The shutter clicks and the image is frozen, but what about the moments before and after? Where do those moments, lost in time, reside?

I’ve always been interested in how the camera can freeze motion as Muybridge famously did in his photographic studies of the human figure. However, I’m even more fascinated by motion blur as an expression of time. It embodies the constant flux of life and the perpetual state of becoming. Motion in my work is a metaphor for growth, transition and the relentless passage of time.

This work is a celebration of movement, light and form. Using light and time, my aim was to create serene transformative images that speak to the grace of movement, the elegance of the human form, and the transitory nature of life.

Working with a gifted dancer, we created a delightfully unique and otherworldly aesthetic by abstracting and exploring the unique properties of motion. As our work progressed, the dancer often appeared to emerge from the darkness, incarnate, as if borrowed from a dream… never to be seen again.

With special appreciation to Laura Wallner and Jennifer Owen.

Steve Wilson 

November 2024

Artist Bio: 

Steve Wilson has been an arts professional and photographer his entire adult life. His interests include exploring 19th century photographic processes, digital approaches, and astrophotography. His work is found in the Hallmark Photographic Collection at the Nelson/Atkins Museum of Art, the former Polaroid Collection, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and private collections. 

COMMON THREADS

Every day we are immersed in words and images that extol our individuality and uniqueness,

these words and images reflect how distinctive we are 

and how unique our cultures are.

Nevertheless, a paradox lives alongside this individuality and uniqueness. 

A paradox which has become abundantly clear to me over six decades of global wandering,

…we humans all share more commonalities than differences. 

I celebrate our distinctiveness as individuals,

I delight in our unique cultural heritages.

However, 

I revel in the things we share, 

our common threads.

No matter who we are or where we live, 

no matter our age, race, ethnicity or wealth,

or any other characteristic that seems to divide us.

We need to love and be loved. 

We need to smile, laugh and enjoy each other’s company. 

We need to move, dance, touch and even get physical with each other. 

We need to belong, to be part of a family or community. 

We need to express ourselves. 

We need to tell and listen to stories. 

We need time to ourselves to reflect. 

We need to feel a sense of purpose.

In my photography, I work to find those universal things we all seek, feel and do. Whether I’ve captured an ephemeral moment, a gesture or look, a vision of repeating, consoling beauty in our natural or built world, something we glimpse in passing, or a situation we have all encountered at some point in our lives…

we all share these experiences.

Common Threads, those strands we share which bind us and make us part of the greater human tapestry.

Current Works is the Kansas City Society for Contemporary Photography’s (KCSCP) annual juried exhibition. This exhibition showcases the immense photographic talent in the Midwest region, exhibiting all forms of photographic processes and applications. We look for new and innovative ways artists use modern photographic techniques to express their creativity as well as those who embrace the traditional form of photography. We strive to have highly qualified and knowledgeable art professionals as our jurors.

Over the years, we’ve had Jan Schall, former Sanders Sosland Curator of Modern Art at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art; Larry Meeker, philanthropist and art collector; Keith Davis, former Curator of the Hallmark Collection and founding curator of the photography department at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City; Philipp Eirich, gallery owner and collector, Cerbera Gallery; Patty Carroll, award-winning internationally known photographer, Megan Benitz, exhibitions director, Albrecht Kemper; Deanna Dikeman, award-winning and internationally known photographer; April Watson, current senior curator of photography, Nelson Atkins Museum of Art.

This year’s juror is Adam Finkelston, teacher, artist, and publisher of the Hand Magazine. Each of these jurors brought their extensive knowledge of art, the photographic medium, and their personal thoughts to create excellent exhibitions year after year.

Featured Artists​

Debbie Barrett-Jones | Suze Ford | Kristin Goering | Jenny Meyer-McCall | 

Holly Swangstu

Chromatic Conversations showcases the work of five artists — Debbie Barrett-Jones, Suze Ford, Kristin Goering, Jenny Meyer-McCall, and Holly Swangstu — who explore the relationship between the use of color and form. The exhibition highlights each artist’s unique perspective and the profound impact of color in both art and everyday life.

Opening reception: Friday, November 1 from 6 to 8 pm; 6:30 Holiday toast with artists in attendance

Belger Crane Yard Studios
2011 Tracy Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64108

‘Tis the season to dream of wintery weather and get an early start on holiday shopping at Belger Arts!

Holidays at the Belger Crane Yard Gallery is an annual exhibition that opens November 1, 2024. Over 80 artists from across the country have created artwork for the holiday season that make the perfect gifts for family and friends. Shoppers can choose from an array of unique artworks in a range of mediums: ceramics, glass, metal, textiles, wood, and more.

Artworks will be available for purchase from November 1 through December 31, 2024.