REVIEW: John Robb reviews an exhibition by environmental portrait photographer Mike Emmett

Mike Emmett is a designer and photographer.

John Robb (JR) is a photographer and blogger.

Nice combo? We reckon too...

Recently JR took in Mike's latest photographic exhibition at none other than Yering Station Winery in Victoria's beautiful Yarra Valley.

In between sips of chardonnay, bites of olives and musings about wonderful environmental photography, JR managed to pen this review. 

The Creative Moment - Mike Emmett

The drive through the start of the Yarra valley, near Yarra Glen, gives your senses wonderful appreciation of an deep community of crafts in the area.

Dotted around the scenery are wineries, restaurants and hidden from sight are many artist's workshops.

Photographer Mike Emmett has spent a considerable amount of time recording these artists and their workshop environments; he has brought The Creative Moment to Yering Station Winery.

With Ernst Fries Studio (above), you see the total environment surrounding the artist.

Mike has used all of the natural light spilling from skylights in the roof and the occasional window and has resisted the temptation to be selective with the light by adding modifiers or additional light sources.

This allows us to witness the workbench which has a rich patina from many hours of work - this contrasts with the pristine china coffee cup resting on it.

A tube of silicone stands upright near the window like a candle of hope to an artisan.

All around are little elements of the artist’s life – the collective adding to the significance of what’s being captured.

© Mike Emmett

When viewing Justin Purser Studio (above), we see the same signature style Mike has used for the series – with natural light highlighting every part of the workshop.

The central element capture is the interaction between artist and his forging press.

The surrounds of this scene being the little compartments and racks of equipment looking on like spectators of his work. Enveloping this world is the fabric of the old shed with the verticals of the posts reminding us that craftsmanship rather than modern industrial manufacturing is the focus here.

In Alistair Whyte Studio, Mike has captured the artist as a part of a process. In one corner there is a pile of ceramic clay. In the foreground, Alistair on the wheel creating his work.

He is illuminated by the light and the scene from the outside world – the light reminding us where his work is destined.

He has given the viewer two distinct scales to work with.

The large prints like those described above give the all-encompassing environment and a separate set of prints that focus on those small details.

These smaller works wonderful compliment the larger pieces and provide a detailed look. My favourites here are a series of works by Nicola Stairmand at work with her textiles.

The Creative Moment is being held in the comfortable and complimentary environment of Matt's bar in the top level of the old wine house at Yering Station.

I do recommend a smooth latte or a glass of a great crisp white wine while enjoying the way Mike has captured the artist and their environment.

All the works are for sale and are limited edition prints, some of which are in short supply – very understandable when you go and see them.

Nice work JR and Mike have a chardonnay or three on us.

JR is an active member of the campus and also has his very own portfolio here.

Mike runs Redfish Bluefish Creative .