The Photography of Shapes

Will Karp
The Photography of Shapes


Will Karp
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SHAPEOGRAPHY


Although being color-blind has posed some challenges, it has ultimately affected
the way I look at and organize my World and my Space - foremost as
combinations of patterns, shapes, and lines. For many years I have used
photography as a way of isolating and capturing images that focus on simple and
ordinary elements or compositions, both natural and architectural. Whether they
are manhole covers, windows, doors, buildings, stairways, or even the pavement I
walk on, I find art everywhere!

Living in New Mexico for the past several years, has given me the added benefit of
experiencing a whole new perspective of splendor in its most basic and dramatic
form. Driving through the back roads of the southwest gives me the chance to
capture not only spectacular landscapes, but also the stunning outlines,
patterns, and details of buildings that are in a state of deterioration caused by
time and weather. I see pure and simple beauty in these bygone treasures, many
of which are included in this book.

Another influence on my thinking and my art is that of putting things neatly in
boxes or squares (as is also the case in most all aspects of my life) and also a
fascination with the number four. Much of my artwork has incorporated the
symmetry and mystical attributes related to that number. I find great
satisfaction in displaying commonly shaped or themed images in groups of four
to emphasize both the commonality and the differences of the combination of
images. So it should be no surprise that I have organized this book in a square
format, with four squares neatly positioned on each page to contain my images.
As each set of pages unfolds, I am hoping that it reveals a refreshing way to
appreciate and observe the artfulness of the shapes that comprise the
surroundings among which we live.


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SHAPEOGRAPHY

Table of Contents


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Gilman, NM Stone Mountain, GA Jemez, NM Castle Coch 4



Bet Shean Buenos Aires Barkhamstead, CT York 5



La Costa, CA Akko Jaffa Maresha 6



Mount Palomar Petra Jerusalem Jaffa 7



Bethlehem San Juan Capistrano San Juan Capistrano San Diego 8