Thundercloud Studio




Light is my inspiration, my paint and brush. —Ruth Bernhard

Thundercloud Studio, a Mark Goudy and Liza Riddle collaboration, is located in Berkeley, California. We have been photographing and printing for more than thirty years, exploring the infinite patterns and complexities of nature. We work closely together, sharing ideas as the photographs are taken and throughout the printing process. This collaboration enables us to learn from each other, combine our strengths and realize our respective visions. We have photographed around the globe and have a particular affinity for the expansive landscapes, colors and drama of the American desert southwest.

We should never deny the power of intuition or hesitate to follow its revelations. —Ansel Adams

Our intention is not to create an accurate rendering of reality, but to catalyze a different way of seeing reality. We use photography as a starting point, and then further abstract the images using digital tools and printing techniques. Our work is not so much about place, but rather the perception of light, space and time. Our goal is to skate the boundary between real and unreal, creating works that go beyond the tradition of simply recording what the lens sees. By introducing a degree of abstraction and ambiguity, we hope to challenge the viewer’s underlying assumptions about our seemingly familiar world.

	Of course, there will always be those who look only at technique, who ask "how," while others of a more curious nature will ask "why." Personally, I have always preferred inspiration to information. —Man Ray

The advent of digital tools for image capture, manipulation and printmaking has been cathartic, affording a new way of expressing our artistic vision. The digital process offers unprecedented control of print color, contrast and composition. We now work exclusively with the Epson ultrachrome printer, using archival pigment inks on 100% cotton paper.

	Anything more than 500 yards from the car just isn't photogenic. —Edward Weston