SEEING COLOR

AMY NEWTON-McCONNEL

//Amy, a photographer from Phoenix, AZ, USA, has cultivated her creativity throughout her life. Intrigued by the potential of intentional camera movement, she embarked on a journey to explore its effects. The artist recently unveiled a collection of vibrant abstract images captured in the desert, employing her adept ICM technique. Titled “Seeing Color in the Desert,” this project epitomizes her keen eye for capturing the desert’s vivid palette. We are delighted to offer a glimpse of her work.

Amy has been inherently creative since her childhood, exploring various artistic mediums to express herself. Alongside her artistic endeavors, she has maintained a constant companionship with a camera, nurturing a profound interest in photography. Venturing into Camera Movement (ICM) photography, a realm where intentional camera movement during exposure creates painterly and abstract effects, Amy finds a medium to translate abstract concepts into visual art. Her work is guided by an appreciation for lines, textures, colors, and shapes, aiming to elicit emotional responses from viewers. Crucially, Amy endeavors to capture unique moments unseen by the naked eye or traditional lenses, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the ephemeral beauty of fleeting instants.

“Painting from nature is not copying the object; it is realizing one’s sensations.”

Paul Cézanne

What draws you to the arts?

Art evokes emotional response. It is a visual stimulus that effects the mental state of the viewer. Engaging with or creating art, you can express your thoughts and feelings without trying to explain with words. It is a visual and stimulating way to view and interact with the world.

What do you like best about this project?

In the past, I have struggled with photographing both barren and complex landscapes, resulting in extremes. From empty, boring earth-toned compositions, to motley colored and textured formations. I am very happy with the results in this series.

Phoenix, Arizona, finds itself entirely enveloped by the Sonoran Desert, known as the hottest desert in North America. This unique landscape boasts the exclusive presence of Saguaro Cacti and hosts over 2000 plant species. The desert environment can oscillate between severe starkness and bustling chaos, making it challenging to discern order within the landscape. Throughout most of the year, the desert’s color palette remains minimal, dominated by earthy tones of browns and greens, accentuated by clear skies and intense sunlight.

Amy’s latest project, titled “Seeing Color in the Desert,” explores the vibrant hues found in the arid landscapes. Embracing simplicity, she combines straightforward compositions with a keen focus on fundamental elements like lines, shapes, and textures. Amy scours the desert for natural lines, organic shapes, and intricate patterns, seeking inspiration from its raw beauty. Employing ICM photography techniques, she captures the essence of desert colors through her unique perception of this unique environment.

We have previously featured Amy´s other series in this magazine. You could use the search function to take a look.

Click on the photos to see a larger image in original size with its title.