A. Aubrey Bodine's photograph "Gears" (c. 1950) is more than a simple depiction of machinery; it represents the culmination of a career dedicated to elevating photography to a fine art. Bodine, a celebrated pictorialist whose work garnered international acclaim, transformed everyday scenes into compositions of mood and design. This image, available for viewing and purchase on his official website, underscores his philosophy that a photographer does not merely take a picture but "makes" one through deliberate artistic choices.
Bodine's approach was rooted in a deep understanding of artistic principles, which he studied at the Maryland Institute College of Art. He viewed the camera and darkroom as tools akin to a painter's brush, allowing him to manipulate reality to achieve his vision. In "Gears," this manipulation likely involved techniques such as working on the negative with dyes, intensifiers, or even scraping—methods Bodine employed to enhance composition and mood. His rationale was that, like a painter working from a model, he selected features that suited his sense of proportion and design.
The importance of Bodine's work lies in its documentary value and artistic merit. His 47-year career with the Baltimore Sunday Sun produced over 6,000 photographs that capture Maryland's occupations and activities with remarkable quality. These images are not mere records; they are artistic statements that won top honors in national and international competitions. "Gears" exemplifies how Bodine elevated industrial subjects into timeless art, challenging the boundary between documentary and fine art photography.
For those interested in exploring Bodine's legacy, the website www.aaubreybodine.com offers access to his extensive archive and the full biography "A Legend In His Time" by Harold A. Williams. Reprints and note cards of "Gears" and other images can be ordered through the site, allowing new audiences to appreciate his craftsmanship.
