Between Seer and Seen

Celebrating the Artists of Santa Barbara County

This collection of portraits provides an intimate view into the artist on their home ground. Captured in honest moments, this visual insight offers the opportunity at a deeper understanding of the artistic temperament.

In their transformation from the creators of art to portrait subjects, the “seers,” who make the art and are the subjects of my portraiture, become the “seen.” The concept of “seer and seen” embodies the notion that the interpretation of art is largely about perspective.

From the Introduction by Barry Spacks

Part of the pleasure of enjoyment here stems from the unending variety of approach from image to image in portraying art-workers, and also from the inclusion of cherished items of the artist’s trade: brushes, a venerable tube of raw sienna, a band-saw. Most important, surely, through all these improvisations of approach, portrait to portrait, is the overall strategic choice of sepia as medium, giving exceptional spirit-depth to the folks portrayed, a congregation of makers of visual display from a single community blessed by its setting between mountain and sea, by its sunshine, progressive politics, eclectic taste and cultural energy.

And so we meet here a group of artists on their common ground. Santa Barbara happens to be one of those blessed towns. The spirit of making is alive in these parts.