Michael Madsen Hearts Rock
Photography
Exhibited February
2013
Golden sycamore leaves carpeted the floor of Queen Creek Canyon east of Superior this fall when Gilbert professional photographer Michael Madsen hiked the riparian drainage in search of Autumn scenery -- also on the lookout for his own signature photos composed with a unique and Valentines-themed twist: heart shaped rocks artfully placed within natural Arizona landscapes.
"That was a perfect day - I even found a new stone," recalls Madsen: "a heart-shaped rock with black and gold, complementing the vivid burnt-orange color of the fallen sycamore leaves along Queen Creek Canyon."
Enroll in a class with Michael; he's teaching two separate Wildflower Photography workshops March 23 and also March 31.
Read About Arboretum Photography Classes
"We have created more than a thousand photographs from careful collaboration and heartfelt composing," said Madsen, whose Heart Rock greeting cards are featured at Borders Bookstores and also the Tohono Chul Park in Tucson.
For the past four years Madsen has collaborated with Heidi Golden, the concept and collection curator of the show, to create this exclusive showing of art to reach viewers hearts, and to inspire.
"The response from our first showing was beyond our expectations," said Golden. "We are opening 2013 with our Valentines show at Boyce Thompson Arboretum, fine art photography and greeting cards will be on display and for sale as Valentines Day gift ideas for people you love."
Having a Bachelors of Science in Design from the ASU College of Architecture and a life long pursuit in photography Madsen, has
developed a keen eye for composition and graphic design. His 26 year architectural background is reflected in his use of strong lines that pull viewers into original artwork that he dubs "Natural Photography."
"When I look through the lens, my artistic intent is to arrange elements into a composition that satisfies the eye," said Madsen, "whether the photo is for business or pleasure, my goal is to attract the viewer's attention."
Born of Danish parents in Lincoln City, Oregon, Madsen has traveled in Thailand, Mexico, Morocco, Jamaica and the Bahamas. In addition to living in Stockholm, Sweden, for nine years; he has also backpacked through 13 countries in Europe. Madsen is a popular photography teacher at the Arboretum, with classes ranging from "Switching To Manual" to "Macros," "Fall Color" and his "Christmas Camera Crash Course." Having traveled, hiked and photographed throughout Arizona, Madsen is a excellent resource for discovering outdoor destinations that provide inspiring photographic possibilities.
His involvement in photography has led him to clients with similar interests; his artistic creativity is perhaps at it best in the highly successful photographic documentation of Heidi Golden's personal "Hearts Rock" collection. Golden often joins Madsen in the field and helps with natural design of the scenes to showcase her hearts and Madsen's talent.
Heidi Golden is a tuning fork artist and also soft tissue therapist, she was introduced to Madsen through a mutual friend on Valentine's Day 2009.
"We went to the Tucson Rock And Gem show. It was a magical day, a heart-shaped rock fell off a larger specimen (It's the rock used in the photograph "From Eden with Love" shown to the left) and landed right into Michael's hand, hmmm.... coincidence?"
"On a short hike the next morning it was clear to both Michael and I that our combined gifts, along with Mother Earth's gifts, could bring greater joy to hearts far and near and, like a ripple on the water, together we are raising the love vibration!"
"I began collecting heart-shaped rocks when I moved to Flagstaff in 1997. They really started catching my eye and attention when I was healing a broken heart, and it was then that I intentionally started collecting the heart rocks. I began working with crystals and minerals as well, I call them charmers, and a heart-shaped bead went on almost every piece. I started giving them to friends and they joyfully started telling me their heart stories and showing me their heart rocks and photos of hearts; we all were refreshed and renewed by this feeling of unity and awareness! As my collection of heart shaped rocks grew to approximately 200, I knew that I needed help to fulfill my vision of affecting as many hearts as possible!"
The Hearts Rock Fine Art Photography collection is a unique fusion of Michael's focus on the details of nature with Heidi's vision that resonates with all. Correspond with photographer Michael Madsen via email to madsen56@hotmail.com
All photos in this exhibit are available for purchase; prices range from small-framed pieces at $22 to large-framed works at $333. For other information call 480 310 2374 , or check out http://heartsrock.org/1/Home.html
Boyce Thompson Arboretum is at highway 60 milepost #223 near the historic copper mining town of Superior, a drive of about 45 minutes due East of Mesa. From September-through-April visitors are admitted from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., and the Arboretum closes at 5:00 p.m. May-through-august hours are 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. New exhibits begin each month and may be seen daily during business hours; the Arboretum is an Arizona State Park and daily admission must be paid to enter the Visitor Center where our gallery is found. A membership may be purchased in the gift shop on the day of your visit.
Review other recent gallery shows from...
Elaine Dube Paintings, December 2012-January 2013
Bud Heiss Paintings, November 2012
Then And Now Historical Photos, October 2012
Paul Landau June-September, 2012
Legumes of Arizona March - May, 2012
Mesa Art League September-October, 2011
Kim Hosey July-August, 2011
Legumes of ArizonaMay-Jun, 2011
Pima College & CACApril, 2011
Jim BurnsMarch, 2011
Kay Cummings February, 2011
Paul Kinslow January, 2011
Mesa Arts League September, 2010
Rick Cameron April , 2010
Nan
Lawrence March,
2010
Barbara AtkinsonFebruary,
2010
Nancy MatusJanuary,
2010
Barbara CoxDecember, 2009
Margaret WhittakerNovember,
2009
Artists of the SuperstitionsOctober, 2009
Marilyn Barton September, 2009
Gila Community College August,
2009
Deborah A. Lee June, 2009
Margie Porter May, 2009
Timm Chapman January, 2009
Paul Kinslow December, 2008
Maggie Leef November 2008
Sharon Sieben October 2008
Nicole
Royse September 2008
Judy
Bottler Photography May 2008
Bob Estrin Photography April 2008
Mary Isham Watercolors March 200
Susan Strom and Cathy Franklin Lightning Photography
February, 2008
Arizona State Parks Plein Air Paintings
January, 2008
Carolyn Gray & Connie Thomas December, 2007
Jean Sullivan November, 2007
Sue
Cullumber October, 2007
Adriane Grimaldi September, 2007
Mesa Arts League June-July, 2007
Fred Charlton May, 2007
Paul Mudersbach March-April, 2007
Linda Kaiser February, 2007
Edith Kreueger-Nye December, 2006 - January, 2007
Cindy Carrillo October-November, 2006
Bob Rice September, 2006
Bud Heiss July-August, 2006
Mesa Arts League June-July, 2006
Sandy Tracey April-May, 2006
CJ Rider March, 2006
Jessica Green February, 2006
Steve Davidson January, 2006
Don & Carole Schupp December, 2005
Carolyn Gray November, 2005
Martha Burgess October, 2005
Boeing Photographers September, 2005
Lightning Lady Susan Strom July/August, 2005
Mesa Arts League June/July, 2005
Jeanette Bronson May, 2005
Tom Stanley April, 2005
Kathy McClure February-March, 2005
Pam Smyth January, 2005
Tina Faust December, 2004