photo-eye Gallery Kate Breakey Exhibition & Artist Reception; July 29th, 2023 photo-eye Gallery Discover the enchantment of Kate Breakey’s upcoming gallery exhibition. Hand-colored photographs and mesmerizing orotones unveil the beauty of everyday objects with intricate detail and a radiant, three-dimensional allure.

Kate Breakey, White Swan, Hand-colored Archival Pigment Print, 24x32", Edition of 20, $2,000

photo-eye Gallery is pleased to announce

KATE BREAKEY  /  Wondrous Things

Artist Reception: 4-6pm, July 29, 2023
On View July 29- September 30, 2023

“Making images of these things is a natural extension of being fascinated, touched, or intrigued by them. This process of seeing, and recording transforms me. It is how I express wonder and love, a form of dedication. It is also a record of my life and my desire to connect myself to all other things, the acknowledgment of a search for an explanation, for meaning and significance, a primal longing to grasp things which are unknowable.”

— Kate Breakey

Kate Breakey is an artist who finds inspiration in the beauty and complexity of nature. Her career has spanned 40 years, during which she has created art that celebrates the wonder of the natural world. As a child growing up in coastal Australia, Kate was fascinated by the ocean, big skies and the wildlife that surrounded her. Frequent visits to the natural history museum further fueled her curiosity, as she marveled at the labeled and classified displays of birds and shells in glass cases. The diversity of life filled her with amazement and wonder.

Clockwise from center: Night Snake, Scotch Bonnet Shell, Vervet Monkey Skull, Kelp, Money Tree Leaf, Mexican Bird of Paradise, Horned Lizard, Leopard Moth, Horseshoe Crab, Cicada

This exhibit showcases a collection of recent hand-colored photographs and contemporary orotones. The images capture the beauty of everyday objects, including still-lifes, dried flowers, insects, lizards, ravens, landscapes, fruits, vegetables and even the moon. Each piece is unique and incorporates handwork, blending photography and painting. The hand-colored images exhibit intricate detail, drawing the viewer in to appreciate every aspect, from petals to feathers. The framed orotones are stunning objects, radiating a warm hue even in dimly lit settings. The combination of glass, image and gold leaf creates a unique three-dimensional quality.

Kate Breakey, Plum Creek, Texas I, Hand-colored Archival Pigment Print, 24x36", Edition of 20. $2,000

photo-eye Gallery is proud to represent artist Kate Breakey.

*      *      *

Kate Breakey was born in Adelaide, Australia, and received her MFA in photography from the University of Texas, Austin in 1991. Breakey is known for working in a multitude of photographic techniques, including large-scale, hand-colored archival pigment prints, gold-leaf-backed Orotones printed on glass, and hand-embroidered images printed on silk. Since 1981 her work has appeared in more than 120 solo exhibitions and more than 50 group exhibitions in the United States, France, Japan, Australia, China, and New Zealand.

>> See more images by Kate Breakey <<

>> Learn more about Kate Breakey <<

PRINT COSTS ARE CURRENT UP TO THE TIME OF POSTING AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

*      *      *

If you are in Santa Fe, please stop by during gallery hours or schedule a Virtual Visit HERE.  

For more information, and to reserve one of these unique works, please contact 

Gallery Director Anne Kelly or Gallery Assistant Jovi Esquivel.

You may also call us at (505) 988-5152 x202

photo-eye Gallery

1300 Rufina Circle, Unit A3, Santa Fe, NM 87507

Tuesday– Saturday, from 10am- 5:30pm

photo-eye Gallery From the Flat Files: Jovi Esquivel photo-eye presents a collection of spring-themed photographs that capture the essence of the season in their own unique way, highlighting the beauty and fragility of nature, the promise of new beginnings, and the wonder and magic of the world around us.

Cig Harvey, Bougainvillea, Bequia, 2019, Archival Pigment Print, 16x20", Edition of 10, $3,000 

Spring is a season that fills us with hope and promise. As the earth awakens from its winter slumber, nature bursts forth with new life, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of renewal. It's a time when we are reminded of the power of change and the resilience of the natural world. This week, we'll explore stunning photographs from artists Cig Harvey, Chaco Terada, Tom Chambers, Kate Breakey, and Thomas Jackson, to name a few, that capture the essence of spring and its message of hope and renewal. From delicate blossoms to vibrant landscapes, these images are a celebration of the beauty and wonder of the world around us. So let's dive in and immerse ourselves in the colors, textures, and emotions of this incredible season. 

