photo by Jeff Brooks-Manas
FEATURED ARTIST
Q & A Interview
with Jeff Brooks-Manas
by ginny mangrum
Q: So Jeff, how long have
you lived in Contra Costa County?
A: I’ve lived in Contra Costa for 17 years,
mostly in Walnut Creek. I love being able to go to San Francisco, but I need
the open space.
Q: Can you tell us a little
bit about yourself such as; your interest in art photography?
A: I love shooting landscapes. There are so many
beautiful subjects, and they’re so accessible. We are fortunate to have so much
park land – City, Regional and State – so close to us. I enjoy sharing my
corner of the world, through social media. I have also had some of my work
printed on local agency calendars, and in print ads.
Q: What did you like the most about shooting in
Contra Costa County?
A: I have come to know the seasons and the light,
so I know when to go to my favorite spots, and capture my favorite scenes –
sunrises, sunsets, waterfalls, wildflowers, wildlife, green hills, etc. I enjoy
looking outside at the clouds, or seeing where the sun may go down, and finding
a spot to go capture the scene. I know how long it takes me to get to my
favorite spots. I know how to walk back in the dark, and I feel safe doing it.
Q: How long have you been doing it? Discoveries? What you like best about it?
A: I’ve
been shooting for 3 ½ years, in earnest. That’s when I got a DSLR – a Nikon
D40. I guess that my only discovery is how much I enjoy photography. Not just
the shooting, but the post-processing. I work in IT, and I’ve met a lot of
photographers who are IT people. I’m not sure if there’s a connection. My
favorite part of photography is that it gets me outside.
Q: Anything
else personal you think you would like to share that might connect to your art
and art making process.
A: I have had a life long love of nature.
Photography has been a great way to save some of the beauty, and share it.
Q: Please give me your
artist statement for this series of work.
A: All of the photos I have in the show are of
places that are within 15 minutes of home, and I visit them frequently. Beauty
is everywhere, as long as you are open to see it. You can also see something
unique in a scene that you have been by several times. It’s all about slowing
down, and being present.
Q: Can you please expand
upon your statement by saying more about your process meaning the experience
while shooting and printing considerations.
A: When I’m out hiking, I try to be aware of the
sights and sounds. A great piece of advice I received from a photo instructor,
is that you should always look around 360 degrees, no matter what your intended
subject. While looking at a sunset, you might miss the alpenglow behind you. I
try to remember to do that, and often catch things that I would have missed.
Awareness of sounds has helped me capture wildlife.
Q: How does this series relate or did it
influence your current work?
A: The photos that were selected for this show,
remind me that I need to remember to look for beauty wherever I am. I love to
go to Yosemite, but I can’t get there more than 3 or 4 times a year. As many
times as I go someplace, whether it’s once a week, or once a year, I try to
keep my eyes open.
Q: Would you like to continue to make and
exhibit art in Contra Costa County if there are opportunities?
A: I would like that very much.
Thank you Jeff for sharing your time with us!
Thank you Jeff for sharing your time with us!
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