Art in the Eye of the Photographer

Born and raised in San Jose, California and a graduate of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, photographer Leslie Williamson has fused her deep appreciation and knowledge of fine art into her career as a commercial and creative photographer. With a penchant for American Midcentury architecture and interior design, she photographed and gathered between the covers of her book, Handcrafted Modern, a litany of dynamic examples of the period, including examples of the iconic work of architects Charles and Ray Eames, the partners in marriage as well as work who led the post-World War II movement of simplicity and functionality in furniture, interiors, and architecture. “What works is better than what looks good,” Charles Eames observed. “The ‘looks good’ can change, but what works, works.” It is this philosophy that Williamson clearly embraces in her own approach to work, which is fueled by her passion and dedication to preserving the legacies of the many creatives she has come to admire by immortalizing them in her photographs. However, the result goes far beyond chronicling the work of others; indeed, as you follow the progression of her work you can see how she has absorbed parts of each and applied it to her own, unique, and singular approach to art through a camera lens. To continue reading, you must be an ELYSIAN Circle Member. If you are already a member, please sign in.