MP Strahl Showcases Digital Photography by Chilliwack Resident

CHILLIWACK – To promote artists in Chilliwack and Hope, Member of Parliament Mark Strahl is showcasing local art and photographs in his Parliamentary office.

MP Strahl is encouraging local artists from across the riding to submit their work, along with their bio and contact information. Artwork is also featured on Mark’s website: www.markstrahl.com.

This month’s featured artist is a digital photographer, Michael Hamilton-Clark. Michael is a retired civil engineer and lives with his wife in Chilliwack. He has been interested in photography since he was a teenager, as his high school had a well-equipped darkroom along with an enlarger. At that time, slides were the only format generally available for colour and he formed an attachment to the more readily available black-and-white negative and prints process.

“To this day I still have a liking for black-and-white. There are however times when colour comes to the fore – sunrises, sunsets, the moon, vivid scenery,” said Michael. “I am an amateur and take photographs of things that interest me in the world around me.”

Michael has taken part in a number of group exhibitions here in Chilliwack and has had several of his photos printed in the local paper. He won the Senior’s 1st Prize in the Seasonal section of the Chilliwack Library 2012-13 photo contest. Michael is a regular contributor to The Weather Network photography section.

In 2005, Michael put away his trusty 35-mm Minolta Maxxum 9000, and switched to digital photography. He now uses two digital cameras – a Sony Alpha 330 SLR and a Sony HX60V pocket camera.

Michael has two photographs featured in the Art Gallery Wall in Mark’s Ottawa office, both taken in Chilliwack this past February.

The first photograph is titled Fraser River from Old Orchard Road. The reflection of the clouds on the river, framed by the trees, with the causeway leading into the mountains, are a composition for a stunning outdoor scene.

The second photograph is titled Mt. Slesse. The dark trees in the foreground are complimented by a snowy and white Mt. Slesse in the background, creating idyllic contrast in this piece.

More of Michael’s work is showcased on his website: www.alberystudiowoodturnings.com

“It is my distinct honour to showcase another edition of local art in my Parliamentary office,” said MP Strahl. “Michael Hamilton-Clark impressively harnesses the natural majestic beauty of the great outdoors in Chilliwack. I celebrate Michael’s accomplishments in capturing these harmonious and fascinating landscape photographs. I encourage other local artists to submit their artwork for future exhibits.”

Fellow Parliamentarians, as well as visitors from across Canada and around the world, will have an opportunity to take in the works of Michael Hamilton-Clark. In accordance with the artist’s wishes, works will be exhibited in the gallery for several weeks before being returned to the artist, donated to local charities, or presented as gifts to visiting delegations.

Those interested in submitting their artwork for MP Strahl’s Parliamentary Art Gallery are asked to contact his office for more information.

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