Chasing Joy Through the Lens: A Photographer's Journey By Contributor Eve Wittenmyer
Torrance-based photographer, Patrick Smyth, has been honing his skills in photography for decades. Originally intrigued by landscape and wildlife photography, Patrick cast aside the premise of settling into specific photographic genres and detoured to capturing images and stories of the noticed and unnoticed. Patrick blends his photography skills with a passion for writing. He delights in taking viewers to destinations near and far, bringing focus to the beauty of diverse peoples and cultures, finding objects grand and small, all the while discovering, embracing, and sharing the stories behind his images.
Patrick’s evolution from viewing the world on a more literal canvas to a more creative and esoteric portfolio allowed him to introduce other elements to his talent. Drawing inspiration from the paintings of Italian Baroque artist Caravaggio and his pronounced shadow play, Patrick has adopted techniques to challenge the boundaries of contemporary portraiture. His photos seek to unmask; to capture the momentary essence of models, dancers, and tribespeople, while telling the emotional stories of passion and perseverance. Patrick’s photographic journey was the topic of a recent feature in Peninsula Magazine (January 2024).
On July 6, 2024 at 3:00pm Patrick will give a special presentation at the Malaga Cove Library Art Gallery during the PADA (Photographic and Digital Artists) art exhibition. This talk explores the methods and mindset of how and where a passionate photographer celebrates his space in time by sharing his pursuit of imagery beyond glancing at the world, but instead, seeing the majesty of the noticed and unnoticed. From his backyard to the frontiers around the globe, his works focus our visions and perceptions of our similarities and diversities.
PADA, the youngest of the eight artists’ groups affiliated with the Palos Verdes Art Center, is a collective of seasoned and innovative artists specializing in the continually evolving art form of photography. The PADA exhibition will be open for viewing during regular library hours June 5 - July 22, 2024.
Eve Wittenmyer has worked for the Palos Verdes Library District for almost 20 years. She is currently the Branch Manager for both the Miraleste Library and the Malaga Cove Library. Being a public librarian is a fulfilling and fascinating job, especially in a community as lovely as Palos Verdes. Every day is unique. Any given day might include cookie decorating with the middle schoolers, prepping craft projects for toddlers, helping seniors download audiobooks to their phones, booking local lecturers or hiring performers, answering questions, troubleshooting technology, and of course, talking about books. Eve also has the very unusual and special privilege of supervising the Art Gallery at the Malaga Cove Library. Working with the local artist community has become a very meaningful and favorite part of Eve's job.
