Artwork copyright Ken Smith. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Peach Orchard, 1992, 1992

Ken Smith
American (born 1950)

Location: Prairie High School, Vancouver

About the Artwork

Peach Orchard, 1992 is an infrared image taken by photographer Ken Smith near Omak, Northwestern Washington. Infrared photography captures the glow of radiant energy not visible by the human eye. Smith notes that infrared film has a "unique quality that can be used artistically to express the spirit in the subject matter...Indeed, the film sees in a way that we do not."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Battle Ground Public Schools.

About the Artist

Fine art photographer Ken Smith creates luminous still life and landscape photography. He lives and works in the foothills of the North Cascade Mountains and his work is influenced by Washington's natural landscape.
In his own words, "I have discovered an old but current Japanese philosophy and way of living called "Wabi-Sabi" which contemplates naturalness, impermanence, incompleteness, and the imperfection of all things. This philosophy puts into words many of the feelings I have always known... The true essence and importance of art is that it causes the viewer to recall or question his own self. This is why art is a keystone in a healthy society."