Photographer Polly Steinmetz celebrates life through portraits of ordinary animals in death

College of Marin Photography Professor Polly Steinmetz shows her recent photographs in a new exhibit titled “Breathless” at the college’s Fine Arts Gallery from July 15th to Aug. 5th. In this show, Steinmetz demonstrates the life-affirming beauty of animals who have lost their lives in natural circumstances or accidents. “My imagery reflects a fascination with the essence of that which has already passed, whether a dream, death, or memory,” Steinmetz said. “The exploration of the subconscious is a continuous source of curiosity and inspiration. I’m also interested in the ritual of remembrance, to memorialize and celebrate that for which I feel a great respect, that which is sacred. Steinmetz, who has taught at College of Marin for 30 years, and is a longtime Sonoma Valley resident, says her art asks viewers to acknowledge the animal and its life and hardships. She explained that when she is given a farm animal that died in stillbirth, for example, she washes it and prepares it for a photograph with little additional intervention. Her photos are shot in soft light and printed archivally in aproximately 30 by 40 inches or less. “Each animal discovery has its own narrative which is important — the context in which it was actually discovered and what I experienced to obtain, prepare, preserve and photograph each individual animal,” Steinmetz said. “As a society we tend to remove death from our consciousness. And yet the most profound learning I have experienced has been through loss and the small deaths of daily life.” Along with these portraits, Steinmetz included in the show black-and-white images made in Sacramento in the early 1900s by her Great Uncle Harry. She selected those with animals, and reprinted them in the darkroom. She later collaged some to reflect layers of time, thought and space. Presenting the family heirlooms in contrast to the new photographs, Steinmetz said, helped portray the continuity of life. “I’m interested in why each animal still seems to carry so much wisdom and dignity,” Steinmetz said. “It helps me to celebrate all animal existence and our relationships with them.” An opening reception will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the gallery at 835 College Ave., in Kentfield. Her son, Antonio Valentine will be singing at 6:00 p.m. The gallery is open 12 pm to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday to August 5th.   For more information, contact Steinmetz at (650) 773-5068 or psart@pollysteinmetzart.com