Passion for Nature

Having Grown up on the edge of the woods, Ken has always enjoyed the spirituality of nature. He’s spent his years learning about the wilderness and all of the little creatures found within. For decades, the camera has accompanied him on his journeys.

 
Ken & “Bridge Creek School (1961)”

Ken & “Bridge Creek School (1961)”

 

Memories

Ken grew up on a farm in northern Saskatchewan. The lakes, forests, and wildlife that surrounded his home nurtured a growing passion for nature.

Memories of his youth still inspire Ken to continue exploring the wilderness. You can see this inspiration in his wilderness art, “Bridge Creek School (circa 1961)” (pictured left). There were two other boys in Ken’s Grade One class in 1961. Although he was always perfectly behaved, the other boys were less focused. The Teacher would turn her back, and the boys would let loose trying to pull Ken into their hijinks.

 

Art of Proximity

For Ken, the art of proximity refers to the ability to get very close to wild animals. Mastering his techniques allows Ken to get the camera in the right place for the right moment.

When Ken was seven years old his mother would buy Red Rose tea regularly. Red Rose, at the time, featured Brooke Bond Tea Cards with pictures of birds and animals found across North America and around the world. Ken was always excited to collect new cards, learning the story of each species from the backs of the cards.

A goal was set. Ken vowed to be able to identify all the birds in North America by listening for their calls, looking for their colours and approaching calmly and quietly.

“I offer two arts. The art of photography and the art of proximity”
— Ken Hoehn
Beginnings - Yellow Warbler

Beginnings - Yellow Warbler

Tracking

After mastering the Art of Proximity with smaller animals, Ken began to track bears, wolves, and wild cats. Giving predators the wind he searched for distressed bark on trees. He looked at loose or snagged fur in ruffage. He would investigate the ground for prints. Listening to the sounds of the wilderness as it howled, growled, or cooed, Ken became a successful tracker.

Wilderness Artist

The Camera first accompanied Ken into the wilderness when he was put in charge of teaching a photography class while living in Alberta. The students knew quite a bit more about cameras than Ken did. However, he took his role seriously. After reading the manuals and still having questions, he decided the best way to learn how to use a camera was to hold it. Ken’s knowledge of nature and ability to be close with wild animals led to some exciting adventures. Now with a camera in hand he was able to share his experiences.

Soon Ken found an audience for his Wilderness Art, selling his first piece, “Tranquil Tremors” (pictured below) as a gift for the same principal who asked him to teach photography.

Tranquil Tremors - Rufous Hummingbirds

Tranquil Tremors - Rufous Hummingbirds