In the realm of photography, where the pursuit of the perfect shot often takes photographers to far-flung destinations, Jon McCormack has embarked on a unique journey, capturing the essence of nature through a lens that reveals its hidden patterns. His latest monograph, "Patterns: Art of the Natural World," is a testament to his transformative approach, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the familiar takes on new meaning. This article delves into McCormack's captivating journey, exploring how he found beauty in the mundane and the extraordinary, and how his work challenges our perception of the natural world.
A Pandemic-Inspired Shift
The COVID-19 pandemic, a period of global stillness, became a catalyst for McCormack's artistic evolution. As he walked along the beach near his home in Pacific Grove, California, he noticed the daily transformations of the landscape. The interplay of tide, light, and wind created fleeting compositions, each a momentary masterpiece. This newfound appreciation for the ephemeral and the intricate patterns in nature marked a turning point in his photography.
"I really got to understand the details, see patterns form where there hadn't been patterns before," McCormack reflects. "This magical combination of the tide, the light, the wind, would create these little compositions that kind of exist only sort of one time." This shift in perspective, from grand landscapes to the minutiae of nature, was the foundation of his new artistic direction.
The Art of the Natural World
"Patterns: Art of the Natural World" is a celebration of the ordinary made extraordinary. McCormack's lens captures the intricate details of sand dunes, the delicate beauty of microscopic organisms, and the flowing patterns of rivers, transforming them into works of art. The book is a testament to the fact that nature is never far away, and its beauty can be found in the most unexpected places.
"I've been a photographer for 40 years, and it turns out that I've been photographing patterns for a lot of that time," McCormack notes. "It was just never an intentional thing. It was just sort of part of who I was." This revelation underscores the power of perspective and the importance of seeing the world through a different lens.
The Power of Perspective
McCormack's work is a reminder that perspective is everything. What may seem mundane to one person can be a source of wonder and inspiration to another. His photographs of hibiscus flowers, taken in a friend's suburban garden, and the intricate patterns of river deltas, captured in far-flung corners of the planet, are a testament to the beauty that surrounds us. "Nature is never that far away," he asserts.
"Some images were taken in pretty exotic places, but some of them weren't," McCormack points out. "In the case of this hibiscus petal, it was photographed in a friend’s garden." This diversity of locations and subjects highlights the universality of nature's patterns and the importance of seeking them out.
The Art of the Telephoto Lens
McCormack's choice of equipment plays a significant role in his work. He primarily uses a 600-millimeter telephoto lens, sometimes enhanced with teleconverters to reach lengths of 840 or 1200 millimeters. This allows him to capture distant subjects with remarkable clarity and detail. However, he also emphasizes the importance of getting up close and personal with some subjects, such as the giraffe in the photograph.
"I’ll need to be within 20 or 30 yards of the animal to really be able to isolate out that pattern," McCormack explains. This balance between the distant and the intimate is a hallmark of his work, adding depth and dimension to his photographs.
The Chaos of Serenity
One of McCormack's most captivating photographs, a serene image of flamingos sweeping across lakes and rivers in Kenya's Great Rift Valley, is a testament to the chaos that can lead to serenity. "Capturing it was chaos," he admits. "I spent six hours flying up and down the valley before coming across the grasslands that serve as the background of this image." This process of discovery and the unexpected moments that arise during his travels are integral to his artistic process.
The Science of Beauty
McCormack's use of scientific equipment, such as a lab-grade microscope modified to fit a mirrorless camera, adds a layer of scientific rigor to his work. His photograph of diatoms, single-celled algae with glass-like silica shells, is a testament to the beauty that can be found in the microscopic world. "I was able to capture this image using a lab-grade scientific microscope modified to fit a mirrorless camera on top of it," he explains.
The Impact of "Patterns: Art of the Natural World"
"Patterns: Art of the Natural World" is more than just a collection of photographs; it is a call to action. McCormack's hope is that his book will inspire people to see the world around them in a new light, to appreciate the beauty in the ordinary, and to protect the natural world. "It really is designed to be able to go anywhere and be accessible by anybody, with this one central message of, our world's a pretty cool place," he asserts.
In conclusion, Jon McCormack's work is a testament to the power of perspective and the beauty that can be found in the most unexpected places. His photographs challenge our assumptions about the natural world and remind us of the importance of seeking out the patterns that surround us. "Patterns: Art of the Natural World" is a must-read for anyone interested in the art of photography and the beauty of the natural world.
