Mason’s Story. islandmanfoto.
Mason and I met many years ago when I moved out to BC. With this transition out west I wanted to reconnect with my artist self after a challenging year of first-year teaching in Ontario. I happened to discover the Camosun College Visual Arts program in my pre-move search. Mason was one of my Camosun classmates who warmly welcomed me into the fold, and was one of my first Victoria friends too as I tried to adjust to my new life there on Vancouver Island. I was inspired by Mason’s incredible art skills back then, and through our instagram connection more recently, I have witnessed his creativity shine again through his stunning photography, capturing the essence of this beautiful island, the richness and depth of colours, and the dance and interplay of light and reflection. Thanks for sharing your story Mason!
Beach Treasures • Photo Credit: Mason Laver
My Story.
My name is Mason Laver and I am originally from Bowser BC. I am a photographer and I live in the beautiful Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. I have three magnificent children and a partner of 30 years.
I turned 50 last year......then the world turned upside down.
Isle de Laver • Photo Credit: Mason Laver
I am the product of a small town rural upbringing. My connection to the natural world is the result of frankly having not much else to do. My two brothers and I had the freedom to spend endless hours in the woodlands, creek beds, and on the beach. The natural surroundings became the backdrop to my childhood. The rural setting became an essential part of our entertainment and transformed into whatever our imagination needed it to be.
Moss Surfing • Photo Credit: Mason Laver
We were part of it, we were connected to it.
We built forts in the forest and had pine cone wars. We knew where and when the wild strawberries grew and the shaggy mane mushrooms would sprout from the roadside. We knew the best places to find the Easter, Tiger and Chocolate lilies. We could locate the sweet wild honeysuckles and knew the tree where the hummingbird would build her nests. We looked forward to the warm summer night swims when the rocks would warm the water of the incoming tide. These became the building blocks of who I am today.
Copper Ripples • Photo Credit: Mason Laver
As I got older and life changed I forgot these things and became disconnected from this part of myself.
About five years ago I found myself feeling rather sorry for myself. I was bored from the daily job/family routine and lack of hobbies or interests. I mentioned this to my partner and her response was “Who's fault is that?” It was a wake up call from someone who loves and supports me. It was up to me to discover what makes me happy. From there my new journey began..
“We all have two lives. The second starts when we realize we only have one.”
Early Start • Photo Credit: Mason Laver
In the early 90's I entered the Visual Arts program at Camosun College then I attended Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design. I have explored many different mediums over the years. I have painted, sculpted, printed, animated ,filmed, and photographed. I was always more interested in exploring the boundaries of the medium I was working with than trying to make a statement or tell a story. It was an interesting time for me.
I can remember sitting in critiques and trying to talk about my work. I just didn’t get it. I faked most of it. I was so totally immersed in the process of making the image I didn’t really have anything to say but “ I would have done the etch on that plate longer”. It is 30 years later and I have finally found the stories I want to tell.
Mystery Machine • Photo Credit: Mason Laver
Storytelling through the Camera Lens.
My first memories of taking pictures was at the age of twelve. Over the years I have taken tens of thousands of photographs. Now I take mostly Landscape and nature photographs. There are rarely people or animals in them.
Floral Tears • Photo Credit: Mason Laver
I shoot everything manually so that forces me to slow down, concentrate and focus on taking the shot. I look for the composition and I ask myself “what is it that makes me want to photograph this scene?” I try to remove any distractions by moving around and adjusting my composition. I have a mental checklist to make sure I have the best chance of capturing the image that has attracted me. I use this process to block out any other thoughts about the rest of my life. I move into this space of creativity and shut the door behind me. This is my time to create and re-energize.
Forest Gossip • Photo Credit: Mason Laver
After capturing a few images I allow myself time away from the camera and observe the area around me. I start to notice the smaller details of the area and look for more abstract images to showcase the location. Light, texture, colour all become clearer and more interesting. I compare it to meeting someone for the first time. Initially there is something that draws you to them. The more time you spend with them the more interesting and attractive they become. This takes practice and patience.
Arbutus • Photo Credit: Mason Laver
I spend all of my photography time alone. I wander as I please. There are times I come home from a successful landscape therapy session with no images. It does not change the level of satisfaction I get from the time outside. These images have become souvenirs of a restful adventure. I am fortunate to have found a therapeutic activity that does not conflict with the Pandemic restrictions as I live in an area that is easy to find space to be alone.
Droplets • Photo Credit: Mason Laver
I have become aware that I see the world differently than others. The comment I often hear is “How do you see these things? I would walk right by and never see them”. This I cannot answer but make me a little sad that these parts of the world are somewhat invisible or uninteresting to some. I guess this is part of why I enjoy showing people what I see. Social media is only an avenue for me to let others see my work. The number of “likes” or whatever way is used to rate a photograph has no bearing on whether I like the image. If I didn't like it I would not have put it out there.
“When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.”
Midstream Refuge • Photo Credit: Mason Laver
I write and wander in the woods to take photographs. I haven’t found a way to combine the two of them yet, but I am close. These writings and the images I take are incredibly spontaneous. There is very little, if any planning involved. They just seem to want to be. I merely find a way for them to exist. It is nice to finally feel like my creativity has a medium in which to show itself.
Alone is not Lonely - Leave no Trace - Be kind
Follow Mason:
@islandmanfoto
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