Chaco Terada, Sakura Front 4, Sumi & Pigment Ink on Silk, 9.5x11", Unique Print, $4,200 

Tom Chambers, Tea for Two, 2018, Archival Pigment Print, 32x18, Edition of 20, $1,850

Maggie Taylor, Golden Hour, 2019, Archival Pigment Print, 8x8", Edition of 15, $1,700

Ben Depp, Mayflies, 2021, Archival Pigment Print, 22.5x30", Edition of 10, $2,000

Walter Plotnick, Love Birds, Silver Halide Print, 16x20", Edition of 15, $1,950

Zoë Zimmerman, Quarantine #60 (Day #76), Archival Pigment Print, 20x16", Edition of 24, $1,200

Kate Breakey, Tulip Bud, Archival Pigment Ink on Glass & 24kt Gold Leaf, 8x6", Edition of 20, $1,200

Hiroshi Watanabe, TDTDC 39 (Purple Tree), 2011, Archival Pigment Ink, 9x9", Edition of 5, $1,800

Amanda Marchand, Hart's Tongue (Kodak Polyfiber FD), 2020, Unique Archival Pigment Prints, 18x15", Edition of 3, POR

Thomas Jackson, Tulle no.34_v1, Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, 2021, Archival Pigment Print, 20x25", Edition of 4, $2,500

Print costs are current up to the time of posting and are subject to change.

*      *      *

If you are in Santa Fe, please stop by during gallery hours or schedule a visit HERE.

For more information, and to reserve one of these unique works, please contact

Gallery Director Anne Kelly or Gallery Assistant Jovi Esquivel

You may also call us at (505) 988-5152 X202

photo-eye Gallery

1300 Rufina Circle, Unit A3, Santa Fe, NM 87507

Tuesday– Saturday, from 10am– 5:30pm

Kate Breakey, Dried Orchid in Jar, Archival pigment print and 24k gold leaf, 6.5 x 5.5", Edition of 20, $1200 (Framed)

photo-eye Gallery is thrilled to present a selection of new images of orotones from Kate Breakey! The artist has been working with this process continuously throughout the last twenty years and all of these pieces are available to view in the gallery.

Kate Breakey is an artist who likes to take her time. Over the last four decades, the artist has amassed an impressive and intricate body of work; from delicately embroidered images printed on silk to the hand-painted negatives that she is known for, Breakey applies a razor-sharp eye for detail and aesthetic harmony to every process that she approaches.

One of the methods of working that Breakey is known for is the orotone. If you were to break it down, an orotone is exactly what it sounds like — an image that is granted luminescent tonality through the use of gold backing. This process is historic with roots in the early history of photography. It was used and refined by the studio of Edward S. Curtis (an inspiration of Breakey's) throughout the mid-1800s; he's often credited as one of the most important innovators of the technique. Breakey's updated technique, which involves producing images on glass plates with an inkjet printer (which are then backed with 24k gold leaf), achieves a similar tonal effect as that of  Curtis'. Breakey allows for her subjects to double as specimens (or stand in as constructed tableaus) and this, too, feels like a nod to some of the early uses of photography as a means of documenting the formal qualities of objects in the natural world in the same vein as Anna Atkins' cyanotypes. 

Though her focus spans the natural world, Breakey's orotones are all photographed in a way that echoes paintings from Dutch and Flemish antiquity. The golden glow emitted by these images draws attention to the subtle beauties in our day-to-day life that hearken back to classical or neo-classical aesthetic principles. The results of her approach are a plethora of images that are beautiful as well as timeless, take a look at more of the orotones that we have on view below!

Kate Breakey, Blue Vase, Red Berries, Archival pigment print and 24k gold leaf, 8.5 x 4.5", Edition of 20, $1200 (Framed)

Kate Breakey, White Koi, 2014, Archival pigment print and 24k gold leaf, 6 x 7.5", Edition of 20, $1170 (Framed)

Kate Breakey, Sprouting Onion, Archival pigment print and 24k gold leaf, 5.5 x 4.5", Edition of 20, $1170 (Framed)

Kate Breakey, Horny Toad Lizard, Archival pigment print and 24k gold leaf, 6.5 x 5.5", Edition of 20, $1200 (Framed)

>> View more orotones from Kate Breakey here! <<

>> Read an interview with Kate Breakey from our Light + Metal show <<

>> Schedule a Virtual Visit to view more of Kate Breakey's work here! <<

• • • • • 

 

Print costs are current up to the time of posting and are subject to change.

photo-eye Gallery is proud to represent Kate Breakey.

