Seascapes - Maura Brennan

 

I live in the vast urban sprawl of Los Angeles, but I spend a lot of time at the beach in the wild, northern reaches of L.A. county, in northern Malibu.  It is close to L.A., but far enough away to lose the crowds. I return to these same locations, year in and year out, at all times of tide, weather and season.  

I photograph with the Holga, a medium format film camera, as I commune with the wind, the water and California's glorious light. I like the Holga's more painterly, intuitive approach to photography, as I studied to be a painter.

Malibu is about the beach, after all. My beach is rugged, windswept and solitary, with occasional surfers, lifeguards, and seagulls passing through... A million dollar view can be had, with nobody in sight.  With my"'West Coat Seascapes" series, I attempt to document time spent in Nature, as I feel the rejuvenating effects of being far from the hustle and noise of Los Angeles.

Truly, they are a record of my attempt to stay sane - to cope in the pressure cooker L.A. is like sometimes.  I can return refreshed and ready to experience the contrasting energy of life in the big, vibrant city of L.A, which I also photograph, by the way.  Using the Holga camera as my tool, I attempt to make original imagery that expresses my experience of being alive here, in this place, at this time. 

Website: www.maurabrennan.com

Thank you Maura for sending this beautiful series. I love your vision. - Mr Urbano

photos and text © Maura Brennan