Award-Winning Photographer Shows Variety in Upcoming OSU Foundation Exhibit

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Phil Shockley’s work to be on display until Sept. 25

(STILLWATER, Okla., July 9, 2009) – Phil Shockley has been a professional photographer for almost 20 years but has never had his own exhibition.

That is changing this summer as the Oklahoma State University photographer showcases 20 original pieces in “Luminous Flux” at the OSU Foundation’s Malinda Berry Fischer gallery now through Sept. 25. The free opening reception is July 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Shockley said he chose the title for two reasons. First, it’s a photographic term that means the perceived brightness of light. Light, he said, is to a photographer what a brush is to a painter.

“Also, the work I have chosen is really varied,” Shockley said. “It is an eclectic mix of images I’ve created over the years. I wanted to come up with a way to say varied.

“To me, photography is all about light. ‘Luminous’ fits that. ‘Flux’ is kind of a span of change.”

The exhibit includes still-life, portrait, architecture and landscape photographs. Prints are for sale with 10 percent of the proceeds going to OSU’s studio art program.

Shockley said he is “nervous and excited” about the event.

“It’s been a great process for me to go back and revisit previous work,” he said.  “I think in order to understand where you’re going, it’s really helpful to take a look at where you’ve been. What worked 15 years ago may not necessarily hold up today, but it’s a nice feeling when it does.”

The graduate of the Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, Calif., came to Oklahoma in 2005, when he started working as OSU’s photographer. Shockley won a gold medal for individual photographs in the 2008 Council for Advancement and Support of Education’s Circle of Excellent Awards Program.

Shockley said the opening reception will be unique for him because he will be attending an OSU event at which he is not working. Of course, he still plans to bring his camera.
Named in honor of the Foundation’s former board chairman, the Malinda Berry Fischer Gallery showcases Oklahoma and OSU artists. The gallery serves to strengthen the connection between Oklahoma State University and the OSU Foundation. The gallery is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.