Beth Shibata - Photography

Artist's Statement

Each of us seeks ways of making meaning in life. For me this involves creating photographic images that integrate many different threads woven into an ever-changing fabric. These threads often blend aspects of the arts—both fine and martial, sciences and philosophies to express the intellectual, physical and spiritual essence of the subject, whether exotic or mundane without taking it too seriously. Photography is my primary avenue for explorations, problem solving, making discoveries, and generally understanding the world. Ultimately, my images try to channel what cannot be said, although they can elicit responses, and hopefully will encourage the viewer to ask questions whether or not there are ready answers.

Biography

Beth Shibata began experimenting with photography just after graduating from college.  Her work often draws from elements of her formal education in biology (B.S.) and linguistics (M.A.) and literature, as well as from informal sources in creating her images.  Largely self-taught, she learned through shooting, reading, and exploring, as well as from friends. Courses in photography and darkroom technique at El Camino College in Torrance and Summer Studios in Lomita expanded her skills and repertoire.

Equally profound influences have been Japanese arts and culture. As a long-time student of aikido, a martial art known for its compassionate philosophy, this ongoing practice has deepened her understanding of the fragility and resilience of the both the natural world and the human spirit. The martial arts have also contributed to her photographic sensibilities, incorporating the zen aesthetics of wabi sabi and shibui, which find beauty in simplicity, imperfection, and restraint. These values have informed her writing as well as her photography, leading to, among other writings, The Black Ink Project, a collaboration of fine and martial arts that explores their connection with ink paintings and poetry.

One collaborative project, The Gallery at the Dojo (1998-2003), was located in a martial arts school. The gallery was established to realize and reinforce the martial ideals of self-discipline, harmony, courtesy, and respect for the world through natural images. Beth Shibata's photographs and ink paintings by Lisa Chakrabarti contributed to an atmosphere of cooperation and harmony intended to extend beyond the school into the greater community.

An ongoing project is the artistic documentation of the Madrona Marsh Nature Preserve in Torrance. These exhibits have been held at the Nature Center and at the Schauerman Library at El Camino College. The Preserve, a vernal marsh, is a rare piece of open space being restored and is a continual source of discovery, as it changes, sometimes radically from season to season. It is a place for exploring and creating tranquil, often meditative images designed to relax and refresh the viewer, acknowledging the human need for green, open spaces and reinforcing the responsibility each person has to protect them for our own well-being.

More recently, Beth Shibata has been expanding and experimenting in other directions both with photographic media and different subjects. These new paths will allow her to continue to explore and expand her artistic sensibilities as the adventure to create meaning continues.

[back to top]