The Journey behind the Photograph
Ben Horne’s photographs make stunning centerpieces for any art collection, but these investments become all the richer when the journey behind each photograph is revealed.
The artist often wakes up many hours before dawn and hikes out in the dark through the canyons, forests and landscapes that are his subject.
‘I love being the first person on the trail in the morning, the day is fresh, and so are the opportunities’
He traverses the landscape and explores potential perspectives and compositions for his photographs. Tracking the movement of the sun, and the behavior of the light as it glints on cool flowing mountain streams, cracked earth and jagged rocks. Once he has found a site for an artwork, he sets up his large format film camera and waits for the perfect light conditions.
‘Hard work does not guarantee a successful photo, not should it. It’s the relentless pursuit of that image, fueled by a love of one’s surroundings that makes all those miles worthwhile’
Horne’s expertly realized photographs contain a powerful integrity that emanates from his dedication to the artistic process. His commitment as a landscape artist is reminiscent of JMW Turner lashing himself to the mast of a ship in a storm; in order to better understand the way water behaves and should be represented artistically.
His photographs go deeper that simply creating images of landscapes. They describe an uncomplicated, natural joy that comes from experiencing nature. With Horne’s artworks there is a pure sense of satisfaction that continues to grow when you live with one of his photographs. Their connection and affinity to nature is strong, and each image is the culmination of many compelling journeys through the natural landscape.
