It wasn't until he left his hometown in the mountains of West Virginia that Greg Lotus discovered photography. And even then, it was from the opposite side of the camera.
At 16, Lotus traveled from the farming community where he was born to New York City. He had won an essay contest and the prize was representing his state as a delegate to the United Nations. During the trip, he was scouted by Eileen Ford of Ford Models. Lotus modeled for a few years, before deciding to turn the camera on a host of friends and roommates in the industry.
Back then, he was in his 20s and in the two decades since, the self-taught photographer has hit a number of highs – editorials in Vogue, Vanity Fair and W magazines and ad campaigns for L'oréal and Escada, to name a few. On Friday, Lotus arrives in Atlanta for his first exhibition at Bill Lowe Gallery and his second exhibition ever.
Inspired by classical paintings, international travel and light, the images in the exhibition span Lotus' 20-year career. The collection was curated by Charles Churchward, former design editor for American Vogue. Exaggeration of natural beauty is a hallmark of Lotus images as is nature, a recurring theme in his work that appears in the form of wild and exotic surroundings and animals.
"I love nature. I am not really a city guy," said Lotus noting that his childhood and upbringing influenced his connection to the outdoors. As a young photographer, Lotus began experimenting with a Pentax 67, teaching himself about light and shadows. He learned by trial, error and observation of photographers he admired including Bruce Weber, Steven Meisel and Herb Ritts.
Lotus began his career in Paris, where he said his creativity flourished.
"I was under the influence of art directors and creative directors who helped me work in a more creative and visual way instead of a commercial way," he said. But Lotus, as many other photographers, later made the leap into commercial work, learning to meet the desires of clients who might have hired him for the cinematic quality of his work, but who wanted him to deliver commercial images featuring their products.
In the future, Lotus hopes to move into directing and has been reviewing scripts from various sources who want to mix his fashionable eye with more commercial projects. But first, he has an exhibition to enjoy.
"It is really exciting to reach out and see the followers and the people who appreciate the art," Lotus said.
Event Preview
Greg Lotus "Aspiration and Artifice: The Constructed Visage". Friday through August 22. Bill Lowe Gallery, 1555 Peachtree Street N.E., Suite 100. 404-352-8114. www.lowegallery.com
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