Photography is like a visual diary for Michael Foley—capturing the moments that speak to him. From travels in Botswana to hikes along the Ebey’s Bluff Trail, Foley’s photography is a collection of memories that immediately inspire. From a young age, a camera has never been far away. Given his first camera when he was around seven years old, Foley has been documenting the world around him for as long as he can remember.
“As I got older, I ‘borrowed’ my Dad’s Nikon in my teenage years,” he says. “Given my love of the outdoors, specifically hiking, carrying a camera became natural. Now, as an adult, there is always a camera within reach.”
This enduring love for photography is on display through October 23 at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA) Lasher Gallery, where Foley will be showing more than 20 pieces from his collection.
“It is a distinct honor to be able to show my photographs,” says Foley. “It’s a great environment for any artist, with a generous amount of wall space. The WICA staff are all professional, helpful and kind. That helps me feel relaxed knowing I’m in good hands.”
“When I was first shown Michael's work I was so impressed by its scope and variety,” says James Hinkley, Lasher Gallery curator. “He captures so many evocative lines and textures from quite unexpected subject matter. Every image shows his truly unique and detailed point of view.”
For Foley, even though there is some nervousness in sharing his work with the community, it is an exciting opportunity to showcase the images that have really called to him over the years.
“I feel both excited and nervous,” he admits. “Who was it that said, ‘If you’re not a little bit scared, then the game isn’t big enough for you?’ Still, I’m not so nervous, because for this show, I’ve chosen images that simply make me smile. So, at the end of the day, the viewers can have their own experience and I’ll still be wearing a smile.”
Photography is the perfect blend of chance and skill that, for Foley, results in capturing unique moments in time. “Sometimes, moments pass so quickly they get missed altogether. There are elements of chance, but also elements of preparedness or skill. When these elements converge is when magic can happen!”
Ultimately, Foley wants viewers to be inspired by the show to explore nature in new ways. “I hope viewers enjoy the images, but more importantly, I hope people feel inspired to get outside and embrace the wonders of nature,” he says. “We live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, so we don’t have to go very far…there are beautiful moments right outside your door.”
Foley’s work will be on display until October 23. An artist reception will take place September 5 at 4:00 p.m. in the gallery.