I WILL BE CONTINUING ON WITH MY BODY OF WORK THIS JUNE

Title:  Sanctuary, Kauai

Limited Edition Print

From the body of work "A New Discovery"

Copyright 2005  Kelly L. Fitzgerald

I feel very blessed to be continuing on with my fine art project.  As I had mentioned in previous posts, I set out in 2004 to capture the untouched beauty of the Hawaiian Islands in Kodak HIE-135 Infrared B&W Film.  By the end of December 2007, Kodak announced the discontinuance of HIE infrared film.  Demand for this specialty film had been declining significantly in recent years, and it was just no longer practical to continue to manufacture the film given the low volume, the age of the product formulations and the complexity of the processes involved.  Kodak had made this film for The Department of Defense originally, but now that the military has gone digital ... the demand for this product declined and it solely became a specialty item.

By the end of 2007, I had photographed Kauai, Lanai and Molokai.  Fortunately, a couple of weeks ago, I met a gentleman on eBay who sold (yes, at a premium price) some of his own private stash of the discontinued film to me.  I am so glad I found him!  This June, I will continue on with my body of work "A New Discovery" ... and savor every click of the shutter.  I will be exploring Oahu, Maui and Hawaii.  Even the soaring fuel prices and expensive airfare won't keep me away ... as I am determined to continue on with this project that I feel so passionately about.

RECENT WORK FROM THE ISLAND OF LANAI

Title:  Old Pineapple Field, Lanai

Limited Edition Print

From the body of work "A New Discovery"

Copyright 2006  Kelly L. Fitzgerald

Title:  Backroad, Lanai

Limited Edition Print

From the body of work "A New Discovery"

Copyright 2006  Kelly L. Fitzgerald

In October of 2006, I arrived on the privately owned island of Lanai.  What an adventure it was just to get there.  First, I had to catch a flight to Maui and then find a shuttle to get to the harbor in Lahaina and then catch a ferryboat over to Manele Bay, then finally, find transportation to Lanai City.  I brought along a huge duffel bag of camping gear as I had planned on camping during my stay.  Unfortunately, I ran into bad weather ... in fact, I arrived the day after the earthquake struck the Big Island, which measured 6.7 on the Richter scale. 

Then, along came Aunty Helen.  She opened up her cozy home to me and I rented one of her rooms for the remainder of my stay.  I am so blessed to have met her.  She has one of the biggest hearts you'll find and she is just a wonderful, caring person.  We still keep in touch to this day.

When I first experienced Lanai City ... I could not believe how small and quiet it was.  The locals were super friendly.  There are no stoplights on the island, and barely 30 miles of paved road.  It is such a peaceful and relaxing place.  Lanai is a great place to explore by 4-wheel drive, as there are so many treasures to be found and lots of wide-open spaces.  I found the history of this quiet oasis to be enchanting.

RECENT WORK FROM THE ISLAND OF MOLOKAI

Title:  Blowing Palms, Molokai

Limited Edition Print

From the body of work "A New Discovery"

Copyright 2007  Kelly L. Fitzgerald

Title:  Lone Tree, Molokai

Limited Edition Print

From the body of work "A New Discovery"

Copyright 2007  Kelly L. Fitzgerald

Title:  Kalaupapa Lookout, Molokai

Limited Edition Print

From the body of work "A New Discovery"

Copyright 2007  Kelly L. Fitzgerald

In September of 2007, I traveled to the island of Molokai, Hawaii.  I was blessed to have stayed with Hawaiian families who graciously opened their doors and hearts to me.  Molokai is referred to as "The Last Hawaiian Place" and that is not far from the mark.   You will not find big hotels, shops and restaurants on this island.  What you will find is a relaxed pace, plenty of peace and quiet and a taste of the Hawaiian culture.

RECENT WORK FROM THE ISLAND OF KAUAI

Title:  Two Hammocks, Kauai

Limited Edition Print

From the body of work "A New Discovery"

Copyright 2008  Kelly L. Fitzgerald

Title:  Polihale Beach, Kauai

Limited Edition Print

From the body of work "A New Discovery"

Copyright 2008  Kelly L. Fitzgerald

Title:  Princeville I, Kauai

Limited Edition Print

From the body of work "A New Discovery"

Copyright 2008  Kelly L. Fitzgerald

Title:  The Point, Kauai

Limited Edition Print

From the body of work "A New Discovery"

Copyright 2008  Kelly L. Fitzgerald

In 2004, I began photographing the Hawaiian Islands.  I began this series of work largely out of a desire to preserve a beauty still largely unhampered by commercial development.  I also recognize that progress is encroaching and it will not last.  I wanted to reach beyond what the color photograph conveys, so I chose to document this work in black and white infrared film to reveal the dreaminess and magical quality each island holds.

These works are from my April 2008 trip.  I hope you enjoy them.

WAINIHA BRIDGE, KAUAI

Title:  Wainiha Bridge, Kauai

Limited Edition Print

From the body of work "A New Discovery"

Copyright 2005  Kelly L. Fitzgerald

This past April I had the opportunity to explore the beautiful island of Kauai once again. Working on this project "A New Discovery - Black and White Infrared Landscapes of the Hawaiian Islands" has been a very important and meaningful project to me.  In 2004, I set out to document some of the old historical structures and also to capture and preserve some of the breathtaking and untouched landscapes you'd find on the islands.

The old wooden "Wainiha Bridge" that I photographed in 2005 on the north shore was recently torn down and replaced with a galvanized steel truss bridge.  The design of this new bridge is a real eye sore.  I spoke to a number of locals regarding the new "look" of the bridge and not only were they sad about it ... but they were upset about the new 

makeshift traffic lights that now hang by a wire over the steel bridge. 

SPA VELIA EXHIBITION

Next time you are in the downtown San Diego area ... please stop by the 

Spa Velia gallery and check out my solo exhibit.  The exhibit features 

a collection of black and white landscapes.

The exhibition will be on view through December 31, 2010

Exhibit Hours:  Mon. - Fri.:  6am - 6pm and Sat. - Sun.:  6am - 1pm

Spa Velia, 401 W A St Ste 180 

San Diego CA  92101   (619) 235-0000

www.spavelia.com

The address is A Street, but the entrance is actually on B Street between 

State St. & Columbia St. across from the W Hotel.