For more information, and to purchase prints by Kate Breakey, please contact Gallery Director Anne Kelly or Gallery Assistant Delaney Hoffman, or you may also call us at 505-988-5152 x202

photo-eye Gallery New Works from Kate Breakey Delaney Hoffman
This week we're highlighting some beautiful loose prints that have recently arrived in the gallery from represented artist Christopher Colville. Colville is known for his spontaneous compositions made by exploring the possibilities of gunpowder as a photographic tool. Learn more about this process-oriented work and see what's available to view below!

photo-eye Gallery Put a Bow on It! | photo-eye Gallery's 2021 Gift Guide Delaney Hoffman
photo-eye Gallery's annual holiday gift guide featuring incredible, affordable works from our represented artists!

Ah yes, centered.

It’s that time of year again, and by that time of year, I mean that it’s time for photo-eye Gallery’s annual Put a Bow on It gift guide!

Despite all of the difficulties that this year has put in front of us, I am happy to say that we have almost made it out! November and December bring promises of cozy fireside nights, snow-frolicking and beautiful meals with family and friends. Alongside the many joys of winter, however, are the many stresses of the holidays, the most prevalent of which is the pressure to find the perfect gifts for those special people in your life.

Luckily, photo-eye Gallery is here with a plethora of beautiful presents for your favorite photography or contemporary art lover! There’s nothing like the gift of a limited edition artwork to tell somebody that they’re truly one of a kind, and these unique, affordable pieces will supply beauty that lasts a lifetime. By purchasing from us, you’re not only supporting photo-eye Gallery, but also the independent artists who we represent as well!

Our gallery staff has compiled a list of beautiful objects from our flat files that are both under $1500 and available for local pickup on purchase. If you don’t live in Santa Fe, no worries! We offer shipping both domestically and internationally.


Take a look at the items below — you’re guaranteed to find something that fits the style you’re after, all for under $1500! Thank you for supporting photo-eye Gallery!

1. Jo Whaley, 62: Noctuid, 2000, Archival pigment print, 10 x 8″, Edition of 15, $900 The Theater of Insects

Jo Whaley, 62: Noctuid

2. Steve Fitch, Beresford, South Dakota, June, 1988, 1988/2021, Archival pigment print, 12 x 12″, $650 from American Motel Signs

Steve Fitch, Beresford, South Dakota, June, 1988

 Interested in Steve Fitch's work? Check out American Motel Signs II in our Bookstore here! 

3. James Pitts, Climatis bud in Tiny Frosted Antique Bottle with Reflection, Archival pigment print, 19 x 15″, Edition of 10, $1200

James Pitts, Climatis bud in Tiny Frosted Antique Bottle with Reflection

4. Maggie Taylor, Fancy of Flight, Archival pigment print, 8 x 8″ image in 16 x 16″ mat, Edition of 15, $1500

Maggie Taylor, Fancy of Flight

5. Pentti Sammallahti, Helsinki, Finland, 1981, Gelatin-silver print, 5.5 x 4″, $1100

Pentti Sammallahti, Helsinki, Finland, 1981

Interested in Pentti Sammallahti's work? Check out Me Kaksi in our Bookstore here! 

6. Rachel Phillips, Divination by Key, Varnished transfer to antique photo, 6.5 x 4.3″, $700

Rachel Phillips, Divination by Key

Interested in Rachel Phillips' work? Check out Divinations in the Bookstore here!

7. Kate Breakey, Butterfly, Hand-colored gelatin silver print, 4 x 6″, Edition of 10, $450 (framed)

Kate Breakey, Butterfly

For any purchase inquiries or questions, please contact photo-eye Gallery directly via email or telephone at gallery@photoeye.com or 505-988-5152 x202!

If you would like to discuss one of the pieces included our gift guide, we would encourage you to contact us as soon as possible to confirm current availability and the shipment timeline.

>> For more curated selections of works that make perfect gifts, check out our other posts from the Put a Bow On It series here! <<

• • • • • 

Print costs are current up to the time of posting and are subject to change.

photo-eye Gallery is proud to represent Jo Whaley, Steve Fitch, James Pitts, Maggie Taylor, Pentti Sammallahti, and Kate Breakey. Rachel Phillips is a Photographers Showcase artist.

