Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery July Local Artist of the Month

Cook County Historical Society is pleased to introduce the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery’s local Artist of the Month for July, Sandy Clemons.

Sandy Clemons is a digital photographer specializing in Minnesota landscapes and night sky photography.

Clemons describes a personal connection to nature, particularly the captivating landscapes of Minnesota's north shore. She recounts an experience at Hollow Rock on Lake Superior during winter. Arriving in the early morning to photograph sea smoke and ice, she observed the crescent moon before sunrise. Technical difficulties arose when her camera ceased functioning due to the cold. After warming the camera, she was able to capture the sunrise as the sun appeared through the opening of Hollow Rock, creating sun rays around the island. She employed multiple exposures to manage the high dynamic range of the morning light, successfully obtaining her desired images. This experience reinforced her belief in the importance of capturing moments at opportune times.

Clemons hopes her photographs evoke the wonder of nature in viewers, creating lasting memories of fleeting moments, and encourages others to experience nature firsthand for the calmness it provides. She highlights a characteristic of the aurora borealis, noting that while cameras record its colors, the human eye perceives color at night only when light is sufficient. Clemons also addresses light pollution, mentioning the difficulty of star observation in urban areas. She advocates for the protection of dark sky areas and the preservation of natural landscapes, citing scientific perspectives on the positive impact of viewing star-filled skies on human well-being and connection to the universe.

Sandy’s photographs will be on display through the end of July.

All photographs below by Sandy Clemons.