As part of our Artist Spotlight series, we introduce you this month to wildlife photographer and conributing artist since 2004, Chris Dei. We’d especially like to highlight the launch of Chris’s new Fine Art Collection, SPIRITS OF THE SERENGETI and WINDOW ON AFRICA Vol. II and III. Her stunning photographs have received attention worldwide and are currently being exclusively represented by the Lisa Christoffersen Home Gallery in Nairobi and Muthaiga. We are very excited to present her latest collection and we encourage you to take a look! You can also view our past Artist Spotlights of Cyril Christo and Marie Wilkinson, Jonnie Miles, Carlo Mari, and Susanna Noel Jolly.

Chris Dei is an award-winning photographer whose tribal and wildlife images offer deep insight to the perfection, balance and beauty of a quickly disappearing world. Originally trained as a classical pianist in the U.S. and Europe, she brings a lifetime of experience, and creativity to her work. A highly sought after photographer for her portrait work as well, Chris has worked on major digital projects for The Philadelphia Orchestra, Carnegie Hall, The JFK Center for the Performing Arts and many of the world’s most renowned performing concert artists.

When she is not in her studio, she can be found in some of the most remote and challenging areas of the world. She is an active member of the North American Nature Photography Association, and a passionate advocate of environmental and wildlife conservation. She has recently been awarded a signature membership in Artists for Conservation – a highly selective and prestigious group of the most renowned wildlife and nature artists in the world. Her Fine Art Wildlife work has been exhibited throughout the U.S., Europe and Africa and is featured in the permanent art collection of the Bennington Center for the Arts, the Herlufsholm in Denmark, as well as private in collections of celebrities including Ali MacGraw and James Gandolfini.

Chris has traveled and photographed in Europe, The Middle East, South America and Africa; her work in Kenya and Tanzania continues to receive international attention and wide critical acclaim. She is currently represented by the Westwood Gallery in Westwood, NJ, the Hacienda Gallery in West Nyack, NY and the Lisa Christofferesn Gallery in Nairobi. Visit artist’s website.

Getting to Know You…

Of all the places you have traveled, which resonates most with you?

Someone once said, “If you only visit two continents in your lifetime, visit Africa – TWICE…” I couldn’t agree more!

What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing Africa today?

I have to agree with my friend and colleague Carlo Mari – poverty and indifference.

It often feels like one person can’t make a difference supporting the many environmental causes there are today. What small steps can people make to help conservation/preservation efforts in Africa or globally?

Ghandi said, “…As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world — — as in being able to remake ourselves…Be the change you want to see in the world…”

I think this is the key to all change. It begins one step at a time, one person at a time, and it begins with awareness. There are so many fantastic organizations doing incredible work on all fronts; choose a topic that resonates with you. Go to your computer and type in “Wildlife Conservation,” “Environmental Conservation,” – “how can I help?” There are so many things you can do. Even if you are not in a position to donate, you can volunteer your skills; some organizations have programs where you go and volunteer in a specific country for a week or two. You can do a lot, or just a little, but do SOMETHING. Even if it is only to put a bumper sticker on your car to bring awareness to another. We are one of the most evolved and educated peoples of the world, so we have the greatest responsibility in it.

What themes or personal experiences are most commonly evoked in your art?

I am a simple observer of the ebbs and tides – the eternal harmonies and dissonances in the rhythm of life. Although most people would define me as a wildlife photographer, I don’t really think of myself in that way. I find when I can step outside of  “me” there is a timeless rhythm that manifests through the camera lens in front of me. I just record it. Its vastness, it’s harshness, it’s beauty, its tragedy. These are the themes of life itself. When our awareness becomes heightened, we can begin to focus on similar experiences  instead of our differences. I think that is what resonates with people about my work.

What are you currently working on?

Volume II of the Fine Art Collection. And I am producing a Children’s Treasure Box, which is done from the Bush Babies Series and geared to introducing a child to collecting and appreciating fine art…the next exhibit, and of course plans for the next shoot in Africa later this year…

How do you continue to stay inspired?

I try to surround myself with inspired creative people….I find that periods of solitude are essential to keeping things in balance and perspective. I was originally trained in the classical music field, and I love to play Bach.

What websites and blogs to you frequently visit? 

I rarely have time to cruise blogs and websites….the sad truth!

What was the last book you read?

The Collected Works of Ramana Maharshi

What is playing on your IPod lately?

Bach….always! – the Sonatas and Partitas for violin; the Goldberg Variations for piano, The English and French Suites …..I do listen to the great works of many other composers, but I always return to Bach.

You can also “like” Chris Dei’s professional photography Facebook page