Eddie Soloway: ‘I feel at home in the wild places of the south of Argentina’
Revered by many for his passionate, engaging impressionistic work, photographer Eddie Soloway is a force to be reckoned with. Considered one of the best photography teachers in the US by the Photo District News magazine, his infinite passion for capturing the very spirit of nature has earned him a reputable spot within National Geographic and his delicate yet awe-inspiring combination of colours and shadows has nearly become his trademark.
Currently in Argentina to host a two-day personalized workshop organized by the Central de Proyectos cultural organization at the Malba museum this weekend, the photographer says his decision to focus on rather abstract representations of nature is based on how, by letting go of the details, they can help capture the essence of a place or a moment.
“When you close your eyes and think about the memory of a particular place, you often think about sensations of colour and light. One of my curiosities is how I can capture light, colour and the elements of a place with less information,” he explained to BuenosAiresHerald.com.
And indeed, it is such vision that has prompted many to consider his work a reminder of what impressionist painters did in the 19th century.
But his vision and curiosity for nature don’t stop there.
Soloway is currently developing two new projects, one that involves his twilight work “along the ocean’s edge,” which “has him very curious about working at the same time of day in forests.”
“It is a very dark, peaceful, and rich time of day,” he says.
“And second, several years ago I made a series of photogravures that involved hand-pulling prints on an etching press. I am curious about taking that work further where I would enter the world of mixed media, printmaking, and collage,” he explains.
Soloway works in both digital and film, and no matter which format, all his work is created without the use of filters or digital retouching.
“I like the idea of keeping it simple: nature, my eyes and the camera,” he assures, and states that he likes working on both formats for different reasons.
“I like the integrity of film. When you make a print from it there is a beauty to the transitions between colours and tones.” He then adds, however, that for his newest work, “The Edge of Light,” he chose to use digital cameras because he could “create beautiful images in low light, at the end of the day.”
When it comes to photographing Argentina, Soloway is very enthusiastic about Patagonia, where he explains he continues to return to.
“I feel at home in the wild places in the south of Argentina. I like distinct seasons, dramatic weather and changing light. I am constantly in awe,” he concludes.
Besides working as a photographer, Soloway confesses a hidden love, writing, which resulted in the publication of his book One Thousand Moons, published in 2004.
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