This stark, simple image of a tree against a bright sky captures the spirit of our black and white photography project. Without the distraction of color, we are able to focus on the strong lines and delicate branches that define its shape. It’s a powerful example of how much we can see when we are encouraged to look differently at the world around us.
Harvesting Berries and Capturing the Essence of Nature Through a Unique Black and White Photography Theme
This week, many of us have been out on the land, not just picking berries, but soaking in everything that comes with it. It’s more than just a harvest; it’s about the ideas and conversations that happen when we step away from our digital lives and embrace the natural world. A big theme this week has been black and white photography, which adds a new layer to our experience. It builds on a project The Arts Incubator supported earlier this year with funding from the Manitoba Arts Council Indigenous 360 program, which explored this classic art form.
The winter and fall internship and mentorship program was a lot of fun for the participants, who spent time capturing black and white images. We are so excited to see them put what they learned into practice in a completely different environment. Here on the land in August, the light and textures are a stark contrast to the winter landscape they were used to. It’s a great challenge for them to use their skills to capture the lush greenery, the water, and the life all around us, all in shades of black, white, and gray.
The shift to black and white forces us to see things differently. Without color, we pay more attention to the shapes, the shadows, and the contrast between light and dark. A towering tree against a bright sky becomes a powerful statement of form. The intricate details of a leaf, or the texture of the berries we are picking, are suddenly more noticeable. This kind of photography isn’t just about what’s in the picture; it’s about how the image makes you feel and what it tells you about the subject’s essence.
Beyond the Color
This project is a perfect bridge between past learning and new experiences. It connects the skills developed during the winter program to the vibrant, living landscape of summer. It’s a powerful way for the participants to continue their artistic journey, and for all of us to appreciate the beauty of our land from a fresh perspective. The work they are creating is a testament to their growth as artists and to the enduring inspiration found in the simple beauty of nature.
We are especially thankful to the Ontario Arts Council Multi and Inter-Arts program for supporting this year’s Northwestern Ontario summer arts mentorship program. This is our third year, building on work originally piloted with funding and support from the Canada Council for the Arts Digital Greenhouse and it’s been a huge support for our local artists, creators and arts administrators. Stay tuned for more news on our upcoming fall exhibition, where we will share some of the more than 100 flowers and plants we’ve documented over this year’s summer arts program.
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