Silent Ridge Studio

July 10th, 2006

Doug Fluckiger is a hiking friend of mine who works upstairs in the graphics design department. I just found his studio website today and have been admiring his work. His centerpiece is creating graphite photo-like images. There are some really beautiful pieces featured on his site. Here is a description in his own words:

Ansel Adams taught us that when portrayed in black and white, the natural world has an honesty and power compelling to the discriminating eye. The rich pianoforte tones of graphite, its subtlety and strength, its boldness, shyness, and malleability, allow me to explore nature with a sophistication unique to black and white images. Though my work is often seen as photographic, graphite allows me to move beyond the limitations of photography, and portray my subject with the freedom of a traditional artist.

What I like most about these pieces is how well they reflect the beauty of North Idaho (and where ever else he has found his photographic inspiration). I've been on a number of hiking expeditions with Doug and I can see how his love of the outdoors is reflected in his work.