Teresa Cullen
The Ephemeral Glimpse
Text from photography Exhibition, 2021, be contemporary gallery, Innisfil, ON.
I have photographed Wasaga Beach since 2009. I am particularly drawn to the intimate, continuously changing, dynamic that occurs when the elements of water and earth meet at the shoreline. The energy from this interplay of elements, momentarily presents – for a few seconds only - mesmerizing displays of random compositions of light, colour, texture, form and line. Dissolution and the reappearance of more surprising displays follow in the next few seconds, a repetitious action since primordial times. Witnessing these unique designs on the shoreline has become a passionate practice for me. Nature in her inexhaustible formations reminds me that she is the master creator.
The camera acts as an observational and inspirational support that is part of my creative toolkit. I consider these photos as “snapshots” that originate from the inner landscape of perception at the moment of witnessing the familiar outer landscape of the world. Both of these are intimate experiences that leave behind a joyful sense of wonder.
I would like to acknowledge that my place of inspiration for this ongoing photo series, is the traditional land of the Anishnaabeg people.
Wasaga Beach Shoreline Series. Digital images.
The photo series is thematically similar to the washi works (works on paper) found on this website. Both series are inspired by the raw elements and their dynamic forces as found in nature.
Please contact for further information on availability, pricing, and inventory.
Process Observations: Photography
Water, sand, shell and branch. Space, sky and earth. The interplay of elements that produce momentary, minimalist and mesmerizing beauty, briefly come together and present with the power of an offering, displaying a unique moment of beauty defined by line, colour, texture, and contrasting light and dark. A few seconds later they wash away again, repeating the process continuously since primordial times. Noticing these unique designs on the shoreline is a passionate practice of full presence for me.
There is a sense of complexity and persistence in the rhythm of being both at rest and in movement, such as at shorelines around the world. Micro-views and minimalist perspectives help to refine my focus down into a field of play where elements present their intimate moments, if we care to observe them.
Process Observations: Works on Paper
The Washi (Japanese paper) for direct inking and paint are Fukunishi Udagami, Seichosen, Seikosen.
I have used a variety of Washi for digital prints of my analogue/digital works.
The washi works are thematically similar to my photo "Shoreline Series" found on this site. Both series are inspired by the raw elements and their dynamic forces as discovered in nature.
*Please contact for further information on availability, pricing, and inventory.
All images & text copyrighted by Teresa Cullen, 2019-2026