Artist of the Month Heather Bell

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My mother and grandma always had a camera handy to document the special events of our lives, and as a youngster, I discovered an early joy in taking photographs. I was given a Kodak Disc camera at an early age, and looking back on my high school years, I believe I would have preferred taking photography classes and working in a darkroom instead of concentrating on math and science, as my teachers and parents kept strongly suggesting.

I purchased my first camera with a generous financial gift I received upon graduating college. It was a basic point-and-shoot rig, and my Dad’s move to Table Rock Lake opened my eyes to a whole new world in the Ozarks, a magical place that (I felt) desperately needed me to photograph it. Going through my grandmother's things one day, I discovered my grandfather had his own passion for photography and painting, and I was inspired even further to capture the world around me. In the months and years that followed, I spent much of my time doing just that - the many images I took with that little camera preserved some of the most cherished memories of the times I spent with my beloved father.

Before my dad’s passing, he had purchased a Canon Rebel, along with a few choice lenses, which he allowed me to use. After moving full-time to the lake in 2011, I quickly found myself motivated to take more and better pictures. During the winter of 2013, I had the breathtaking experience of watching the bald eagles circling majestically above the house and the lake, which intensely sparked my creative impulses. That very night I ordered two canvases of images I took of those eagles, as well as a new camera and a 400 mm lens that I’d been dreaming about. It took another three years of practice and learning, frustrations and satisfactions, sometimes but too rarely capturing precisely the images and effects I was after. Somewhat reluctantly I now admit, I began to realize there was only one thing to do to get the kind of results I truly wanted. Summoning courage, I changed the camera’s mode from auto to manual - and thus began my true education. I have never looked back.

 Years later, there are now several quality cameras in the family, and my husband is frequently shooting with one I am not using. Our vacations these days are often spent traveling with photography groups and visiting picturesque places. My photographic interests range widely, but my favorite subjects will always be wildlife and landscapes, particularly in the Ozarks. I also shoot family portraits, marriage proposals, senior class photos, and weddings. Over the years I’ve acquired most of the equipment, skills, and experience needed to support my particular art, including printing, matting, and framing. More recently I have developed an interesting sideline, producing magnets, bookmarks, coasters, cutting boards, and other items featuring our images. I am always continuing to learn, regularly taking classes, participating with photography groups and professional organizations, and, of course, sharing skills, techniques, and experiences with other artists. It is one of my greatest satisfactions, to share my camera’s eye with people who enjoy the photos. Most gratifying of all, is allowing folks to experience so many things and places they might otherwise miss, or perhaps even fail to notice. You can find more about Heather on her website at ice-bellphotography.com or shop.ice-bellphotography.com. She also displays her works at the Farmers and Artisans Market of Harrison on almost any Saturday morning.