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 by
Jacqueline Monahan
jaxn8r@msn.com
Thomas
Mangelsen Reception at Images of Nature®Gallery,
Miracle Miles Shops at Planet Hollywood
An artist reception for nature/environmental photographer Thomas
Mangelsen was held on the evening of Thursday, February 21, at The
Images of Nature®Gallery in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood.
The line from Mangelsen’s table, well within the gallery never seemed to
shorten, ending at the entrance and sometimes out into the walkway. Such
is the man’s reputation and popularity. Enthusiastic nature and art
aficionados lined up for book, print, and poster purchases that kept the
bubble wrap, not to mention the champagne, flowing.
Mangelsen’s fourth book, “The Natural World” was in four-foot stacks
around him, high enough to form their own tables, while he patiently and
cordially signed copy after copy for the endless line of admirers. With
the author’s consent, Director of Marketing John McGauvran graciously
permitted your humble correspondent to photograph several Mangelsen
prints that adorned the gallery walls. They are only examples (albeit
inferior representations) of his incredible work, gloriously full-color
and creatively candid; poetic titles like “Jewel of the Serengeti”,
“Song of the River”, “October Solace”, “Fox Fire”, “Morning at Wonder
Lake”, “Ice Queen”, “Crimson and Mesquite”, and “Turquoise Pool” only
enhance the majestic view within the frame.
Author & Photographer Thomas Mangelsen
A solitary Monarch butterfly perched on a twig becomes a “Suncatcher”;
Polar bears lounge lazily on an icy tundra mattress; a grizzly bear
opens its mouth at just the right time for the “Catch of the Day”.
Startling images like these are captured by Mangelsen in brilliant color
and striking composition. You’ll wonder how he coaxed a stern,
schoolmaster glare from an eagle or a sympathetic gaze from a Bengal
tiger. Antarctic Gentoo penguins, Japanese snow monkeys and South Dakota
prairie dogs are immortalized in moments of tenderness with mates or
offspring. A standing seven-foot grizzly bear is caught with “Snow
Mittens” for paws.
Catch of the Day
Morning Shower - American Photo 2007 Image of the Year Winner
Tiger Fire
Nature in Mangelsen’s hands becomes a communication between the seasons,
the animals, six continents and a camera lens. In addition to wildlife,
Mangelsen photographs immense and disparate landscapes, each with their
own unique ecosystem and aesthetic. From the stark white Antarctic
expanse to the color-filled wildflower explosion of a California
hillside, nature is the muse and the model for Mangelsen to photograph
at her best.
Gentle Giant - The Silverback
First Mate - Female Cardinal
True Patriot - Bald Eagle
There are Images of Nature®galleries in Arizona, California, Colorado,
Idaho, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
Extraordinary Mangelsen images, in addition to prints, posters, art
cards, note cards and postcards can also be found on mouse pads,
puzzles, and calendars. Twenty children’s books are illustrated with his
photographs.
A Nebraska native, Mangelsen opened his first nature photography gallery
in Jackson, Wyoming in 1978. He was named BBC’s “Wildlife Photographer
of the Year” in 1994, North American Nature Photographer’s “Outstanding
Nature Photographer of the Year” in 2000, and “One of the 100 Most
Important People in Photography” by American Photo Magazine in 2005. A
recipient of the Royal Photographic Society Fellowship in 2002 and 2005,
Mangelsen has had photos published in National Geographic, Audubon,
Smithsonian, Natural History, Newsweek, Time, Life, and National
Wildlife, among others. His work has been featured on The Today Show,
Good Morning America, CNN’s World News, and World News Tonight.
Published fine art books include "Images of Nature: The Photography of
Thomas D. Mangelsen" (now in its twelfth printing); "Polar Dance: Born
of the North Wind" (recipient of the American Booksellers Association's
1998 Best of Small Press Award, and a "Holiday Pick" on Good Morning
America); and "Spirit of the Rockies: The Mountain Lions of Jackson
Hole," His fourth book, “The Natural World” contains a foreword by
renowned primatologist Jane Goodall, who named him one of the “Heroes of
the American Planet.” He was profiled in the television series of the
same name.
Additionally, he’s a founding fellow of the International League of
Conservation Photographers, co-founder of The Cougar Fund, conservation
non-profit. a board member of Stewards of the Platte and the Jackson
Hole Alliance, as well as a strong supporter of The Nature Conservancy,
The Wilderness Society, Conservation International, East Africa Wildlife
Society, Polar Bears International and The Vital Ground Foundation. Not
content with simply creating good work, the man participates in it as
well, lending the splendid authenticity of one who lives his beliefs to
his already impressive reputation.
Mangelsen’s found the ultimate way to shoot and preserve wildlife at the
same time, treading lightly on the planet, illuminating moments of
tranquility, animal grace and natural majesty for us. May others learn
from and emulate his gentle example.
Study his photographs; he’s literally showing us the way.
For further information:
Thomas Mangelsen
Images of Nature® Gallery
Miracle Mile Shops at
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
3663 Las Vegas Boulevard
702-731-0503
http://www.mangelsen.com
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