Read the Interview with Valda Bailey

If you are captivated by the abstract and emotive power of Valda Bailey’s photography, then Voice of the Eyes® is a book that belongs in your collection. As one of the 30 exceptional landscape photographers featured in this volume, Valda Bailey’s unique approach to photography stands out as a key highlight, offering fans a rare glimpse into her creative process and artistic philosophy. For those who have been moved by her ability to transform landscapes into visual expressions of emotion, this book presents a deep and thoughtful exploration of her work, alongside other pioneers in the field.

Voice of the Eyes® is not just a photography book - it's a collection of interviews that dives into the minds of landscape photographers who have mastered their craft. The format of the book is designed around a standardized questionnaire with fifteen essential questions. These questions are posed to each artist, creating a cohesive yet diverse exploration of their creative processes. Valda Bailey’s answers provide insight into her unique vision and method, giving readers an understanding of how she approaches photography as an art form rather than mere documentation. Her thoughtful responses highlight how she combines her background in painting with photography to create images that are both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.

Valda Bailey’s photography is deeply influenced by her background in painting, and this influence is apparent in every image she creates. Her work is not about capturing a literal representation of a landscape, but rather about conveying the emotions that a place evokes. She uses techniques to blur detail, abstract shapes, and layer colors, resulting in images that feel more like visual poetry than traditional photography. In Voice of the Eyes®, Bailey discusses how her process is an instinctive and immersive experience, where each decision is built upon the last, creating a flow of creativity that is both spontaneous and intentional. Fans of Bailey’s work will appreciate how she breaks down her method, revealing the layers of thought and emotion that go into each image.

The book Voice of the Eyes® explores how photography can serve as a visual voice for artists, especially when words fall short. Valda Bailey’s photography is a perfect example of this concept. Her images speak volumes through their use of color, light, and form, expressing feelings that are difficult to articulate. Bailey’s interview in the book provides an opportunity for fans to understand how she achieves this emotional depth in her work, offering a rare look at the inspirations and influences that guide her. She shares how her love for Abstract Expressionism and Surrealism has shaped her approach, leading her to create photographs that blur the line between reality and abstraction, inviting viewers to engage with the images on a deeper, more personal level.

For fans of Valda Bailey, her inclusion in Voice of the Eyes® is a chance to connect with her work in a new way. The book not only features her stunning photography but also offers readers an opportunity to hear directly from the artist about her journey and the mentors who have influenced her along the way. Notably, Bailey mentions the impact of Jay Maisel, a highly respected photographer and educator, whose guidance helped shape her understanding of light, color, and form. These insights allow fans to see how Bailey’s artistic voice has developed over time and how she continues to evolve as an artist.

While Valda Bailey’s contribution is a standout, Voice of the Eyes® also presents a broader exploration of the current landscape photography scene. The book brings together a diverse group of photographers, each with their own distinct style and approach. Some work in film, while others, like Bailey, embrace digital techniques. This diversity of voices enriches the book, offering readers a comprehensive view of the many ways landscape photography can be interpreted and practiced. It also highlights the importance of creativity in this medium, showing that there are no limits to what can be achieved when artists like Valda Bailey push the boundaries of their craft.

In a world where photography can often feel fast-paced and disposable, Valda Bailey’s approach is refreshingly thoughtful and deliberate. Her work encourages viewers to slow down and really engage with the images, to explore the layers of meaning behind each photograph. Voice of the Eyes® celebrates this slow, immersive approach, offering fans a deeper connection to Bailey’s work and the work of the other photographers featured in the book. It’s an invitation to not just see the world, but to feel it, much in the way Bailey does through her camera.

Whether you are an artist yourself or simply someone who admires Valda Bailey’s extraordinary ability to capture the essence of a landscape, Voice of the Eyes® offers a compelling and inspiring read. This book is more than a collection of beautiful images—it’s an exploration of the creative minds that shape the world of landscape photography today. For those who love Valda Bailey’s work, her interview in Voice of the Eyes® will provide valuable insights into her artistic process and inspire a deeper appreciation for the emotional and visual depth she brings to her photography. Don’t miss the chance to discover more about her work and be inspired by one of the most innovative photographers in the field today.

 

An excerpt from the interview with Valda Bailey from the book Voice of the Eyes®:

What “makes” a good photograph?

I think it is easier for me to say what doesn’t (necessarily) make a good photograph. A very subjective thing, obviously, but for me it has nothing to do with a perfectly balanced histogram, front-to-back sharpness, foreground detail, or a generous file size. Perhaps to say that a good photograph is one that engages me is too vague - that can, after all, mean many things. It is certainly an image that doesn’t give up all its secrets at once. It would probably have tension and/or discordant elements - I think perfection is highly overrated and doesn’t really grab my attention. There would also have to be room for my imagination to roam within the frame.

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