PATHWAYS
A journey through the innovative images of G.B. Smith
PATHWAYS was awarded First Prize at the prestigious International Photography Awards in the Book Category
Published November 2023
PATHWAYS features select photos from many of Smith’s current collections, including several of his recent multi-award winning images. The curation represents the broad spectrum of his eclectic subjects and reflects the simplicity and uncluttered form of his distinctive black and white style. Informed by his experience with color blindness, Smith’s work encourages the viewer to examine a world that exists beyond color.
PATHWAYS Published by:
All Proceeds From PATHWAYS are donated to the Breast Cancer Alliance Charity
“I have long admired G.B. Smith’s singular ability to strip away distractions to help others see the most important elements. He studies his subjects with care and thinks deeply about all that he wants us to see.”
A journey through the innovative imagery of G.B. Smith
PATHWAYS features select photos from many of Smith’s current collections, including several of his recent multi-award winning images. The curation represents the broad spectrum of his eclectic subjects and reflects the simplicity and uncluttered form of his distinctive black and white style. Informed by his experience with color blindness, Smith’s work encourages the viewer to examine a world that exists beyond color.
Why make a book?
I have spent my entire business career immersed in creating the digital world, where most of my photographic imagery now resides. However, amidst this digital metaverse, I've felt a deep yearning to create something physical and enduring. A creation that harkens back to my photographic origins, reminiscent of plate cameras, long exposures, and deliberate manual processes. I sought to create a very real physical manifestation of the art, a classic book!
How did the book come about?
My book journey began when I was approached by several publishers, and eventually, I embarked on an initial collaboration with the late Tim Hill of Artbook Press. Tim, who had previously published Ansel Adams, appreciated my work greatly. Sadly, at the early stages of production, Tim passed away. Determined to retain complete creative control and unrestricted by publishing economics, I made the decision to continue with the development of the book. It was during this process that I was introduced to the remarkable designer Joanne Bolton, who patiently and creatively guided me from my vision for PATHWAYS to its reality. I was also fortunate to partner with the publishing veteran Marta Hallet the founder of G-Editions. Her wisdom and experience were an invaluable source of support in helping craft the book for distribution.
“G.B. Smith’s mastery of depth and mood transforms each image in “Pathways” into a captivating narrative. The chapters are unique journeys, harmoniously woven into his captivating collection. Smith reveals profound beauty in the ordinary. The book invites us on a journey of discovery, to explore the extraordinary through the lens of a true master.”
“I immediately sensed the quality and care that had been lavished on this production - I’m sure you will want to add the book to your photographic collection”
About PATHWAYS
PATHWAYS invites you to experience a visual odyssey, where light illuminates patterns and forms, serving as signposts along a captivating journey. My interpretation of subjects and initial field visualizations are inspired and guided by these flows. When surveying any potential scene, my critical consideration lies in providing enough space and visual context to facilitate an unwavering focus on the subject's purest shape. In essence, I strive to distill each picture to its uncluttered form and flows, simplifying the PATHWAYS. That is why I embrace black and white, and mostly minimalist imagery, for I wholeheartedly believe that less is indeed more.
PATHWAYS is also a metaphor for my own artistic journey that began nearly five decades ago as a teenager. It has taken a circuitous route, eventually coming full circle to embrace my original photographic passions.
Choose Between a Standard Edition or Limited Edition
Standard edition: Sixty large format 12x12” plate images, 132 pages in total, printed on 157gsm Gold East matt art paper with silver metallic ink title pages and a silver embossed hard backed linen cover. $85
Limited edition: Limited to 250 copies, this edition comes hand signed and numbered by the artist. Specifications as per the standard edition, plus linen boxed slip case with silver embossing on front cover and spine, silk dark blue-ribbon marker and ends. Inside cover pocket containing limited edition 10x10” selected luster print, with artist signed certificate of authentication. $500