For more information, and to purchase prints by any artists listed above please contact Gallery Director Anne Kelly or Gallery Assistant Delaney Hoffman, or you may also call us at 505-988-5152 x202

photo-eye Gallery Kate Breaky: New Orotones photo-eye Gallery
photo-eye Gallery is pleased to present three new beautiful orotones by Kate Breakey.

Kate Breakey, Octopus I, archival pigment ink on glass and 24kt gold leaf, 6" x 6," edition of 20, $1200

photo-eye Gallery is pleased to present three new beautiful orotones by Kate Breakey.

The luminescent glow of Kate Breakey’s orotones is a large part of their instant allure. These works, like Octopus I above, are made by printing images directly onto glass and then carefully applying 24 karat gold leaf behind the ink. They shimmer when directly lit and emanate a warm glow in subdued lighting. The contrast between the ink and gold backing, and the way light is reflected from the gold, creates a shifting, radiant presence that will thoroughly captivate any viewer.

Kate Breakey, Heron, Yucatun, archival pigment ink on glass and 24kt gold leaf, 8" x 8," edition of 20, $1400

Kate Breakey, Tulip Bud, archival pigment ink on glass and 24kt gold leaf, 8" x 6," edition of 20, $1200

* Prices for the above works include the frames

Like most of Breakey’s work, the orotones are editioned, and yet there is room for variance and individuality in each piece. Since each work is custom framed, and the gold leaf is applied by hand (like the embroidery and hand-applied color in her other works), no two images in an edition will be entirely identical. This makes each piece special, and function as a unique object.

To learn more about Kate Breakey and view her work, click on the links below.

» View More Work by Kate Breakey

» Learn More about Kate Breakey

• • • • •

 

 

All prices listed were current at the time this post was published.

For more information, and to purchase prints, please contact Gallery Director Anne Kelly or Gallery Assistant Patricia Martin, or you may also call us at 505-988-5152 x202

photo-eye Gallery Photography Collecting Tips photo-eye Gallery
What should you look for when collecting photography? Anne Kelly, our gallery director is here to advise. With her expertise in photography, Anne has a keen eye on what to look for.

Jo Whaley, Magnolia,  2016, archival pigment print, 2020, 14" x 24," edition of 25, $2000

 

"Every work of art has a story  — who made it, how, when, and what it means — hanging it in your home makes its story a part of your own." 

— Anne Kelly

Some people buy photographs as an investment, they hope for a profit once an artist becomes more established. Others collect photographs simply because they resonate with an image, and want to display and enjoy it. What should you look for when collecting photography? Anne Kelly, our gallery director is here to advise. With her expertise in photography, Anne has a keen eye on what to look for. Check out the links below for her top tips on collecting photography.

» 5 Tips to Start Collecting Photography

 
» Collecting Tips: Understanding the Print Process

 

 

Anne Kelly by David Hyams

Also included in this post are some excellent print recommendations to start your collection.

See below!

Mitch Dobrowner, Mammatus,  2016, archival pigment print, 2020, 14" x 20," edition of 40, $1500

"Get familiar with the kind of work we offer by taking a look at the website and get a feeling for the kind of work you most respond to most — what affects you, what delights you, and what does the work generally cost."

 

 

Julie Blackmon, Night Windows,  2016, archival pigment print, 2020, 22" x 29," edition of 25, $3100

"If your collecting budget is on the conservative side, take look at the Photographer's Showcase. The Showcase primarily features works by emerging artists, photographer's new or fairly new on the scene, and the prints tend to be more affordable."

 

Bryant Austin, Solar Transit of Coastal Valley Oak - Carmel CA,  2016, archival pigment print, 2020, 22" x 15," edition of 10, $3400

 

"So much great work is being produced, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Chose an aspect of the work you respond to that serves to unite and focus your collection."

James Pitts, Single White Tulip in Round Black Vase, archival pigment ink print, 19 x 15," edition of 10, $1200

"Because of our access, we can also find you sold out works, only available on the secondary market."

 

Kate Breakey, Cicada, archival pigment ink on glass, 24kt gold leaf, 3 x 5," edition of 20, $970

 

"Reach out. Build a relationship with Patricia or myself, and we can guide you through the process. ASK US ANYTHING – sometimes collecting can be jargon-heavy, and we can help make sense of it for you!"

 

 

• • • • •

 

 

All prices listed were current at the time this post was published.

