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Michael Gordon
Professional photographic artist, educator, and activist specialising in monochromatic impressions of the California desert.
Michéla Griffith
In 2012 I paused by my local river and everything changed. I’ve moved away from what many expect photographs to be: my images deconstruct the literal and reimagine the subjective, reflecting the curiosity that water has inspired in my practice. Water has been my conduit: it has sharpened my vision, given me permission to experiment and continues to introduce me to new ways of seeing.
Michael has previously written eloquently about "Before the Storm" by Edward S. Curtis for End Frame. A passionate conservationist ready to speak out in support of his beliefs, Michael is especially drawn to the desert. He has observed that "There is no bleak, only beauty" and his images are an excellent reminder that we should all be true to our own definition of beauty, whatever it may be.
Would you like to tell readers a little about yourself and how the places that you have lived in have shaped you?
I was born in Los Angeles nearly a half-century ago and still reside in the metropolis. I'm often reluctant to admit this because it seems at odds with the lifestyle I lead. Although my home resides in a coastal city, my mind and soul live forever in the wild. Traffic congestion and millions of neighbors can be a challenge to anybody's sanity, but this is contrasted by hundreds of miles of incredible coastline; a number of incredibly beautiful National and State Parks; one of the world's most stunning mountain ranges (Sierra Nevada), and the world's most remarkable desert: The Mojave. All of it within a few hours of my home, and all places that have shaped my life, my values, and my art.
Your involvement in conservation pre-dates your interest in photography. How did this start and was there any particular place or issue that first engaged you?
