Profile
Gonzalo Contreras del Solar
Born: 1955
Hometown: La Paz
Based in: Calera de Tango
Photographer dedicated to portraying Water.
It was late 1955 when my eyes peeped in the city of La Paz at the high Andes. Since then, they have learned by capturing sparkles from the masters.
The influence of Ansel Adams and Vincent Van Gogh works has forged my technique to pursue the chase of Water and capture its beauty, while visiting more than 40 countries. Living in 10 of them and settled at the small town of Calera de Tango in Chile.
My work is done mainly using film in a medium format camera, as well as digital, capturing the beauty of water in all its forms; denouncing many times the little interest that our civilized world invests in its purification, conservation and preservation. Printed mainly on large size fine art photographic paper, for Color as well as Black & White, also, for certain images use ink based printing.
Water, an important resource, source of life, and protagonist of my exhibitions around the world, that converge between the look of the paused movement, preserving it for future generations. As is the case of certain images that were taken in glaciers that have disappeared during the last 20 years.
Started oil painting and developing at the age of 10, later taking pictures of what my eyes noticed, took as much photography courses as I could, forging my technique and creating the water portfolio.
About Gonzalo Contreras del Solar
What inspires you?
Portraying water in all its forms from around the world.
Describe your creative process.
Search location, plan on time of the year, research distance, restrictions, sun angle, arrive early & leave late, let my eyes search and wait for the light to paint the image, capture as much a possible (specially with film), register metadata, (when working with film, develop and scan), review work in the digital room, select the best images for printing, using the best papers and printers, adjust print to closely match what the eyes envisioned, displaying images, plan for the next outing.
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
Water Beauty Energy
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
Ansel Adams & Vicent Van Gogh
What is the most important tool when creating your work?
Camera & patience
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Do not leave the location you are photographing until it is totally dark and test/practice new equipment before going to a location, you might not be able repeat the image.
Where do you go for inspiration?
National parks, however any place that has a small stream of water as well as a large waterfall.