Life is all about serendipity. We were at our favorite Mexican restaurant, Su Casa in Fennville, MI, and wandered upstairs to their gallery for an art show. I met an extraordinary artist, Crystal Overhuel, and bought a few of her gorgeous creations. We talked, and connected - Crystal is now our Michigan Arts Editor! She is just a fantastic person, so welcoming and kind. And, her art and photography? incredible! We will feature her as our Artist of the Month in August. But now, I'd like to share her photography with you, as our June Photographer of the Month. At once stunning and insightful, each photo has more than meets the eye. We were lucky enough to sit down and talk with Crystal about her photography, favorite places to photograph, and more. Here's what she had to say...

flower

WE: How did you get interested in photography? 

CO: My dad was a self-taught photographer & had this awesome darkroom in the basement of our Kalamazoo home. (807 West North Street!). He encouraged me to watch him develop film & make prints. He taught me to use various cameras & that it was ok to be creative. My passion is still 'old school,' meaning 35mm, 120 roll film cameras & alternative photography, like lomo & the use of toy cameras. Black & white images are still my favorite.

look away

the watcher

WE: How long have you been a photographer?

CO: I can't ever remember NOT having a camera... I would take my 126 film camera to school, and take pictures of my classmates! I still have some of my cherished pics from Woodward Elementary! I took some classes at Kalamazoo Valley Community College about 20 years ago, and learned so much from my instructor, Joe Smigiel. He taught alternative classes, such as pin-hole camera photography, photo-grams and different chemical processes.

two salmon

weeping bird

WE: What is your favorite place to photograph? Or subject?

CO: I am drawn to old cemeteries. I love driving and exploring, especially along dirt roads. The art you can find in older cemeteries is absolutely breath-taking. Statues, engravings & shapes. I also like to explore abandoned places. Doors and windows seem to fascinate me, too.

colors

shhh...(old doll among beach stones)

WE: How can photographers help change/impact the world, while they are traveling?

CO: Documenting your journeys! Preserving history! Barns may not be a subject that thrills you, but when you look around, really look, they are becoming a thing of the past. Old grave stones are decaying. Buildings & old country homes. Silos are decaying and falling down... anywhere you travel, even if it is local, take your camera(s).

eye and chain

thru the arch

WE: Are there rules in other countries people need to be aware of about who or what you can or cannot shoot?

CO: I am not sure of rules around the globe. I imagine they are sort of "universal." If you take a photo of a person, a clear shot, I believe you need a release if you are going to sell or display it. Art galleries usually frown upon photos being taken. I went to the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts yesterday to see the Georgia O'Keefe exhibit, and had one of my 'point & shoot' digital cameras in my bag. They were EXTREMELY serious about NO PHOTOS! Concerts will post "NO CAMERAS," etc, but.....!

toys on guard

pigeon on guard

WE: Any tips you want to share?

CO: There is no such thing as a 'bad photo,' or 'bad shot.' I did a project called, "Shooting From The Hip," and I got some of my favorite shots doing that! Always take your cameras with you. I used to worry about what people would think when I would pull out my camera at random, odd times...not any more! I take photos at flea markets, rummage sales, inside restaurants, etc. You never know what will present itself. Experiment. Think outside the box. If you have a 126 Brownie camera, use it! You can find 126 roll film on-line. 120 roll film can still be purchased at your favorite camera shop. I use Kalamazoo Color Lab for the developing of my 120 film. They also sell it.

watching

lone tree

ghostly nurse

WE: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

CO: I would love to hear from other photographers, local or otherwise! I am in the process of starting a photo group, 'CAMERA COMMANDOS.'
There are 5 of us so far, and our plan is to meet regularly to go on various shooting explorations. If you are interested, contact me!   undergroundart.crystal[at]gmail dot com

Moogie Angel

hands

WE: Thanks so much, Crystal! Your photography is beautiful, and I have enjoyed reading of the woman behind the camera!

For more information, please see:
https://www.wmuk.org/tags/crystal-overhuel

furby on my leg

All photos courtesy and copyright of Crystal Overhuel, underground art.