Artists’ Co-op of Mendocino Features Shanti Balsé: Shifting Perspectives

The first show of the new year at the Artists’ Co-op of Mendocino, features photographer Shanti Balsé with a focus on Shifting Perspectives. Visit the gallery (Kasten x Albion Its in Mendocino) to see her exhibit January 5 through 31.

When Shanti Balsé first arrived in Mendocino at the age of 12, she knew at once she was home.  This has been her base ever since, in between travels across the globe, including extensive stays in her father’s native India.  It was her brother Shayam Balsé who first put a camera in her hands and asked her to “shoot.” She had accompanied him to Bombay where he was working on a graduate film project for USC.

Through the eye of the lens Shanti has continued to refine her artistic vision, looking for color and light, fascinated by a range of subjects.  Her love of pattern is reflected in a collection of ornate wooden doors from India. Storm clouds over the village of Mendocino or dark skies over the now damaged Notre Dame of Paris give way to golden sunsets off the cliffs of Caspar, an ancient city in Rajasthan, or last rays illuminating a glass of fine wine by Pacific waves.