The Lake by Ian Ruhter

Ian Ruhter: “This journey began in Los Angeles, where I flourished as a commercial photographer, I became disenchanted by the digital manipulation of images and the misleading messages it sent, especially to young adults. This realization sparked a vision to embrace the artistry of handmade 19th-century film and to construct a camera from an entire delivery truck, allowing me to create a distinct signature in my work. The handmade nature of this process introduced beautiful imperfections that I came to cherish, highlighting the uniqueness of each image. In 2010, I made a significant leap, leaving behind all my jobs to return to my hometown of Lake Tahoe and chase this ambitious dream. After years of overcoming obstacles, I successfully transformed the delivery truck into a functioning camera, producing ultra large-scale wet plate collodion photographs in a format that was previously deemed impossible.For the past 14 years, I have focused the lens of this gigantic camera at the landscapes surrounding me, retracing the journey of my upbringing inLake Tahoe . I’ve come to recognize that mother nature is my first teacher and that all of creation is intricately connected to her. My journey has brought me back to the very place where it all began, deepening my appreciation for the vital role nature plays in our lives. It is my hope that this project and the accompanying book will inspire you to pursue your own dreams and rediscover the beauty in the place you call home.

The title "The Lake" symbolizes a place that holds a unique significance for each individual. Just as we refer to the moon as Earth's moon, I invite readers to interpret "the lake" as their own special haven. It’s a space where cherished memories with friends and family are created. For those who may not have a specific lake, I hope this book inspires you to seek out a meaningful spot in nature that feels like your own.

Throughout the book, you'll discover alchemical symbols and quotes that you can decode using the key provided at the back or within the photographs themselves. My goal was to create a book that offers new insights every time you pick it up—a collection that transcends mere visual beauty and encourages deeper reflection and exploration, be it physically or mentally.”

Ian Ruhter’s artwork - has been collected and or commissioned by Gary Oldman, Cheryl Sandberg, Stewart Butterfield, Paul Sack, Angelina Jolie, and  Will & Carrie Singleton. His work is characterized by its authenticity and the use of 19th-century alchemical processes called wet plate collodion. His works have been exhibited in solo shows in New York and Los Angeles. Works have been shown at prestigious art fairs in London, Paris, Miami, UAE and Shanghai. He also participated in group shows at various museums, Ruhter was keynote speaker multiple events, and completed commission camera truck projects throughout the U.S., Canada, and as far off as the United Arab Emirates, cementing his status in the art world.

Year: 2024
Pubisher: Self Published
ISBN: 9781908457837
Printer: MAS Matbaa
Printing: CMYK + Silver
Binding: Casebound Hardcover with tip-in and silver foil
Size: 240x300mm
Pages: 174
Images: 100
Paper: Arctic Volume Ivory, Wibalin Natural Black
Font:

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