photo by Jeff Brooks-Manas
FEATURED ARTIST
Q & A Interview
with Jeff Brooks-Manas
by ginny mangrum
Jeff is one of our local art photographers working in Contra Costa County who is exhibiting pieces in the Walnut Creek Library exhibition in July. Let me take this time to thank you Jeff for taking the time to talk to me about your beautiful landscape work. I know everyone will enjoy it who visits the library this summer.
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!
