An incredible Fine Art Surgical Photography Exhibition is being held at the Art Museums of Los Gatos through July 28, 2007. This breath-taking fine art exhibition called "Behind Closed Doors" will take you into the mysterious world of the operating room where silence screams and a second in time can mean life or death.
Shelley D. Spray is one of the few professional photographers in the world who specialize in fine art surgical photography. While her images are exhibited worldwide, Spray had never imagined she would photograph anything but family photos with an inexpensive disposable camera. Then, in October 2000 her life took a dramatic turn when she was diagnosed with stage-1 breast cancer at the age of 36. Because she found the lump early, she survived with a small, 1/2 inch scar which she fondly refers to as her "scar of life."
"Knowing I am a breast cancer survivor seems important when I share how I began photographing," explains Spray. "It was through this experience that I found the courage to try something new as I resigned from my job and moved to Paris, France to study photography. I know people dream about doing something crazy like this, but after the diagnosis, I had a fresh look on life and realized I'd better start living it. Before I knew it, my belongings were in storage and I was sitting in a Parisian cafe waiting for my first class to start," states Spray.
The school specialized in fashion photography but with 15+ years in the surgical industry Spray wanted to take her camera into the operating room. "As I clicked away, I realized surgical photography was a way for me to describe the pain I had experienced and the strength I had found. It also became a way of bringing awareness to unique individuals on the medical team focused on saving a patient's life," explains Spray. "Now I share my work and my experiences as a way of helping women and their families who are experiencing similar life changing events."
Last exhibited in Geneva, Switzerland and Lyon, France, visitors to the Art Museum of Los Gatos will see haunting images that capture a surprising beauty. If you think surgery is "bloody", don't worry -- you'll be amazed as you cast your eyes on photographs that look like paintings including robotic, brain, open heart to name a few. International critics comparing Spray's work to the 17th Century French painter, Georges La Tour known for his paintings of figures caught in the shadow of a flickering candle flame. Now, 400 years later, the same haunting light emulates within her startling photographic images.
If you live in Los Gatos you shouldn't miss this incredible representation of the medical teams who are dedicated to saving lives. And if you don't live in Los Gatos, it's worth the drive.
There is a special Lecture and Champagne Reception on Thursday, June 28, 2007 from 6-8pm, where Spray will describe her images and disclose many of the techniques she uses when photographing during surgery. On Saturday, July 14, 2007, you can "Meet the Artist" at The Art Museums of Los Gatos from 1-3pm. The Behind Closed Doors exhibition will be on display until July 28, 2007.
Today, Shelley Spray lives in Los Gatos, CA where she works as Chief Marketing Officer in a leading Medical Company. She also donates her time to the American Cancer Society, works with Roche in a global cancer awareness program called Image of Hope(TM) and lectures nationally on her experiences, helping other women who are battling breast cancer.
To contact Shelley D. Spray or schedule a lecture -- shelley_spray@yahoo.com. You can also see an assortment of her images at www.corbis.com/, search words: shelley spray
For more information please contact The Art Museums of Los Gatos at 408-395-7375 or visit our website http://www.museumsoflosgatos.org/. The museum is located at 4 Tait Avenue at West Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030. Open Wednesday - Sunday, Noon - 4pm. The admission is free.
Contact Elke Groves, Publicists, 408.857-5498 or 408.499.2378 Art Museums of Los Gatos. CONTACT: publicist, Elke Groves, +1-408-857-5498 or +1-408-499-2378, forArt Museums of Los Gatos
Shelley D. Spray is one of the few professional photographers in the world who specialize in fine art surgical photography. While her images are exhibited worldwide, Spray had never imagined she would photograph anything but family photos with an inexpensive disposable camera. Then, in October 2000 her life took a dramatic turn when she was diagnosed with stage-1 breast cancer at the age of 36. Because she found the lump early, she survived with a small, 1/2 inch scar which she fondly refers to as her "scar of life."
"Knowing I am a breast cancer survivor seems important when I share how I began photographing," explains Spray. "It was through this experience that I found the courage to try something new as I resigned from my job and moved to Paris, France to study photography. I know people dream about doing something crazy like this, but after the diagnosis, I had a fresh look on life and realized I'd better start living it. Before I knew it, my belongings were in storage and I was sitting in a Parisian cafe waiting for my first class to start," states Spray.
The school specialized in fashion photography but with 15+ years in the surgical industry Spray wanted to take her camera into the operating room. "As I clicked away, I realized surgical photography was a way for me to describe the pain I had experienced and the strength I had found. It also became a way of bringing awareness to unique individuals on the medical team focused on saving a patient's life," explains Spray. "Now I share my work and my experiences as a way of helping women and their families who are experiencing similar life changing events."
Last exhibited in Geneva, Switzerland and Lyon, France, visitors to the Art Museum of Los Gatos will see haunting images that capture a surprising beauty. If you think surgery is "bloody", don't worry -- you'll be amazed as you cast your eyes on photographs that look like paintings including robotic, brain, open heart to name a few. International critics comparing Spray's work to the 17th Century French painter, Georges La Tour known for his paintings of figures caught in the shadow of a flickering candle flame. Now, 400 years later, the same haunting light emulates within her startling photographic images.
If you live in Los Gatos you shouldn't miss this incredible representation of the medical teams who are dedicated to saving lives. And if you don't live in Los Gatos, it's worth the drive.
There is a special Lecture and Champagne Reception on Thursday, June 28, 2007 from 6-8pm, where Spray will describe her images and disclose many of the techniques she uses when photographing during surgery. On Saturday, July 14, 2007, you can "Meet the Artist" at The Art Museums of Los Gatos from 1-3pm. The Behind Closed Doors exhibition will be on display until July 28, 2007.
Today, Shelley Spray lives in Los Gatos, CA where she works as Chief Marketing Officer in a leading Medical Company. She also donates her time to the American Cancer Society, works with Roche in a global cancer awareness program called Image of Hope(TM) and lectures nationally on her experiences, helping other women who are battling breast cancer.
To contact Shelley D. Spray or schedule a lecture -- shelley_spray@yahoo.com. You can also see an assortment of her images at www.corbis.com/, search words: shelley spray
For more information please contact The Art Museums of Los Gatos at 408-395-7375 or visit our website http://www.museumsoflosgatos.org/. The museum is located at 4 Tait Avenue at West Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030. Open Wednesday - Sunday, Noon - 4pm. The admission is free.
Contact Elke Groves, Publicists, 408.857-5498 or 408.499.2378 Art Museums of Los Gatos. CONTACT: publicist, Elke Groves, +1-408-857-5498 or +1-408-499-2378, forArt Museums of Los Gatos
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