Solo exhibition inspiration a local landmark

Inspiration for Bob Siemens' latest photo exhibition was literally right under his feet.
The Rush Lake photographer currently has a display of 36 black and white images at the Art Gallery of Swift Current, all showcasing the intricate patters found in the ice of the Highfield Dam. The display, Through a Cold Looking Glass, is on display until Nov. 20.
"It was basically an endless display, corner to corner. There were areas that were covered by snow or areas where there wasn't really much going on but it was everywhere, just a huge display," Siemens said of the clear ice patterns he was able to photograph in November and December of 2007
"I wanted to try and single out portions of it and make interesting compositions from it so I can kind of portray to the viewer what I was seeing and what I was experiencing."
A Coffeehouse evening is being planned for Nov. 15 at the Art Gallery of Swift Current to meet Siemens and participate in a walk and talk tour of the images.
Siemens also had the opportunity to print all his own images in a newly constructed darkroom in his home.
"There's no replacement in my mind for the actual hands-on thinking. You stick the negative in the enlarger, you put your printing paper down, you expose it and you put in through all the processes. When it's in the developer tray, and you have the safe lights on, you actually see that image materialize right before your eyes. There's nothing that replaces the satisfaction of seeing that image develop right in front of you. That's why I prefer to work in the darkroom and do as much of my own printing as possible."
As an art photographer trained to look for potential compositions and concepts, Siemens admits his daughter pointed out the interesting ice the previous year, but he was fortunate to have crystal clear ice when he decided to shoot the images.
"That was kind of a surprise to me because I'd been going to this place for many, many years and never seen anything like this at all."
While he is hoping this exhibition can go to other galleries and be seen by a wider audience, he is excited to have an opportunity to show it first in Swift Current.
"It's nice to be able to show these images here because they were shot locally, and so it's kind of rewarding in that sense."