SANTA MONICA, CA.- Conservation landscape photographer
Robert McGinley will be holding a closing reception for his latest work Friday, July 31, from 7-9p.m. at Blue Seven Gallery in Santa Monica. McGinley will also welcome actor/environmentalist Ed Begley Jr., who will speak about the importance of land and resource conservation.
Titled "Topography, Light and Magic," the exhibit explores natural landscapes that are threatened by development, and captures these environments at their most beautiful and vulnerable. The exhibit's proceeds benefit both Heal the Bay and Santa Monica Baykeeper, organizations devoted to protecting California's water resources.
"I am honored that Ed Begley Jr. will be joining me in order to raise awareness regarding land conservation in California and beyond," said McGinley. "His well-documented green lifestyle and his passion for environmental causes underscores the wonderful synergy between the organizations my work is benefitting and the gracious Green community in Santa Monica and the Los Angeles area."
Photographed on farmland 35 miles outside of Chicago, the images present an explosive and ethereal array of landscapes. The collection, shot from 2001-2008, played a key role in the preservation of 425 acres of farmland in Barrington, Ill. The photos were used as exhibits in the application process to federal, state and local lawmakers to create the largest permanent land preservation easement in the state of Illinois. The easement also protects a crucial watershed and threatened bird species that are located on the farmland.
"My photos are raw presentations of wetlands, prairie and woodlands during 'Magic Hour' at dawn or dusk," said McGinley. "The images display the organic beauty of these settings, which are manipulated by natural elements such as clouds, fog and sunlight."
McGinley is active in the preservation of land and water in his own home of Santa Monica, and is a member of the Trust for Public Land, Heal the Bay, Waterkeeper Alliance, and the Environmental Defense Fund.
