'Naturally Beautiful': Local artist showcases scenic landscapes in Lederle exhibit
Keri Letourneau, Collegian Correspondent
Issue date: 12/4/07 Section: Arts & Living
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The exhibition, labeled "Naturally Beautiful," showcases some of Bell's most scenic landscapes, including a particularly beautiful sunset captured through a dense fog, as well as various wildlife including a whimsical set of eight photos that show a horse rolling around in the dirt.
"The rolling horse came about one summer when we [Bell and her husband] were at a bed and breakfast in Jackson, New Hampshire," Bell said. "I was standing on a deck over the horse coral, and he started to roll. I snapped a series of photos and around a year later, played with them on Photoshop. My husband loved it, so I printed it and found that it was my most popular photo at my gallery show last summer."
Bell has a problem with labeling herself a true photographer, however. She sets the example as someone who did not go to school for photography nor work for any illustrious gallery or magazine. She has simply had a long-standing love of photography that has carried through to her work.
"A true photographer can get the picture no matter what," Bell said. "I am still learning. I enjoy playing with the camera and finding out how to be more consistent with getting the results I want. When you are happy with your photos is when you stop trying to do better. I didn't actually 'decide' to become a photographer. I've just carried a camera around since I was 12."
As a fellow UMass alum and current staff member, Bell enjoys aiming her camera both around campus and throughout the local culture. She contends that a person does not have to look far to find an interesting subject.
"Sometimes I set up my tripod and point it at our birdfeeder in the winter," Bell said. "I have a long plunger that allows me to be at the kitchen counter away from the camera and shoot when a bird is there."
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