Award-winning photographer Karen Cooper is recognized for her dramatic landscape images showcasing the beauty of British Columbia. Below, Karen shares her story and inspiration behind the works featured at Karen Cooper Gallery.
Photo by Karen Cooper
About Karen Cooper Gallery
My husband and I are a team passionate about the natural world. We opened the Karen Cooper Gallery on Granville Island in 2010. The gallery features my almost 20 years of adventures across Western Canada through my landscape and wildlife photography.
On spending time outdoors
I love when I feel at one with the natural world: whether that be during a hike or an extended in-field photography trip and camping under the stars or Northern Lights. These experiences permit me time to feel enlivened by the complete sensorial immersion nature has to offer. Everything is heightened: colours appear more vivid, textures more complex. Every animal sound is like a sweet melody carried through the pure air. I love to just be warmly embraced by all that the wilderness has to offer.
My favorite places are those barely touched by human impact: national parks, for example. The further I journey into this untouched world, the more I feel connected and present with my environment. If I’m separated from communication with the outer world by mountain ranges that’s even better.
Photo by Karen Cooper
On photographing nature
I was in a horrific automobile accident and took long rehabilitative walks in nature. I found that I had an ability with a camera to capture the raw beauty and tranquility of our wonderful surrounding natural environment. I am pleased to be able to share this beauty and my own tales of adventure with others through my photography.
My works challenge and evolve longstanding artistic traditions surrounding nature and landscape through emerging and experimental mediums. I seek to capture the wilderness' symphony of colour and voices, transforming them into eternalized moments for reflection. None of my subjects are altered: every work is an authentic and ethereal representation of a fragment of nature.
My works are also a declaration for environmental preservation: these works are not just invitations to appreciate natural beauty, but are also moments to understand what has, and still can be, lost.
Every opportunity for me to reflect on nature’s symphony of voices and colours found within every tree, mountain, and animal is inspirational: I seek to reflect an authentic portrayal of nature’s role and perspectives, and how they are such a vital connection to our own realities.
Photo by Karen Cooper
A favourite moment from connecting with nature
Every moment I spend in nature is a favourite, for each encounter with her mood and spirit is unique. In the years I’ve gladly spent getting to know British Columbia, I’ve come to understand this province is ephemeral, determined by her seasons, which at times are gentle and alluring, sometimes sulky and grey. I cherish every moment I’ve spent getting to know this essence.
Karen’s advice for getting outside and unplugged
A tip I take to heart has been said many times: “a journey begins with a single step.” For some, a first step allowing for a gentle introduction might be to join a club such as the North Shore Hikers or the Alpine club of Canada; or it may simply be a walk through a park or any place one can disconnect from the everyday. Every journey you take into the heart of nature depends on that first step, as it’s the decision to leave our modernity behind and re-connect with our fundamental essence.
Thank you so much Karen!
