Artist Spotlight - Geraldine Kehoe

 Artist Spotlight: A Lifetime of Capturing Nature's Beauty

At Golden State Art, we are thrilled to highlight an artist whose passion for photography has spanned over six decades. This Artist Spotlight offers a glimpse into the life and work of a photographer whose love for nature and the art of macro photography has resulted in a body of work that resonates with both personal memories and universal beauty.

 A Journey Through the Lens: Over 60 Years of Photography

Our featured artist resides by a picturesque lake in eastern Massachusetts, surrounded by over 50 acres of conservation land. This stunning natural setting has provided endless inspiration over the years, but the artist's journey with photography began long before settling in this serene location. The artist has been taking photographs for over 60 years, ever since receiving a first 35mm film camera as a teenager—a gift from their father, who was also a passionate photographer.

The artist's father, though primarily a people photographer with a love for black-and-white development and printing, instilled a deep appreciation for the natural world. His enthusiasm for gardening, especially his roses, played a pivotal role in inspiring the artist's lifelong love for macro photography, a genre that remains their favorite.

The Inspiration Behind the Art

The artist's journey into photography was deeply influenced by their father’s passion and encouragement. Capturing the intricate details of nature—flowers, leaves, seeds, and more—up close is where this artist finds true joy. Each photograph is a reflection of the artist's personal connection to their subjects, whether it's the vibrant colors of a garden flower or the tranquil landscape of the lake they call home.

What the artist enjoys most about photography is the ability to shoot what pleases them. While not primarily aiming to please others, the greatest reward comes when someone connects with a photo on a personal level. Many of the artist’s customers have fond memories of the lake and find comfort in seeing it through the artist’s lens, bringing back cherished memories.

A Love for Van Gogh and the Natural World

Among the artist's favorite works of art is Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night." The artist is fascinated by Van Gogh's unique perspective on the world, possibly influenced by his synesthesia—a condition the artist's daughter also experiences. This personal connection allows the artist to appreciate Van Gogh’s work on a deeper level.

When it comes to their own photography, the artist is drawn to the beauty of flowers and other natural subjects. The challenge of capturing these subjects in a unique way, whether in their natural habitat or carefully arranged in a vase, is a constant source of inspiration. The diversity of colors and forms in nature provides endless opportunities for creative expression.

Inspirations and New Projects

The artist's work is driven by a love for the subject matter and a desire to explore new themes. Whether designing a calendar, creating a book, or developing a new series of photo note cards, the artist begins by reviewing recent photographs and considering what resonates most. Customer feedback also plays a role in shaping projects, with themes often suggested by loyal clients.

Currently, the artist is preparing for an exciting new project—a six-week trip to Ireland and Italy in the fall. The journey will be an opportunity to capture unique photographs that will inspire the 2025 calendar series, offering a fresh perspective on two of Europe’s most picturesque landscapes.

Advice for Aspiring Artists

For those looking to pursue art or photography, the artist offers a simple yet profound piece of advice: work for yourself. Creating art that truly reflects your passion and vision is the key to producing your best work. When you love your subject, it will show in the final piece, making your work more authentic and impactful.

A Trusted Partnership with Golden State Art

The artist’s journey with Golden State Art began when their local store for card stock closed. Since discovering our products online, the artist has relied on Golden State Art for quality supplies, especially for photo note cards. The artist prefers mounting real photos onto Strathmore card stock, which provides a perfect frame for each image, allowing recipients to easily display the card as original art.

While the demand for note cards has changed over the years, the artist continues to trust Golden State Art for their stock needs, knowing that our products will always be available when needed.

Looking Ahead

As the artist embarks on new adventures and continues to explore the beauty of the natural world through the lens, we at Golden State Art are proud to support their creative endeavors. We look forward to seeing the breathtaking images that will come from the upcoming trip to Ireland and Italy, and we are excited to share the resulting projects with our community.

Stay tuned for more from this talented photographer, and be inspired by the way they see the world—one beautiful detail at a time.

Geraldine's Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/InnitouPhoto