Photographs by Sidney Spencer were on display at the Gathering Grounds during November. The work included close-ups of flowers, European scenes, and landscapes of the San Raphael Valley. Mounted on board, they were reproduced in full color on matte photo paper, giving them a beautiful finish.
Spencer describes her photographic work as recordings of her experiences. It is uncontrived and employs no special effects. The viewer is offered a straightforward look at what Spencer refers to as a “mental collection of life’s images.”
Some of the photos of flowers and European architecture were blown up to a large size, revealing intricate details of their design. Although they are eye-catching, I would like to have seen her photos of the Valley printed on a larger scale. Her panoramic views of grasslands, with a backdrop of rolling hills and billowing clouds, would be well-suited to a large format, giving the viewer a more intimate sense of the immense space and quiet beauty they portray. They are also the most personal images she has shared in this exhibit, as they portray the views she sees each day from her home. Sidney Spencer lives on a ranch in San Raphael Valley, where she raises cattle and operates a business marketing and selling natural range-fed beef.