By Laura Jackson
“When you consider how an arch was formed, or how many years of erosion and geological processes created what we see today, you realize even more how it is all truly a gift.”
Few things can be universally shared the way art and the beauty of nature can. If you’ve ever witnessed a large crowd of international tourists marveling over one of nature’s great phenomena, like the Grand Canyon or Zion National Park, then you understand. You may not comprehend their native tongue, but you still know exactly what they’re capturing as their cameras click away—the wonder and awe of it all.
“In Utah, nature is really showing off,” explains Bret Webster, a photographer who opened his first gallery in Park City on Main Street this past summer. From spectacular images of the Milky Way bursting through the nighttime sky, to golden rays of light illuminating the faces of Southern Utah’s brilliant red rocks, Webster’s photographs have been bringing people together in wonderful ways.
By accepting an invitation from the U.S. State Department to participate in their Arts in Embassies program, Webster has ensured that people from around the world can witness the beauty of Utah’s mystical landscapes. He currently has photos hanging in both Kuwait and Tunisia Embassies, and is preparing for another trip to Kuwait and Oman this winter where he has been asked to give lectures and workshops to foreign diplomats and other members of the community.
Webster has been honored and humbled to take part in these activities aimed at creating common ground between nations. On his last visit to Kuwait, he was able to see firsthand what many artists only dream of—seeing their art bridge boundaries. Webster explains, “Being from the desert, many Kuwaitis felt an immediate connection to the photographs, and wanted to find out more about the American desert and its people. It was a great way to ease into conversation.”
Webster describes his love of Utah’s awe-inspiring landscapes as a lifelong obsession, but explains that the camera actually came along much later. His background in engineering and rocket
science brings a whole different outlook to his successful pursuit of photography. “There’s just so many scientific and mechanical processes occurring on a macro level that it’s an astounding privilege to witness,” said Webster. “When you consider how an arch was formed, or how many years of erosion and geological processes created what we see today, you realize even more how it is all truly a gift.”
Bret Webster Images | 312 Main St.
435-200-8258 | bretwebsterimages.com
