Photo by Sean Kilmurray

Photo by Sean Kilmurray

Photo by Sean Kilmurray

Photo by Sean Kilmurray

For the month of April, the Ojai Photo Club changes its focus to explore a genre of photography that finds beauty in things falling apart. Sean Kilmurray, an emerging photographer and student at Brooks Institute in Ventura, will speak about creating mysterious and evocative images in unconventional settings. The theme of his talk is “Entropy.” The meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, at 7:00 p.m., at Help of Ojai’s Kent Hall, 111 Santa Ana Street, Ojai, CA.

Entropy is about forms becoming irreversibly disordered over time, and images of entropy may include dilapidated buildings, rusting machinery, or peeling paint on graffiti covered walls. Kilmurray has found inspiration in these unlikely places, which other photographers, looking for more appealing subjects, might pass by. In his images an enigmatic beauty appears that could not be seen when the forms were perfect. The colors shift, the light breaks up, and surfaces acquire a rich patina. These neglected and abandoned spaces invite the viewer to imagine their stories and secrets. Who owned the once elegant blue chair, now sitting in a discarded railway car? What existential crisis drove someone to write messages to the universe on ruined walls? Through the alchemy of Kilmurray’s camera lens, fragments scattered by entropy are transformed into works of art.

Kilmurray’s interest in photography began when he was ten years old and found a point and shoot camera in the attic of his family’s home. Attending the innovative Cambridge School of Weston in Massachusetts, he was encouraged in the study of photography by two outstanding teachers. Kilmurray writes, “I had a profound experience with the late Karl Fisher working on Digital Collage. This photographic approach was totally a stretch for me. Karl gave me the courage to do something different and I will always remember his depth and inspiration. In Anne Rearick’s black and white film class I also found an intriguing direction photographing barns and the inside and outside of dilapidated buildings.” At Brooks Institute he continues to follow his passion because, as he straightforwardly expresses his viewpoint, “I see more of the world when I am photographing.” For a preview of Kilmurray’s photography as well as his other talents in sculpture and woodworking, go to: seankilmurrayphotography.com.

These monthly free presentations are part of the Ojai Photography Club’s community service and education outreach. Visitors are always welcome to attend.

The Ojai Photography Club, which is devoted to education, inspiration, and camaraderie, meets on the third Tuesday of each month, February – November. Only members may submit images for review. For additional information please visit: www.ojaiphotoclub.com