ansel adams

Today's guest on the podcast was Jay Dusard. He's one of the best known Western photographers of the 20th century (not to mention a Guggenheim scholar winner) who I've known for  quite a long time. I've had the pleasure of seeing his work in numerous museum shows spanning several decades and I was really thrilled that he took the time and effort to come down and join us for an episode of Art Dealer Diaries.

Jay's book "The North American Cowboy: A Portrait," released in 1983, showed the life of the cowboy and cowgirl that was not only artistic, but earnest as well. A level of representation achieved by someone that was a real life cowboy for many, many years. 

That's one of the ways that Jay was able to capture the images he's known for. When you look at the individuals in his photographs, the unfiltered cowboy lifestyle pours through the lens of someone that was able to not only relate, but more importantly translate that very sensibility into black and white photographs.

We discuss Jay's career as well as his early life as a prospective architect. The discussion also covers where the art of photography is headed now that everyone carries a capable imaging device in the form of a cell phone.

So please enjoy. Jay Dusard on Art Dealer Diaries #176.

Thirty-five years after his death, Ansel Adams is still one of the most popular (and most searched) photographers. He spent a lifetime creating some of the iconic images in the history of photography primarily using an 8x10 camera and black-and-white film. He developed the Zone System with Fred Archer, wrote numerous books, vigorously corresponded with contemporary artists, and advocated for the environment through the use of photography.

But has nostalgia for the avuncular photographer led us to overrate his impact on the art and industry of photography? In this episode of Vision Slightly Blurred, Sarah and Allen go back in history to talk about Adams' many accomplishments, and why they think there's no possibility of overrating his skill and mark on the art form.

Al Douglas was well-known to KCBS Radio evening listeners in the 1960’s. He hosted a call-in program called “Viewpoint” as well as an interview program called “The Al Douglas Show”. He was known for his wide-ranging interests, choosing interview subjects from across a wide spectrum. This example from the California Historical Society/Bay Area Radio Museum collection is an interview with legendary photographer Ansel Adams, aired in November 1963.

Andrew Smith discusses growing up in Santa Fe and how his interest in anthropology lead to being fascinated with imagery and the history of the Southwest photographs. Andrew explains how he goes about evaluating photographers and placing them in museum, libraries, and with die-hard collectors. The history of how the Edward S. Curtis collection ended up in Santa Fe and how Curtis's project 1904-1930 developed.  A fascinating interview with one of the top photographic dealers with lots of early history of Santa Fe's gallery scene.