Julian Ward: Gifts from the Gods

"Gifts from the Gods" is a short documentary film about New Zealand photographer, Julian Ward and directed by Hans Weston.

Shot during just one of 3000+ weeks Julian has been practicing black and white photography, this film attempts to show Julian working in two contrasting environments, the street and the bush.

Gifts from the gods are the moments and compositions that continually present themselves to Julian. With a tireless commitment to his craft since the mid 60’s, Julian has produced such a vast body of work that the photographs included here barely scratch the surface.

https://www.julianward.co.nz

Artist information:

Julian Ward was born in Manchester, England in 1948. He immigrated to New Zealand as a child. After leaving school he trained as a watercolour draughtsman. For the last 35 years he has worked as a video producer and photographer.

"I have always been fascinated with the geometry and decisive moments in photographs. When all the elements in a picture appear in perfect balance, yet include the quirkiness of life.

"Photography is a unique art form because it begins with the finished image. The power of the eye is to make sense of the mess.

"My hunting grounds are city streets in a style I call human landscapes - freezing people in perfectly balanced moments. Or, by contrast, old willow trees in dark brooding river valleys where the ragged shapes pierce the landscape. Everywhere I go I see pictures, and they come to me like little gifts from the gods. "

Hans Weston Films enquiries: [email protected]
www.hansweston.com