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There have been many wonderful photographers since the camera was invented and I have enjoyed the black and white works of Ansel Adams throughout my life time.  Many other famous photographers have enhanced our lives with their works in the National Geographic magazines, photo journalists who have kept us up to date with happenings in the world, and those who have captured scenes in wild areas where we might never venture on our own.  I personally know some great, versatile photographers right here in Spokane, Washington where I live:  Pat Schilling, who specializes in Spokane photography; Ned Fox with his great photos of barns; John Holen, who's photos of nature are compelling; and my own sister, Susan Beeman, who likes to capture the natural scenes around her.  All of these photographers  have captured great images besides those I mentioned.

My focus in this post is on the abstract photography of Jerry Mudge.  Jerry was born and raised in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho and ventured into photography in the 1970s.  He said he put his photography on hold to raise a family and then returned to his photography in 2000.  I first met Jerry when he joined the co-op gallery, Avenue West Gallery, that I am also a member of.  I was impressed with his easy-going, friendly nature and of course, with his wonderful photographs, most of which were abstract in nature.  He had a delightful piece that focused on the inside of a marble that raised the question from whomever viewed it "what is this?"  He has patiently answered that question many times explaining that it is, indeed, the inside of a marble.  It wasn't long before the piece made its way to a new home (see the photo below).

(All photos shown in this blog are copyrighted by Jerry Mudge)

This wonderful photo gives credence to the claim that abstract photographers can turn anything into an idea or a concept and take reality and create a wonderful piece of art.  This art form is not just the click of a shutter button.  It takes much creativity to see beyond the normal image and form it into something new and exciting.   There are many abstract photographers whose work can be found in galleries, museums, and on the internet, one of whom is Paul Strand (1890 - 1976) who helped establish photography as an art form in the 20th century.

I am in awe of the things Jerry does to create his delightful photos.  He uses magnets, oils, and many other things to achieve a final product.  It is interesting to hear him explain how he goes about his creations.  Jerry says "he believes that beauty can be found everywhere and hopes that when others view his images they too can experience the beauty that surrounds us."

The following images, and many others, can be seen on Jerry's website at Jerry Mudge Photography.   As you study these images try to figure out what it is and how he achieved the final product.

If you live in Spokane you can see Jerry's work in person at Avenue West Gallery at 907 W. Boone Avenue.  He is the featured artist for the month of February.  If abstract is not "your thing", he also has more traditional images as well.

I hope you have enjoyed this little sampling of abstract photography and I also hope you have gained an appreciation of the wonderful results that can be achieved if you let your mind wander beyond what you see in front of you.

Take some time this week to visit a gallery in your area.  I know you will have an enjoyable time.