Clyde Butcher’s dramatic black-and-white photographs that embody nature, the environment, and the iconic landmarks he captures are, to the appreciating eye, magical. But the story of their pursuit is so much more. It’s a journey through an incredible process that’s about to be shared by one of the world’s renowned masters of the medium, black-and-white fine art photography. Opening February 2nd, the Southwest Florida Museum of History presents, ‘The Photographic Journal of Clyde Butcher,’ February 2nd through May 26th.
Marking his own three decades in photography, Fort Myers native Clyde Butcher has designed and developed a unique exhibition for the Museum to commemorate its 30th anniversary this spring! And so, returning for his 4th season to the Museum, Clyde has created this exhibition debuting his never-before-seen or shared journey.
The spectacular black-and-white landscapes for which Clyde is so famous, tell their own story as Clyde takes guests on a step-by-step journey through the stages of conception and creation of his work, with photos and informational exhibit panels culminating in his dramatic large-format prints. The Photographic Journal of Clyde Butcher will detail the story of the photograph: the negative, technical details, darkroom information, images of him photographing the scene and the story of the pursuit of the photograph. More than 15 works and their story will be displayed including Cayo Costa, Ochopee, and the elusive Ghost Orchid.
Guests will be entranced by Butcher’s story of what catches his eye, the planning and timing, as well as the logistics—including which large-format camera to use—for capturing the essence of a nature or a place. But that’s just the beginning. From spending hours waiting for just the right light to snap hundreds of photographs to working in the darkroom, and choosing the negative through the daunting process of developing and bringing the negative forward so that it eventually emerges into the stunning image that embodies the spirit of its subject.
An advocate for nature and preserving it, Butcher strives to do that through his work. “The objective is to present a perception of Florida as it is supposed to be, hopefully providing inspiration and a catalyst for action to those people striving to reclaim a natural balance and purity.”
As part of the New Year, Clyde will release his newest book, Clyde Butcher—Florida Portfolio II. Butcher has gathered a selection of his favorite Florida photographs he has taken from the time he began photographing Florida in 1983 to 2010. Known for his images of the environment, in this book he’s also included what he believes are five historic photographs he has taken of manmade things.
In addition to this enthralling exhibition, Clyde Butcher’s fans will have several opportunities to interact with Clyde thanks to three unique complementing events! On Thursday, February 2nd, the Museum hosts Clyde for an Author’s Evening and on March 6th, he hosts guests for a behind-the-scenes tour of his Venice! Both events have fees and require reservations by calling (239) 321-7430. Finally, follow in his footsteps on a Swamp Walk to truly appreciate the natural beauty he captures in his photographs.
Supporting his exhibition, Clyde will hold an Author’s Evening that’s not to be missed! On Thursday, February 2nd at 6:30 pm, Butcher will hold a multi-media presentation followed by a Q & A session, meet-and-greet and book signing! The fee is $15 per person and reservations are required by calling (239) 321-7430 as seating is limited. Fee includes admission to the Museum and the exhibition, ‘The Photographic Journal of Clyde Butcher’.
The Museum has also been given an exclusive opportunity through its Escorted Day Trip program, to visit Clyde Butcher’s Venice Gallery on March 6th with a private guided tour that goes behind-the-scenes of Butcher’s beloved darkroom where the real photographic masterpieces are developed. Then, Clyde will meet with tour-goers and sign merchandise before the group embarks on an exploration of the Venice Train Depot after lunch at the Venice Island Cafe. There is a fee and reservations are required by calling (239) 321-7430.
And, on President’s Day Weekend, February 18th-20th, Clyde and his family take visitors through the area he reveres, works to preserve and tirelessly captures in photographs: the Swamp during one of their famous, ‘Swamp Walks.’ Reservations for this event must be made directly with the Butcher Gallery by calling: (941) 486-0811 or visiting www.clydebutcher.com.
Don’t miss your chance to go behind the scenes with this master black and white fine arts photographer at the Museum February 2nd-May 26th and through three complementing events that are sure to be sellouts!
For more information or to make reservations on Museum-based events, call (239) 321-7430, visit us at www.southwestfloridamuseumofhistory.com or ‘Like’ us on Facebook at ‘swflmuseumofhistory’ to get the latest updates.