition • "Writing with Light"
2015 Hud Gallery, Ventura, CA • Group Exhibition • "Dab Art's Summer Juried Exhibition"
2014 The Missouri Photo Workshop, participant in MPW.66 in Platte City, MO
2014 Century Books, Pasadena, CA • Group Exhibition
2013 Bookshow/NOMAD Art Compound, Los Angeles, CA • Group Exhibition
2013 Century Books, Pasadena, CA • Group Exhibition
2012 Cafe Americano, Los Angeles, CA • Solo Exhibition
2011 Sidney Larson Gallery, Columbia, MO • Solo Exhibition • "Dralas"
2011 Rush Philanthropic & Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series, Semi-finalist, "Still Life: Flower"
2011 1650 Photography Gallery, Los Angeles, CA • Juried Still Life Group Exhibition
2011 Reillyworks Art Salon, Pasadena, CA • Group Exhibition
