When Peter Lik is behind the lens of his camera, magic is developed. The brilliance of nature comes to us vividly through surreal colors and dimensions formed into extraordinary photos when Peter Lik is taking the shot. Only our dreams seem to compete with the images Lik captures. So other-worldly do they sometimes appear that fans have spent upwards of millions of dollars to purchase a bit of what makes Lik the master photographer. His talent is without question; the proof hangs within thousands of frames throughout the world. Photos decorate walls turning what was once a blank space into a viewer’s sensory gala for the eyes. The nature captured in all its array of majesty is a testament to Lik’s passion for our earth. “You don’t need an artist, photographer, or painter to simply experience the landscapes of earth. Rather it is my take on this world that I am expressing through imagery – how I felt at the time of capture, my emotional connection to the scene, the subconscious moods of the atmosphere, and ultimately what I want you to see,” Lik shared. “That is what takes this passion from just snapping photos to a true art form. When my collectors view my work, they are not just seeing a shoreline or a mountain view, they are experiencing how I see the world through my eyes and my lens.” His is a journey through sunrises and sunsets, clouds and fog, oceans and cliffs; anything which takes the viewer to a far-away land without ever having to leave the room. And this Saturday evening, Lik’s newest image, “A Sky Full of Stars,” will be unveiled at LIK Jolla. Event attendees can look forward to incredible photos, handcrafted cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Famous for his precise attention to detail and form, his newest photo of the Scripp’s Pier is yet another in a thick book of awe-inspiring. But what also makes the Australian-born Lik a true leader is his spirit of advocacy. Case in point is the benefit this one photo will elicit. Thanks to a partnership with the non-profit organization ONE DROP, a portion of the proceeds from “A Sky Full of Stars” will help bring sustainable access to safe water for communities worldwide. ONE DROP is an international non-profit organization created by Cirque du Soleil© founder Guy Laliberté in 2007. At the core of its mission is water as a transformative force to improve living conditions, as well as give communities the ability to care for themselves and their families sustainably. Clearly, Lik is a man who cares deeply enough for humankind and mother nature to advocate for them both. And his lifelong friend and best mate, Michael Plumridge, said Lik, who is self-taught, has remained modest throughout his whole journey. “Peter happens to be one of those enviable guys who actually lives up to his legend. With all his accomplishments – galleries, awards, sales records, etc. – he has always kept his head down and focused on his one true passion of ‘capturing and sharing the most beautiful places on earth,’ as he would say. I think that has kept him humble, hungry and successful,” Plumridge shared. “If all the trapping of his amazing lifestyle disappeared tomorrow, he would without a doubt still have a camera in one hand and a tripod in the other, while running across continents at breakneck speed.” As for Lik, it’s essential his followers recognize how much he appreciates their support. That’s why he created an event to show his appreciation and offer prizes. “I am always looking for innovative ways to share more of what I do with my collectors and fans. They have been increasingly supportive over the years, and it’s gotten to a point where we are now in constant communication, thanks to social media. The next step was to find a way to bring them into my world for an up-close and truly unforgettable experience,” Lik explained. It must run in his blood for he greatly values those who treasure his work. “From a very young age, my inspiration has always been the natural world around us. For me, that was always motivation enough. Then, one day I just turned around and I had a bit of a following going – which is sort of a mind-blower. Suddenly, I had a new inspiration to add to my very short list. These people, most of whom didn’t know me personally, just connected with my work, began to talk about it, and even reach out to me directly to share feedback,” Lik said. “Today, I actually know and keep in touch with many of those collectors and friends who were really instrumental when I started out selling my images.” As for Lik, he’d like his followers to know how much he appreciates them. That’s why he created an event to show his appreciation and offer prizes. “I am always looking for innovative ways to share more of what I do with my collectors and fans. They have been increasingly supportive over the years, and it’s gotten to a point where we are now in constant communication, thanks to social media.”
Perhaps his best mate, Plumridge sums Lik up best: “Peter speaks to his viewers through his artistic visions in a way that moves them and keeps them interested. Staring at a Peter Lik original is almost like getting lost in another world that you feel you could physically step into.” LIK USA recently announced that one person will win a grand prize which includes a first-class trip to Las Vegas for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience with Lik. It also includes a three-night stay in a suite at his favorite Vegas hotel, a Grand Canyon helicopter tour, a personally dedicated gift, and more. A variety of prizes will also be awarded to second and third prize winners, as well as to his social media fans. Sign up at www.experience.lik.com.
This Saturday’s reception is located at LIK La Jolla at 1205 Prospect St. from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information on Lik visit http://www.lik.com.