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July Issue 2009
Plum Elements
in Charleston, SC, Offers Works by Frank Melvin Braden
Plum Elements in Charleston, SC, will present the exhibit, Humours of Folly, featuring photographs by Frank Melvin Braden, on view from July 2 through Aug. 2, 2009.
Braden's work exposes the vitality, freedom and richness of one of America's iconic beach communities. "It's a great delight to present Frank's first solo show in Charleston, on the subject of Folly Beach, at the height of beach season." said Plum Elements' owner Andrea Schenck.
Like well-loved places everywhere, Folly Beach, SC, has a charm and character all its own. For this subject, Braden's eye singles out for the viewer, the myriad of elements that comprise Folly Beach. The exhibition samples all of Folly's many dimensions - the fun and funky, the people who call it home, shared icons such as the Morris Island Lighthouse and Folly Pier, and of course the area's natural beauty.
Though he came to Folly
Beach in the late 1970's with his family, Braden picked up the
camera to share his view of Folly just in the last several years.
Discussing his beginnings as a full-time photographer, Braden
explained Folly was a natural subject for him, because of his
long-standing relationship with it. He explained that from his
earliest days there, he observed a tolerance and openness unlike
anywhere else. The place naturally invites exploration.
Braden's photographs single out what an observer likely looks
at everyday but does not necessarily see. The composition puts
the viewer in place at the location - whether a breath-taking
landscape, a bird in flight with its catch from the sea, a colorful
statement of self-expression or grin-inducing portrait. Observers
reconnect with the familiar and through Braden's composition can
focus a recognition of Folly's richness.
Reviewing Braden's photographs, Shutterbug Editor George Schaub noted his, "Penchant for whimsy." He opined Braden's "real strength in monochrome efforts" as well as "hitting one over the head with color from dynamic images."
Braden began his love
of photography more than 30 years ago when a camera - a Minolta
SRT 101 accompanied him on his tour of Vietnam. He has explained
his interest in photography is, "not to document what he
sees, but to invoke a mood." This emotional content, along
with his inventive and passionate approach to his subject is what
appealed to Schenck.
"Plum Elements is always interested in creating opportunities
for sharing the moment - evoking its fullness," said Schenck.
"Frank's vision and inspiration for this project is something
one connects with, whether via a single shot, or the entire collection."
For further information
check our SC Commercial Gallery listings, call the gallery at
843/727-3747 or e-mail to (info@plumelements.com).
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