River Valley Dreams – Photographs By Kate Buggeln

“I stepped to the view-finder side of the camera following a long career in retail and fashion.”

Self Portrait

Whether the work is figurative or abstract, my intent is to capture a mood and create a sense of mystery about the subject. The result can be dream-like or a puzzle to figure out. Imitating the painters and potters I grew up with, I use a highly physical creative process. Much of my abstract images are created by deliberate camera movements at low light times of day and night with my camera settings at play. But when the weather, water or place are just right, I am drawn to their figurative possibilities. Self-taught in business, I took the same approach with the camera. My unstudied approach, and impatience with post-production editing has created an instinctual result. For better or worse, it is my own.
I live in the magnificent Hudson River Valley, and the towns and natural places it nurtures are an inspirational well, serving me as they have other artists for many generations. The valley is ever in motion, its impermanence a daily, provocative constant to get out of bed, grab the camera and shoot.

The camera frame quiets the internal noise of this rollercoaster life. I hope my images bring the same hush to the viewer.

My work is also on view at Piermont’s Flywheel Gallery and at katebuggelnphotography.com. You can follow my creative work and life on IG @katebuggeln.”–Kate Buggeln

Summer

Sticky Day

Gateway

Foggy Head