Artist's Biography and Outlook:
Born and raised in New York City, Loew spent most of her adult life in Chicago. She has been shaped and inspired by both cities. Sometimes the tranquility of a rural setting can be an antidote to the demands and stresses of the big metropolis. Several of her images reflect the restoration and pleasure she has experienced in quiet settings, especially by water. But, she is forever drawn back to the energy and bustle of the urban landscape and to images that reflect the vitality of city life. She finds as much excitement in the abstract details of a staircase as in the glee of a child frolicking in a fountain.
Photographs have been her passion for as long as she can remember. The passion stayed with her through political activism in the 60’s and 70’s, the study of geology and acquisition of a Bachelor of Science degree at Northeastern Illinois University (1996), and a 21-year career as a machinist and quality assurance technician in manufacturing. She never stopped loving the shooting of images during travels through Italy, across the United States, and walking down the streets and lakefront of Chicago.
Loew's main instruction as a photographer has been out among the places and structures that she visits and the people she interacts with. She has also gained valuable experience as a former member of Chicago's Fort Dearborn Camera Club, attending Photoshop seminars, and participating in an ongoing Critique Group convened and led by noted Evanston photographer Jane Fulton Alt. She is an active member of the Chicago Artists Coalition.
Buildings and architectural details are subjects that recur in Loew's images. In Loew's vision: "Buildings can move and inspire us, frustrate and annoy us. Shelter and utility at the very least, these are awesome creations of humanity at their finest. They interact with us far beyond their basic function to house our activities. They occupy our minds and affect our sensibilities even as we occupy their space. "
As she captures new images Loew makes discoveries about her surroundings: "How often do we stop to appreciate our immediate environment? We are surrounded by compelling designs everywhere we go: parks, libraries, theaters, office buildings, even a shopping mall. Do we notice their impact on us? What rewards we reap when we pause to consider the dimensions, shapes, and textures of the spaces we occupy!" The photographs currently displayed on this site are digital images. Images are available framed and matted, using all archival materials. Most recent images are part of signed and numbered limited editions. Please contact Loew for further details.