Photography Atelier

Jeanne Widmer

Grace Notes

Up to three months ago my photography usually focused on creating a story in a Todd Hido-type atmospheric scene or a Suzanne Revy-inspired childhood moment. I strove to capture the right angle, the best lighting, the spontaneous moment. But Covid’s Stay-at Home orders in March dramatically curtailed travel and opportunities for human interaction.

The virus has brought much sadness but also renewed moments of gratitude. Bringing my camera on daily walks, I began noticing new details: the way the rain highlighted muted tree limbs and flower petals on wet pavement, the reflection of morning light on a shiny blue truck, a colorful window display, a beam of sunlight on a glass bowl and a mixture that looked like the virus itself.

I began seeing small details I had not noticed: patterns, reflections and unusual configurations. I moved in closer with my camera wondering how the unique and tiny details in a photo would alter when filling a frame. Putting them together in diptychs and triptychs connecting images which themselves might be a bit plain was another step. Seeing flow, movement, light and color, some beautiful, some disturbing, so much like these times we are living. I hope you can discover your own feelings in them.

 

Artist Bio

Whether guiding students and adults in literary insights, effective writing, choosing careers, and overcoming life’s obstacles, or capturing the key traits of each of her many children and grandchildren, Jeanne Widmer has spent most of her life focused on discovering the unique and often hidden qualities that make a person or place special. Originally from Rhode Island and now living in Belmont, Massachusetts, Widmer began studying painting in high school and college but because of financial limitations, was redirected to a career in education rather than her fulfilling her dream of art school, a decision which, nonetheless, opened her to a variety of cultures and enriching life experiences.

During her career, Widmer continued coursework in drawing and painting while developing another childhood interest by photographing students’ musical events for the local newspaper, inspiring her appreciation for beauty in the moment. In 2014 Widmer began studying photography more intensely at the Arlington Center for the Arts (ACA), the Griffin Museum and the New England School of Photography. Besides many ACA group exhibits, she has had two solo exhibits, one which captured the vibrancy, color and dark expectancy of a nearly century old single screen movie theater and another which highlighted the subtle drama and dignity of an historic, working class group of businesses. She has twice exhibited with Atelier classes at the Griffin Museum of Photography, one focusing on spontaneous but representative portraits and another capturing a large development overwhelming a cosy, somewhat plain town village.

Contact Jeanne Widmer