The man behind the lens: MHCC instructor exhibits
The work of David Strohl, Mount Hood Community College’s very own photography instructor and Integrated Media advisor, is currently on exhibit in the Visual Arts Gallery. His display captures what is beyond the edge of the woods and looks into the depths of the forest.
I was able to interview Strohl on his most recent public gallery, asking what he had to say on the unique exhibition.
Q: What is the genre of the exhibit?
A: The genre is “forgotten about.”
Q: What inspired you to do this exhibition?
A: I live in the woods. I photograph what is it front of me, I study. It is a fascinating subject (in) that I am constantly trying to make sense of the chaos visually.
Q: What is the goal of your work?
A: A mini-escape; walled views of isolation and mystery.
Q: How has your style changed over time?
A: It is constantly evolving, (shaped) by who and what is around us.
Q: What time of day was the best to capture these images?
A: Honestly, anytime. A lot of these pictures were taken by my house. And as a father and a busy teacher and artist, there are a lot of times I would be running out of the house just grabbing the gear saying, ‘Sorry, babe, the light is just perfect right now and I got to go!’
Q: Do you plan on selling your artwork anywhere else but here?
A: Sell for corporate art (hotels, restaurants, offices)
Q: What is your favorite piece? Why?
A: They all work together; you will get it once you go experience the gallery.
Q: What camera are you shooting with?
A: Canon 5D Mark 4
Q: What is your artistic process when it came to creating this series of photos?
A: Look, more than actively make. Think about it. Think again. Only take five or six photos total, each time I shoot. Processing light… Look at light a lot. Heavily manipulate the photos on computer so it would look more cinematic.
In summary, after personally experiencing the gallery at Mt. Hood, I would have to concur with Strohl’s statement: It really is hard to pick a favorite, because his images do all visually go together – they are a beautiful collaboration of light, detail, texture, and color.
Exquisitve and mesmerizing, these photographs definitely take your breath away and keep you staring much longer than intended. Their soft-stroked, manipulated beauty has the same artistic draw as a Claude Monét painting, absolutely worth the visit to the Visual Art Gallery.
To learn more about Strohl and his gallery, visit his website: https://www.davidstrohlphotography.com/about
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