Art of the artist’s eye
Derek Paterson has old technology but a modern eye for landscapes.
The Plimmerton resident, wellknown in the Porirua community for his organisation of Porirua Grand Traverse until a few years ago, turned his eye to photography about 15 years ago.
He says he loves waiting for the magic time before dawn and just prior to dusk, when the light makes for stunning shots.
His photography is ‘‘old school’’ using film with a 25-year-old Linhot Technorama, bought in Germany.
‘‘You can achieve fantastic photos on any sort of camera, I think people get too hung up on technology. What is important is investing time and research, getting the right time of day.
‘‘I’ve taken a month to get one photo before.’’
The former journalist and publisher is joining artists Fleur Ruth, Maggie Hazlewood and Alan Hodgetts in an exhibition that kicks off this week in the Bottle Creek Gallery.
‘‘I have had solo exhibitions in Chile, where my wife and I have been for four years, but this is the first time here.
‘‘I’m thrilled, Pataka is such an amazing gallery and I’m sure we [four artists] will complement each other. I would love people to have an emotional reaction to my photographs, that’s what it’s about – getting that response and connection.’’
The four artists will be in the gallery on March 3 to discuss their work. The exhibition runs until March 17.