Strathmore Library features local photographer for May gallery

By John Watson Local Journalism initiative Reporter

The Strathmore Municipal Library has announced the next artist to be displaying their work within the library gallery for the month of May.

Daniel Hendricks is an amateur photographer who, as he described, favours minimalism and abstraction in his imagery. 

“One thing art college taught me was an awareness and appreciation for impressionism: Monet, Tom Thomson and The Group of Seven,” said Hendricks. “I have always been fascinated with abstract designs offered through observation of natural things and landscapes. My images demonstrate these designs through the use of shapes, patters, colour and light.”

Hendricks adds his images primarily focus on using agriculture as a theme and showcasing the prairies within Wheatland County. 

For his gallery, he has chosen to showcase his images in small frames, referring to the collection as “Shelf Art,” with the intent for it to be displayed anywhere in a home or office. 

Regarding his personal history with art, Hendricks said it started with a love of drawing and a passionate desire to become an artist.

“After college … I had my share of artwork, including illustration, cartooning and caricature art,” said Hendricks. “Though photography had always interested me and I learned skills in film photography in college, it wasn’t until I held my first digital camera in 2002 did I realize the potential of photo art.”

Following his post-secondary education, Hendricks took up a job with Petro-Canada as a geological and geophysical exploration draftsperson. 

He said it was not an ideal career choice, though was “lucrative” in terms of the learning that it offered him. 

Hendricks added that he took up photography more seriously after retiring from Petro-Canada after a 26-year career. His intent was to finally transition to a more artistic line of work.

This year, Hendricks has also joined the volunteer team for The Vault Cultural Collective as a member of the art selection committee.

Hendricks’ images will be on display in the gallery of the library for the remainder of the month for those who are curious to explore his work.