Siouxland Magazine - Volume 1 Issue 3

Siouxland Magazine | creation / 16
Photography As Art
By Sarah Gill with Sarah Ann Photography
What is art? The literal definition is the
expression or application of human
creative skill and imagination, typically
in a visual form, to be appreciated
for its beauty and the emotional pull
it can have. Before cameras, if we
wanted to see imagery of far off lands
and portraits of people, we relied
primarily on paintings and sketches.
It wasn’t until the 1800’s when the
first camera was invented that we
could freeze moments in time. As
cameras became more accessible,
they became more mobile. Cameras
enabled the documentation of
historical events and allowed travelers
to capture landscapes and the people
who lived there, giving us a more
intimate look at the world around us.
Photography has long been a way to
document our lives. So, when does it
become art and not just a photo?
Let’s first take a look at refining a craft.
Cameras are everywhere today and
more affordable than ever. Taking the
time to learn your instrument, your
camera in this case, is crucial when
creating art. Choosing the right lens,
having your settings on your camera
just right, finding the angles and
knowing when to push the shutter; all
come into play when creating a vision.
The camera becomes an extension of
self. The photographer must then take
their knowledge and decide how they
want to convey their message. Does the
photo make you feel something? Maybe
nothing. Art is meant to be subjective
and I believe that is what makes it so
beautiful.
Downtown Murals
By Downtown Partners – Sioux City & Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce
The Sioux City Mural Project strived to embrace the arts in Sioux City by exposing
the public to highly visible murals in the heart of Sioux City’s downtown. There is
no doubt that in creating the first two pieces, people in the community took notice.
It’s hard to miss the bold colors draping the two builds.
Jenna Brownlee, from Des Moines, Iowa, was the first artist to create her mural
back in 2017. It’s located at 1021 4th Street, on the east side of the property, and is
in the center of the popular Historic 4th Street District. Pictured left.
Then Martin Ron, from Buenos Aires, Argentina, had the largest of the two murals
in downtown. His mural is located at 501 Douglas Street, facing west.
The project was overwhelmingly successful and created an impact on our community.
Each mural has been the backdrop for numerous selfies and the topic of
many conversations, which are still happening to this day. It begs the question,
“When will we see another mural and what will it be?”
The Le Mars Alley Art is another public art project.
It’s coordinated by the Le Mars Area Chamber
of Commerce, the Le Mars Arts Center and
the City of Le Mars. The project began in 2013
as a way to bring new life to old alleys. Artists
range from professionals to middle school artists
with fees ranging from $50.00 to $5,000.00.
With art filling nine alleys in downtown Le Mars,
it is unquestionably one of the most vibrant and
colorful downtowns in Iowa. Grab an ice cream
cone and take enjoy the murals this summer.
Mural shown by Glenda Drennen pictured left.