William Lemke
Bill Lemke’s interest in landscapes began with his many trips out west with his family growing up in the 1960’s. Through these trips, he developed a great appreciation for the beauty offered in unique plants, water and rock formations. While in high school, he took his first graphic arts class which included a unit on photography which forever changed his life. He went on to study photography first formally, then informally while gaining experience in both fine art and commercial photography.
Bill chooses to work in black and white because it encourages he and the viewer to concentrate on texture, tonality and the emotional qualities of light. His images are created using either a 4”x5” or 8”x10” film camera followed by traditional however tedious photographic darkroom processes resulting silver gelatin prints. Each print is individually exposed and hand processed following archival standards set forth by Ansel Adams. “My ultimate goal is to inspire viewers to develop a deep appreciation for nature and a desire to preserve and protect our environment.”
Waukesha native William Lemke is an award-winning photographer. The photograph purchased by the library was shot at Minooka park, right across the street from where Bill grew up.
Maple Tree in Fog is on located near the first floor east of the Program Room. Acquired in 2017.