Hooey Wilks
Look closely at these photographs. The skiers in the Skier Series are miniature antique toys from the 1930's and 40's photographed high in the mountains at premier ski resorts. These tiny figures draw you in, evoke a nostalgic feeling for the dawn of skiing but are presented in a vibrant, modern context. The mix of old and new creates a great visual addition to any home or mountain space. These images showcase the beauty of mountain landscapes with a wink of whimsy designed to draw the viewer in and surprise and delight. (Read more below)
Specific to the Skier Series, over a decade ago, I bought my husband the first two antique toy skiers in what has now become an extensive collection of over 150 antique toy skiers from the dawn of skiing (1930's-40's) that I have used as the basis for the Skier Series. The work is shot at ski resorts, high in the mountains. I am constantly exploring the landscape, examining the environment and the details that mimic what I am feeling on that day, but on a smaller scale. I use framing, perspective and depth of field to bring the toys to life and celebrate the beauty of the landscape.
I love working at the intersection of time and nature and forcing the viewer to question what is real. I create movement where none exists in both figurative and non-figurative work. There is a story to be told and an unfolding of the art as the viewer experiences what they are seeing.