Slice of Light Gallery
Q & A With J.K. Lovelace
Since its inception in the summer of 2023, fine art photographer J.K. Lovelace's downtown gallery, Slice of Light, has been a magnet for astrophotography and nature photography enthusiasts and all visitors who appreciate the beauty of his world-renowned, uniquely shot landscapes, seascapes, nightscapes and deep sky art. His stunning images make the inaccessible accessible, the real surreal and the ordinary extraordinary.
Lovelace's photographs, all of which are available as limited-edition metal and giclée prints, reinforce his mastery of visual storytelling and drive home the notion that every picture is worth a thousand words. The business offers free virtual fine art consultations so clients can preview what potential purchases will look like in their own space, as well as professional delivery and installation services and custom framing for gallery prints.
Between photoshoots in far-flung locations across the country, Lovelace occasionally holds in-house talks that both delight and provide insight into his artistic process. Slice of Light joins other local galleries in celebrating monthly First Thursday evenings of art and culture-centric activities. This is a great time to mingle, have a glass of wine and meet the welcoming staff. Explore this low-key, high-reward gallery, take respite from the sometimes chaotic outside world and immerse yourself in the stunning "worlds" gracing these gallery walls.
We were fortunate enough to catch up with Lovelace recently, and here's what he had to say about his inspiration, what catches his eye, planning the perfect shot and more.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your start in photography and Slice of Light Gallery
I have pursued landscape and astrophotography since 1988 when I studied under local photography legend Everett Weinreb. Slice of Light Gallery is an idea I have had for decades, and I am delighted it is finally a reality.
With subjects ranging from deep space to lava flowing from the Earth's core, what "scape" most inspires you?
I don't have a favorite. Though each genre requires specialized techniques, landscapes, nightscapes and astrophotography are all a continuum. Landscapes are lit by the nearest star, our sun. Nightscapes feature our Earth beneath distant stars, galaxies and Earth's Moon. It's all about this moment in this unique spot within the vast universe.
When you head out with your camera, do you have a specific vision for "the shot," or do you leave space for serendipity and spontaneity?
I do a lot of scouting, looking for something that catches my eye. Then, I plan when the lighting will be optimum, the moon will be in the correct position, etc. When I return for the planned shoot, I often discover even better shots nearby.
Of the thousands of moments you capture, what do you look for when curating the fine art images that eventually
fill the gallery space?
I want our clients to own original prints that not only look beautiful in their homes or offices but also spark appreciation and conversation with guests. I want images that impart emotion, narrative, a sense of wonder or mystery, calm or maybe even confusion, pieces that the owners can perceive in new ways as time passes.
What is the best part about owning a business in Santa Barbara?
Just being in Santa Barbara, there's no place like it. But also, it's a very diverse community with a variety of visitors. For us, it's not just about selling art; it's also about giving people a unique experience they will remember and tell others about.