For more information, and to purchase prints, please contact Gallery Director Anne Kelly or Gallery Assistant Patricia Martin, or you may also call us at 505-988-5152 x202

 

photo-eye Gallery From the Flat Files: Cameraless Photography photo-eye Gallery
While a photograph, analog or digital, can be reproduced indefinitely, cameraless photographs are typically one-of-a-kind pieces. This week we explore our favorite cameraless images from our flat files and share them here.

Michael Jackson, Mrs. S, luminogram, 20 x 16 inches, unique, $4000

  » Interview with Michael Jackson

   » View More Work by Michael Jackson

 

While a photograph, analog or digital, can be reproduced indefinitely, cameraless photographs are typically one-of-a-kind pieces.

These unique images, which do away with the mediation of a camera or a lens, include photograms, photogenic drawings, cyanotypes, luminograms, and chemigrams. All terms that designate the various cameraless processes of those artists who choose to use the primary elements of photography — light, paper, and chemicals — as both their tools and subjects to create the image.

This week we explore our favorite cameraless images from our flat files and share them here. Take a look below.

 VANESSA MARSH

Vanessa March, Mt. Rainier, 2014, archival pigment ink, 18 x 24 inches, edition of 10, $2200

» View More Work by Vanessa Marsh

» Interview with Vanessa Marsh

CHRISTOPHER COLVILLE

Christopher Colville, Dark Hours Horizon 101, unique silver gelatin print, 3 x 12 inches, framed, $3180

 

» View More Work by Christopher Colville

» Interview with Christopher Colville

 

KATE BREAKEY

Kate Breakey, Common Ground Dove, gelatin-silver print, 17 x 14 inches, edition of 7, framed, $1150

 

» View More Work by Kate Breakey

 » Learn More about Kate Breakey

 

 

To learn more about our cameraless collection and our last show on cameraless photography, take a look at the link below.

» LIGHT + METAL: Closing thoughts from Gallery Director Anne Kelly

• • • • •

For more information, and to purchase prints, please contact Gallery Director Anne Kelly or Gallery Assistant Patricia Martin, or you may also call us at 505-988-5152 x202

 

photo-eye Gallery From the Flat-Files: Still Lifes photo-eye Gallery
Flowers, both fresh and dying, fruits and vegetables, burning candles, skulls, books, insects, jewelry, scientific tools, mirrors, bottles, glasses, vases — objects often found in still life photographs. Such objects were also the representative, prominent characteristic of the paintings created by the Dutch and Flemish painters of the 17th century.

Jo Whaley, Analytical Behavior, 1994, archival pigment print, 15.75 x 14 inches, edition of 25, $1800

Flowers, both fresh and dying, fruits and vegetables, burning candles, skulls, books, insects, jewelry, scientific tools, mirrors, bottles, glasses, vases — objects often found in still life photographs. Such objects were also the representative, prominent characteristic of the paintings created by the Dutch and Flemish painters of the 17th century. 

The Golden Age of the Old Masters continues to offer limitless inspiration for contemporary artists. Their artworks remind viewers of the brevity of human life, youthfulness, wealth, power, as well as the triviality of all material things. Through this distinct kind of narrative, these works warn about the irrelevance of all the alluring, earthly pleasures, and provide us with a unique aesthetic that many contemporary still life photographers have embraced.

This week we are thrilled to explore this exciting genre by taking a look at our favorite still life photographs from our flat-files and sharing them on our blog. Take a look below!

» See more images from Jo Whaley's Natura Morta series

» Interview with Jo Whaley about her show at the Georgia O'Keefe Museum

Cig Harvey

Cig Harvey, Early Stardrift, archival pigment ink, 20 x 16 inches, edition of 10, $3000

» Interview with Cig Harvey

Maggie Taylor

Maggie Taylor, The philosopher's study, 2020, archival pigment ink, 8 x 8 inches, edition of 15, $1500

» Interview with Maggie Taylor

Kate Breakey

Kate Breakey, Single Rose, Glass Round Bottle, hand colored pigment ink print, 2020, 16 x 16 inches, $1750 (framed)

» Interview with Kate Breakey

JP Terlizzi

JP Terlizzi, Villeroy & Boch Artesano with Grapefruit, 2019, archival pigment print, 14 x 21 inches, edition of 10, $1200

» Conversation with JP Terlizzi

• • • • • 

All prices listed were current at the time this post was published.

 

For more information, and to purchase prints, please contact Gallery Director Anne Kelly or Gallery Assistant Patricia Martin, or you may also call us at 505-988-5152 x202